Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: THE VERMILION LIGHTHOUSE: served as a navigational aid on the west breakwall of Vermilion’s harbor from 1877 to 1929. It was removed / dismantled after it was damaged in an ice storm. For the next six years it sat in the Buffalo, New York Lighthouse Depot. But finally it was relocated and reconstructed on a site near the entrance of the St. Lawrence River in northeastern Lake Ontario. This is in New York State near the Canada-U.S. border. It is now known along the Great Lakes as the East Charity Shoal Light and is privately owned.
While the Charity Light is no longer deemed a necessary navigational tool – it was sold at auction on August 27, 2009 to Cyrena Nolan of Dallas, Texas for $25,501 – it remains functional. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aside from being historically relevant as a lighthouse its history as an American artifact predates its lighthouse days. It was constructed from a recast obsolescent cannon after the Battle of Fort Sumter during the American Civil War. Late Vermilionite F. W. Wakefield offered to purchase the Light after it was retired from service in Vermilion, but U.S officials refused to sell at that time.
The loss of the Light from Vermilion’s harbor was regrettable. In fact, it was so regrettable that a replica of it was built on the shore near the old Wakefield home in 1991. It seemed appropriate because Wakefield’s home – he called Harborview – had long since become the museum / headquarters of the Great Lakes Historical Society.
I wish the older pic wasn’t so bad. I could fix it, but decided to leave it for now. One of the items in the older pic that I find interesting is the gnarled tree stump. Sometime I will display another pic with that same tree stump in it that will allow it to be dated (at least within a year or two.)
This time of year (i.e. just before Thanksgiving) I really didn’t expect anyone to show up at the museum. But I was wrong. On Wednesday Ruthie Bauman visited with her family (about six people). On Monday I had several folks stop in – although they didn’t tour. One couple came in an threw me a whole bunch of bouquets for the existence of this website. Another person came in with a request for some copies of a family snapshot. I actually learned more about these folks than they ever learned about me.
Historically,
JESSE HAMMAN AND (LUCY) GERTRUDE WORDEN-HELFRICH: Regular visitors to the page will not that I also used this snapshot last week. While I don't really like to repeat myself I have something to add.
In October of 1937 Jesse Hamman was enjoying a picnic with friends on the bluffs over the Vermilion River between Coopers and Mill Hollow when he accidentally fell over the cliff and lost his life. He fell into a treetop and was alive when folks reached him, but later died at the hospital. His neck was broken. He was only 49.
Before coming to Vermilion to help his sister-in-law, Gertrude McGarvey, with her late husband's restaurant he lived in Lorain where he was employed in the hardware business. He had been interested in both sports and music and had served as a member of the Lorain Baseball Association and the Amateur Boxing Commission. When he attended Lorain High School he wrote their school song.
Many Vermilionites will remember his son, Chuck, who worked for Art Crow at the lumber company, as well as one of his daughters Dorothy, who was married to Dick Walker. His grandson currently operates Hamman's bakery just south of town.
JOHN A. ENGLEBRY: The accompanying photo is a rare portrait of John A. Englebry outside his funeral home on the northeast corner of Liberty and Grand streets. This site is currently, and rather cleverly, known as Vermilion’s Granny Joe’s Ice Creamatorium. While there is no exact date on the photo, given his appearance, it was likely taken around 1910 when he was about 75 years old.
Mr. Englebry was, as some local persons may know, a well-known Vermilion undertaker. He was also a cabinetmaker. It may interest some to know that in our nation the funeral service industry is “relatively” new. Prior to the 20th century, most funerals in our country were organized by family and/or neighbors and held in their respective homes. Often folks were buried in the family cemetery on family property. But as communities grew and became more established common/public cemeteries, such as Vermilion’s Maple Grove Cemetery, began to be used. Funeral homes were then established to help the family avoid the numerous logistical problems presented by a death in the family.
The term “undertaker” refers to the person, such as Mr. Englebry, who “under took” responsibility for funeral arrangements. Many early undertakers were also furniture makers because building caskets was a logical extension of their business. Mr. Englebry was, in fact, a cabinetmaker by trade. For them, undertaking was a second business rather than a primary profession. Later funeral directors, such as Vermilionite Andrew Beeckel and Lorainite George Wickens (although Wickens was in fact a carpenter) no longer made furniture, but they did sell it. But back to Englebry:
Mr. Englebry was born in 1835 in Hesse Cassle, Germany. He married Mary Ann Linglebach (b.1842) in 1861. Both Englebry and Linglebach along with their families were among the tsunami of German natives who immigrated to America in the mid 19th century to escape the political turmoil in their homeland. Many of these émigrés settled in Ohio and the Vermilion area because both the climate and geography apparently resembled that of their fatherland.
The couple had seven children in all. However, only three of their brood survived to adulthood; Frank born in 1864, Charles H. (b.1878) and Hattie (b.1879). The eldest son, Frank, was a popular Vermilion doctor. While on a call on a snowy winter night in 1910 he was struck and killed by a train at the Grand Street rail crossing (VPJ 01/26/18). His brother Charles married a Vermilion girl named Mary Fox and moved to California where he passed in 1937. His sister Hattie married a local man named Flynt Nichols [cool name]. She died in 1937
Mary Ann Englebry died in 1901 at the age of 59. Although we would currently view that as being relatively young, the truth of the matter is that average life expectancy for women in the U.S. in 1901 was only about 49 years. In any case by 1910 Englebry had married a lady named whose first name was Barbara (b.1850). Her maiden name has yet been discovered (by this writer). In any case, they would not have been married long before he passed in 1914 at the age of 79. After his death Barbara kept a rooming house in the old undertaker’s home. She died at the age of 70 years in 1923.
As initially indicated this is an exceptionally unusual photograph. It may very well be the only portrait of Mr. Englebry in existence. Interestingly enough the house, as previously mentioned is currently Grannie Joe’s Creamatorium, actually looks very much the same today as it did in the yesteryear. The photo was provided by Vermilionite Debbie Hanson from her parents’, late Vermilionites Diane and Don Chestnut, collection. It is most certainly appreciated.
YESTERYEAR'S NEWS: The following clips are dictated transcriptions from past issues of The Vermilion News. I think you will find them both interesting and fun...
The road which is being built by the County Commissioners, Township Trustees and Village Officials on State Street and the State Road promises to be one of the finest in this section of the country and already the cry for "more" is going up. The only fault being found with it is "it's not wide enough." This is the trouble with most of our thoroughfares throughout the country. Quite a strip of roadway has already been completed. The mode of construction is as follows: crushed stone of sufficient thickness to give a good, substantial base, rolled with a steamroller. Then a covering of crushed stone is put on all bound by a combination of tar or asphalt. This is again rolled until it is as smooth as a pavement and hard.
The West Shore road may be improved in a like manner later, at least it is greatly desired by those who travel over it. Let the good work go on.
The township trustees mean to look after the township property [to] see that it is in proper order. The latest is the refinishing of the Town Hall. The auditorium will be frescoed and painted and new scenery, so ‘tis reported will replace the old. H. H. Rose has the contractU. The work will cost approximately $600. The hall has long needed this improvement. The only thing to be regretted is that it cannot be enlarged. One thing to be regretted is that this improvement is to be made at a time when the hall will be needed for entertainments.
The assignment for the court of common pleas for next week are: – Tuesday, November 29, De Maris vs. L. S. E. Ry. Co.; Flynn versus Carbon Company.
Wednesday, November 30 -Wagner Stone Company vs. Kupper; Schumann vs. Ebner; Frolic versus Wicker; state ex. Rel vs. Wyckoff and die Deyo vs. Gildermeister.
James White, of Amherst, was adjudged insane by the probate court., Monday morning, and ordered continued in the asylum at Massillon.
Twenty-six answered to roll call at the meeting of Sorosis, Friday evening at the home of Mrs. Amanda Myers and Mrs. H. L. Edson.
The chairman of the committee on library question reported no definite arrangements for consolidation as yet, but expected to meet with the school board sometime during the month.
This was the third evening on the study of South America and the program was carried out full.
W. A. Tischer has the contract for the erecting of a fish house for the Driscoll Fish Company at Grand River, (Fairport). The company recently purchased the lot on the waterfront and Mr. Tischer with his force of carpenters, is there this week, rushing the building to completion.
The Tug Liberty owned by H. Boyd, of Erie, arrived here Sunday and is fishing from this port.
The Fred Driscoll and Ames each brought in Five tons Saturday mostly herring.
Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Bottomley of Vermilion were Sunday guests of the home of their daughter, Mrs. W. B. Houseman and family.
[NOTE: This is likely relevant only to me. Mr. and Mrs. Bottomley were my g-grandparents.]
Quite a serious fire occurred at the Orphanage Tuesday. Their printing offices burned to the ground. The fire started in the roof.
[NOTE: This refers to the Hope & Light Orphanage that so many people now mistakenly refer to as the Gore Orphanage. No one was injured.]
A colored woman was found dead in the lot next to Lee Cole’s Tuesday morning. Whether a suicide or not is not known, as yet, she was found sitting against the fence with a corn cutter in her hand.
Mrs. William Baker, Sr., is quite ill.
The new parsonage for the St. Joseph's church was commenced on Monday.
The annual Thanksgiving service will be held in the Stone Church on Wednesday evening. Rev. Rev. Feussner will deliver the address.
Arrangements have been made whereby the Milan township library is now a free library. Hefetofore a fee 50c per year has been charged.
Susan Knittle, nee Altmiller, was born October 10, 1832 at Wiesfeld, Hersfeld County, Electovate Hessia, Germany. She was baptized and confirmed at Shenklegsfeld. In 1862 she emigrated to America, via New York. She came to Vermilion Township, Erie County, Ohio, living 48 years in the county. In the same year August 12, 1862 she was united in marriage to Mr. Jacob Knittle. 36 years ago they became members of our Ceylon Reformed Church. Their name is entered on our books as charter members. They remain faithful until death. Their marriage was blessed with four sons and two daughters. Mr. Knittle died in 1893. Their daughter Mary, and one grandchild also preceded her to better life. Mother's death November 14, 1910, 3:30 PM at the home of her son Henry, was caused by paralysis. Her demise is a great loss to her four sons, Henry, Valentin, George and Carl, and to her daughter, Mrs. Anna Croll, 21 grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She attained the age of 78 years 1 mo. 4dys. Rev. H. Nau, a former pastor spoke German and Rev. H. F. Hilgeman, English. Interment at Maple Grove. Her demise is a great loss to our local as well as to our Reformed church at large. To meet again is our comfort.
The printing outfit in the building at Light and Hope Orphanage was destroyed by fire Tuesday forenoon. It is thought it started from gasoline in the engine room. It is reported that the insurance had lapsed a few days before thus making the total loss. Mr. Sprunger, the manager of the institution has been almost helpless for the past several months.
Capt. Henry W. Walper is home from the lakes.
Don't forget the Japanese Tea and sale at the Town Hall, Saturday, December 3rd.
Mr. T. Wilson of Brownhelm has his sawmill set up on the farm of James Cuddeback and with a force of men, is busy sawing lumber.
There have been several attempts to start a library in Vermilion, to which all might have access. For want of interest on the part of the general public these attempts have failed. Like everything else, it takes money to run such an institution and to provide new books. The present people's library consisting of 348 volumes is at present out of use, the party now holding the same having advanced the money necessary to pay the indebtedness of the association for rent for the past year.
The Vermilion schools have a library of some 300 or 400 volumes purchased in part by money turned over to the superintendent for this purpose by the Lecture Course Committee. This library while it can be used by the school pupils and their parents is of little use to anyone else. Now someone has proposed that these libraries to be consolidated and so located as to be of easy access to the citizens – in fact a free public library, and that all efforts be put forward to support such an institution. The laws of the state make provisions for such a library and not only would in time give the pupils of town and Township schools reference books many of which are sorely needed.
Some have thought that such a consolidation of libraries would lower the grade of public schools but a letter from state school Commissioner Zeller in reply to an inquiry concerning the subject states that "all high schools are supposed to have a library." He further says "sometimes in smaller towns, the public library and school library are combined in order that a wider scope of reading may be obtained." Further on he states that he can see no reason while why the two libraries "may not be combined, provided, of course that the books are kept in easy access of the pupils.”
It seems to us that a library could be established under control of trustees and provisions made whereby it may be of easy access not only to the pupils of the schools but to all. There are some who we are sure would contribute magazines and other periodicals and with about 700 volumes to commence with and additions that will be made each year, the town could soon boast of a library with [worth (?)] mentioning and one which would be of great value to the community.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. William Kaylor last Friday.
A dance will be given by the Huron fireman Thanksgiving Eve.
Frank Toomey is reported ill suffering from an abscess on his side.
Mrs. William Scott who has been very ill is reported some better.
A small building used as a storehouse belonged to George Deyo was destroyed by fire early Saturday morning.
Car inspector Charles Saunders, 62, of Huron was instantly killed while inspecting the coal dock Saturday night. He was struck by a string of cars.
Hmmmmmm....
…Charles Wahler, corporal; wounded at Gettysburg July 1, 1863.
Henry Roder, corporal; mustered out with company.
Henry Frey, corporal; died November 1, 1862.
Joseph Fels, corporal; discharged for wounds May 27, 1864.
Stephen Schnurr, musician; mustered out with company.
Joseph Meier, wagoner; mustered out with company.
Herman Breunmy, discharged April, 1863.
Jacob Bretz, died October 8, 1863.
T. Xavier Buerge, mustered out with company.
Augustine Burzikafer, mustered out with company.
Jacob Beecher, mustered out with company.
John Bucher, mustered out with company.
Frederick Biehl, captured at Gettysburg; eight months a prisoner.
Adam Bergheeler, promoted corporal; mustered out with company.
John Becker, wounded at Gettysburg; promoted corporal.
John Breil, died May 14, 1865.
Frederick Busch, mustered out with company.
Joseph Bishop, died December 31, 1862.
Andrew Bengel, killed in action March 2, 1863.
John Ernst, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, September 26, 1863.
Jacob Ensdorff, promoted to sergeant October 1, 1864; mustered out with company.
Charles Franck, mustered out with company.
John G. Fott, mustered out with company.
Charles Gerdes, mustered out with company.
Edward Gessler, mustered out with company.
Edward Giteman, mustered out with company.
John Hormes, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by reason of wounds.
George Helmech, killed in action at Gettysburg July 2, 1863.
Henry Hossle, mustered out with company.
William Heinzmann, not on muster-out roll.
William Hacker, missing at Gettysburg July 1, 1863.
Martin Indlekofer, died June 19, 1865.
John Kastor, mustered out with company.
Charles Krumbholz, not on muster-out roll.
Henry Kappel, promoted corporal March 1, 1864.
Anton Lung, mustered out with company.
Ferdinand Loeblein, killed in action May 2, 1863.
Alphouse Lefllor, not on muster-out roll.
Frank Mangin, mustered out with company
FROM PHOTO TO METAL TO PRINT IN DAYS: In the yesteryear every pic we used in the New print shop had to be sent to an engraver. Each photo would be chemically etched on to a metal plate (it was a dot matrix) and returned. It would then be attached to a block of wood so it could be printed.
There were hardly as many photographs in the weekly as there are today because the process was not readily available. In a digital world we can take a photo right now - and it will appear in print or online in minutes.
My grandparents, as well as my parents, would be amazed with the technology we now have available.
As I drove into a parking lot, I noticed that a pickup truck with a dog sitting behind the wheel was rolling toward a female pedestrian.
She seemed oblivious, so I hit my horn to get her attention. She looked up just in time to jump out of the way of the truck's path, and the vehicle bumped harmlessly into the curb and stopped.
I rushed to the woman's side to see if she was all right.
"I'm fine," she assured me, "but I hate to think what could have happened to me if that dog hadn't honked."
LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: After giving it much thought this link has been "put-down". During the last year most of the folks who used to use this page as a bulletin board have acquired their own and, consequently, no longer need this forum from "Views". I have, however, kept links (in the links section) to Larry Hohler's "Hope Homes" in Kenya - and to Bette Lou Higgins' Eden Valley Enterprises sites. They are historically and socially relevant projects. I suggest that you visit these sites on a regular basis to see "what's shakin'".
Persons interested in the history of the Lake Shore Electric Railway (which was the subject of a recent past podcast series) - "the greatest electaric railway system on the planet" may want to go to Amazon.com and purchase a book called "Images of Rail - Lake Shore Electric Railway". It was put together by Thomas J. Patton with the help of my friends DENNIS LAMONT and ALBERT DOANE. It'd make a nice gift.
Another great book with Vermilion Roots is, "Grandma's Favorites: A Compilation of Recipes from MARGARET SANDERS BUELL by Amy O'Neal, ELIZABETH THOMPSON and MEG WALTER (May 2, 2012). This book very literally will provide one with the flavor of old Vermilion. And ye can also find it at Amazon.com. Take a look.
MARY WAKEFIELD BUXTON'S LATEST BOOK "The Private War of William Styron" is available in paper back for $15.00 with tax and can be purchased locally at Buxton and Buxton Law Office in Urbanna, ordered from any book store, Amazon.com or Brandylane Publishing Company. A signed, hard back edition may be purchased from Mrs. Buxton directly for $30.00 by writing her at Box 488, Urbanna, VA 23175 and including $6.00 for tax, postage and packaging.
THE BEAT GOES ON: This page is generated by a dreaded Macintosh Computer and is written and designed by (me) Rich Tarrant. It will change weekly ~ usually on Saturday. Bookmark the URL (Universal Resource Locater) and come back at your own leisure. Send the page to your friends (and enemies if you wish). If you have something to share with those who visit this page, pass it on. And if you see something that is in need of correction do the same. My sister, Nancy, is a great help in that respect. It only takes me a week to get things right. And follow the links. You might find something you like. If you experience a problem with them let me know. Also, if you want to see past editions of this eZine check the new archives links below.
If you're looking for my old links section (pictured) I've replaced it with a pull-down menu (visible in the small box next to the word "Go"). If you're looking for links to more Vermilion history check that menu.
How the old links menu looked
P.O. Box 437
Vermilion, Ohio
44089
Telephone: 440-967-0988 - Cell: 440-522-8397
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
Vol. 16. Issue 38 - November 24, 2018
Archive Issue #819
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