Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK:Great pix on the desktops this week. The one on the shop desk is that of a Vermilion Regatta taken right in front of the village water treatment plant on Main Street. The barn-like building on the right belonged to the Goetz brothers who were carpenters. The brothers built several homes about town and several boats as well. Lewis “Cloudy” Noel’s last ferry “Marry” was built by them. All the oak woodwork at the museum came from them as well. In Don Englebry’s “Growing Up in Vermilion” essay he described it as ” a small building between the Sail Loft Bldg. and the water works which was both a living quarters and a boat livery for a Murphy family - later occupied by Geo. Gates - till it was later torn down.” Somewhere in my readings of the old weekly (i.e. The Vermilion News) I believe I read something about one, or both, these families sort of squatting in this building. My guess is that they were simply homeless and the place just happened to be empty. But in other matters:
I note that most of the males in this pic are wearing a hat. I’m a hat-wearer so I understand them. It’s not a matter of style so much as it is physical comfort. I’ve grown used to having my eyes constantly shaded. I like the variety as well – but I think that perhaps a “Bowler” might be over-the-top today.
Some, but not all, the females in the crowd are wearing hats. I note that when this pic was taken (c.1920s) women’s hair styles were short. Their dresses appear to be open at the neck and low-waisted. Everyone appears to be quite comfortable.
I really think that I was born too soon. This was my type of crowd, place and time.
On my home desk this week is a colorful pic of the very unusual home at Rumsey Park. Two ladies own the home today (2019). When I took this pic a couple named White owned the home. I visited several times when they owned it and were trying to restore it. The task was really monumental. The Archival Society got to tour the home during those years and I have a number of pix I took of it then, as well as some photos that Mrs. (Nettie) White allowed me to copy. She had acquired them from the old Cleveland Press archives. It really is an unusual place. As houses go this one rates right up there the famed Joseph Swift house ”Rosedale” - sans ghostly stories.
ALBERT R. RUMSEY’S STORY: I shan’t tell the whole story here because I can't. But it’s a good one. Most persons who’ve lived around Vermilion for any length of time are familiar with the place known as “Rumsey Park”. And many have also heard bits and pieces about the guy who once owned the place - Al Rumsey. But I've never seen, nor heard anything substantial about him until just lately. [I suppose it's because I just haven't looked.] But, in any case, Albert R. Rumsey was a Vermilion boy. His father, Russel, was a farmer - and the family lived west of town. I don't know it for certain, but I'd guess that the family farm was located where the place locals know as "Rumsey Park" is today. That is: along the lakeshore just west of Volunteer Bay. Mr. Rumsey had worked as a sailor, a policeman, and a the owner of a gymnasium / spa mostly in the vicinity of Cleveland, Ohio. Professionally he was the Commissioner of the Lake Carriers Association based in Cleveland. He was a big man who learned to fight in the many ports he visited as a young sailor. He was married for a time but had no children. And he loved animals. On his Rumsey Park estate (pictured) near Vermilion he surrounded himself with denizens of the woods; foxes, wolves, and bears.. Rumsey died suddenly of a heart attack at Rumsey Park in March of 1921. There was no funeral. He was immediately cremated, and his remains, as well as his estate, were bequeathed to his housekeeper. [NOTE: Recently Vermilionite Zak Dolyk gave me a copy of the housekeeper’s will.]
SEVENTEEN: This is the 17th anniversary of Vermilion Views. It's hard to believe that I've been doing this all that time. Four computers, three cameras, 4 scanners, 3 printers and a whole bunch of software and hardware later it seems like it was just yesterday. I was in my late 50s when I started and thought I knew everything. Seventeen years later I'm lucky if I know my own name.
Historically,
THE FACULTY: This was the faculty of Vermilion school back around 1949-50 when all grades were located in South Street School. There are still plenty of people in this world who remember most – if not all – these faces. Speaking for myself I can only identify 11 of these kids.
In the back row R-L: Mrs. Peterka, Mrs. Burdue, Mr. Welker, Mr. “Doc” Ream, Mr. Flanders, Mr. Schroeder, Mr. Gebhardt, Mr. Utter, Unknown.
In the front row R-L: Mrs. Welker, Unknown, Miss Kovanic, Unknown, Mr. DeWitt, and the rest are Unknown.
PAVING VERMILION FOR AUTOISTS: For a number of years I have looked at these snapshots and have been baffled by their subject matter. Initially I was also unsure about the locale. But every once in a while I have an epiphany about some of these old pix; return to them, and somehow find myself able to make some sense of them. And thus it was with these photographs. I would guestimate that they were taken in Vermilion sometime between 1915 and 1920 as the street in the photo was being prepared for paving. It was a time when more and more people were turning to “carriages without corporal horses for personal transport. My grandfather, as well as many of his contemporaries, commonly and very contemptuously, referred to them as “autoists”.
In any case, as the numbers of these autoists in Vermilion and elsewhere increased; and the numbers of those using horse drawn vehicles decreased; both the demand and need for better roads and streets to accommodate them grew as well. And no matter that there were undoubtedly a good number of citizens who resisted and perhaps also resented these demands, in the end they could not be denied. But after due consideration it became obvious to most that replacing hi-ways and bi-ways that were, even on nice days, uncomfortably dusty and exceptionally muddy during inclement weather was not really a terrible idea. And thusly, did the paving of Vermilion’s streets begin.
These photographs were taken at opposite ends of the portion of Grand Street between Ohio and South streets. The upper photo was taken on the corner of Ohio Street and looks south toward South Street. The first house on the right was the Whitmore, then Ries and finally the Bard home. It was razed relatively recently (i.e. during the last 20 years) and a newer home currently occupies the site. Both the old home and the families who once lived there figure prominently in the history of our town. I’m not sure if the house that can be seen just beyond it – on the corner of Grand and South streets – is the same one that sits there now. That home has over the years been extensively renovated. But I am certain that the home at the far end of the picture / block, on the corner of South and State streets remains. While many families have lived in it over the years I remember it best from the 50s and 60s as the home of Irvin and Jenny Howell.
The lower snap, as indicated, was taken from the opposite end of the street looking north toward Ohio Street and beyond. The barn on the left / west side of the street was part of the Whitmore property. In a snapshot on a page near these street photos is one of a “herd of ducks in a pen by the barn. Mr. Reis was an interesting guy who also raised pigeons. (e.g. Once upon an old time townsfolk were allowed to raise some livestock on their properties.) But back to this photo:
The house on the right / east side of this photo still exists. It is the nice brick home on the southeast corner of Ohio and Grand streets. It is one of the town’s older brick buildings. Built around 1875 it was once the home of Captain Gilchrist. During my youth it was the home of Cort and Myrta Simons. Cort was the son of a local grocer named Sid Simons. Like the aforementioned folks who owned and lived in the homes in the yesteryear all figure prominently in the development of our community in various ways.
American social reformer Frederick Douglas once said,“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” And as we all now know this street, as well as those throughout town, was obviously paved. However that which few know is that my grandfather became one of those despicable “autoists”. It may very well be that gramps struggled, but in the end he capitulated, even having his picture (inset) taken behind “grand” Vermilion street.
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 regular meeting of the Village council was held Monday evening with all members present, Mayor Williams presiding.
Public grounds committee reported that nothing had been accomplished in regard to the public comfort station. Mr. Tischer had been asked prepare plans and specifications but has failed to do so, probably thinking useless to do so as someone had threatened an injunction. The committee was instructed to continue on the work and meet with the Chamber of Commerce committee and select the location. The committee was also authorized to have Mr. Tischer furnish plans and specifications according to their instructions before the next regular meeting, Mr. Tischer to present his bill for same.
The preliminary action to curb and gutter division and Liberty streets, in the form of a resolution to engineer Schultz with instructions where the necessary plans and specifications for the same was passed. This applies to that portion of the street lying between the Lake Shore Railway and Liberty street on Division and Liberty from Grand east in the business portion of the town. The matter will be brought up again next month.
Then followed a talk about sidewalks, sewers, and various other matters on which no definite action was taken.
The appointment of street commissioner was again deferred.
Mr. Wakefield said he had made arrangements for having the rocks removed from in front of his property and paving the beach with them so as not to only improve appearance of the lakefront but make it more suitable for bathing purposes. He suggested that the same could be done at the end of the street. The matter was referred to the street committee. It was suggested that the rocks could be used as a protection for the settling basin.
After providing for the payment of bills, counsel adjourned.
The annual meeting of stockholders of the Kishman Fish Co. was held at the office of the company Monday afternoon. The business of the company was reported as being very good the past year. The following directors were elected: H. B. Kishman, G. D. Nicholas, E. W. Kishman, C. A. Mattison, I. W. Nicholas.
The directors meeting was then held and the following officers elected for the suing year: H. B. Kishman, President; E. W. Kishman, vice-president; I. W. Nicholas sec. and treas. All being reelected, having served very satisfactorily the past year.
The regular meeting of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce was held Wednesday evening, March 8. The new officers took charge and the following new members were elected: W. A. Christian, B. L. McQueen, D. L. Washburn, W. O. Chandler, M. L. Seeley, S. A. Gardner, I. W. Nicholas, G. H. Blanchet, F. C. Pelton and C. F. Decker.
After a short address by the president, a few remarks by the vice president and secretary the roll was called.
It was reported that Mr. Matthews could not at present be secured to deliver an address on taxation but would give ample notice when he could come.
The committee on public comfort station reported that it had looked over the ground thoroughly and selected a place in the park about opposite the hotel Maud-Elton. It was suggested that a neat little building be erected. The Council committee will follow out the instructions in the matter along these lines in all probability.
Pres. Wakefield then announced the standing committees for the current year but withheld one member on each committee to be announced later. The committees are as follows:
Finance – E. L. Coen, Chairman, G. H. Blattner, J. W. Goetz, E. M. Sherod.
Industrial – A. H. Leimbach, Chairman H. Kishman, M. Wilber, George B. Krapp.
Marine and Harbors – E. J. Law, chairman; M. E. Lawless, L. Englebry, J. Sheldon.
Educational – H.H. Morse, Chairman; B. B. Buell, J. Unser, A. P. Becker.
Civic Improvement – A. L. Irey, Chairman; C. A. Trinter, G. S. Davis, E. W. Kishman.
Municipal Affairs – J. A. Klaar, Chairman; J. Gegenheimer, C. F. Decker, F. Driscoll.
Entertainment – A. E. Beeckel, Chairman; J. Stone, H. E. Rose, H. H. Patton.
Ex-officio – F. W. Wakefield.
Mr. Wakefield then asked that the president be placed as a member ex-officio of all the committee standing and special. The president usually being so placed. This was done by a vote of the chamber.
The amendment to the Constitution relative to the membership of the ministers of the town was read passed and the secretary instructed to notify them of the action.
The president then made a short statement of his idea as to what the Chamber of Commerce should do. It is – form some idea as to what should be done for the betterment and improvement of the town and all work with that and in view. To bring out ideas he asked the following questions:
For what is Vermilion best adapted? What is the Vermilion River to Vermilion? The former question is to bring out the opinion as to what industries Vermilion is best suited, etc. The second question brought out the surprising fact of what our fishing industry is doing for the village. A rough estimate as to wages paid to both crews etc., was given as $58,000. Mr. Driscoll of the Driscoll Fish Co. stated that the company had paid alone for boat crews during the past year about $20,000. This being but one of the three houses here, it will be seen that the fishing industry is VERY IMPORTANT. This is aside from the house force. There are also a few independent fishermen.
It was also stated that the river was in bad condition, but the water was quite shallow at the Driscoll and Leidheiser fish houses. It was suggested that a slip large enough to accommodate a fleet of tugs for the winter would be a great benefit to the town as well as the fishermen. Other things were brought up in regard to the matter. The river question was submitted to the River and Harbor committee for consideration and to report their findings as to the needs along this line with the recommendations at the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned until the next regular meeting night.
A motion for a final discharge in bankruptcy in the case of Forest Ambrose, of Vermilion, will be heard before Judge Killets, of Toledo, March 16.
Susan Braun, of Amherst, 70, was adjudged insane by the probate court, Saturday and ordered confined to the asylum at Massillon.
Application has been made to the probate court to appoint a guardian for Waldo Foote, of Amherst on the ground that he is a habitual drunkard.
A fine new McCray Cooler was placed in the Starr Gardner market the first of the week. It is exceptionally convenient in its equipment. A Mr. Lee of Cleveland superintended the placing of it.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Charcoe a daughter, Friday, March 3.
H. H. Wilson of Brownhelm is reported critically ill.
The funeral services of George Leinhos were held on Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock Rev. Bretz of Lorain, officiated. The funeral was a military one and members of the Company A, Fifth O. V. I. in the Spanish war of which Mr. Leinhos was a member had charge. Six of his soldier companions acted as pallbearers. The remains were laid in the Cleveland street cemetery.
The Kishman fish company will have an electric motor installed at the fish house soon.
Many rumors are afloat regarding the buying of the Huron docs by the steel interests.
Mr. Howard of Berlin will open a barbershop here in the near future.
Robert Wallace 78, father of shipbuilding on the Great Lakes and well-known in Marine circles, died Tuesday at St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was spending the winter.
Mrs. W. E. Derr who is been in failing health for the past year or more passed away Saturday evening at the Sawyer sanitarium at Marion, Ohio. Mrs. Derr was born in Vermilion, December 28, 1869 had reached the age of forty-one years two months and seven days.
She was united in marriage with Dr. W.E. Derr Feb. 6, 1890 and to this union was born one son, Charles Stanley. One sister, Mrs. C. S. Rumsey, with the husband and son suffer the loss. Mrs. Derr from early life was affiliated with the Congregational church and enjoyed its various activities. She was a charter member of the C. E. Society which recently celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. From a wide circle of friends she will be greatly missed. The funeral was held from the late home on Liberty street Tuesday at 1 PM., the service being conducted by Dr. Raymond C. Swisher. Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Coen was darkened when their little son Clarence was called away from this life Monday evening at 9:30 PM. Since early in the fall he had been suffering from a complication of troubles that baffled medical skill. Through it all he was very cheerful and hopeful. The end was peaceful. Clarence Wallace Coen was born October 27, 1906 was four years, four months seven days old. The funeral was held from the home in Decatur St., Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock conducted by Dr. Swisher of the Congregational church. A large company of friends and relatives were present to extend their sympathies to the bereaved family. Interment was made at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Porch swings and lawn awnings rock-bottom prices. G. E. Whitmore, Vermilion, O.
Blank applications for membership to the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce may be had by applying to the C. A. Heidloff, Sec’y. Become a member – Be a live wire.
Ben Bacon the well-to-do farmer Brownhelm Ridge was hauling wheat Tuesday to the mill.
Mrs. H. L. Edson came from Marion to attend the funeral of Mrs. W. E. Derr.
Mrs. John Schuster is reported quite ill at her home on Liberty Street.
Mayor Williams was called upon to exercise his authority and enforce the peace ordinance of the village, this afternoon. The village treasury is richer by three fines and the participants and witnesses a good sound lecture as to their duties of citizenship.
Capts. Moody, Guggenheimer and Bailey, who have been appointed to the Dickson, Ream and Corey, all modern 600 ft. steamers were called today to the office of the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., Cleveland.
The fish producers of Lake Erie, from Buffalo to Toledo have entered into an agreement to stop the practice of polluting the rivers in Lake by dumping fish offal into them. This is a good movement and where all the fisheries are so located as to render difficult this disposal of the citizens should aid.
Mrs. Henry Funk an old resident of this place, who was in Cleveland at this time, died Monday morning of old age.
Mae DuRand Won second prize, nice diamond ring, in the Sandusky Register contest.
Miss Tallman, principal of the high school, has been very ill and school is not been a session for a few days.
Miss Barbara Hillberg has returned to school after two weeks of indisposition.
Charles Schuster’s little girl is on the gain, but is still under the doctor’s care.
Arnold Zurcher is absent from school on account of sickness.
George Van Wagner is able to be out again.
Mr. Horace Wilson is somewhat better at this writing.
Miss Gertrude Wellman and Raymond Bacon took the Lorain Co. Teachers examination at Elyria Saturday.
Mr. Frank Northeim has moved onto his farm were Mr. Lapp is drilling a gas well for him.
Arthur Howard, the barber, sold his business to George Hassenflue [sic] and is about to move to Huron.
Mr. Oscar Nau is about to erect a new building on the west side of the Page & Lippus Co. which will be used for a meat market.
Mr. Leon Oehling who is been living east of town has moved into the Greene’s property. Mr. Oehling is partner with Mr. Wm. Baker in the meat market business.
Quite a number are troubled with blood grip section.
The sale of Mr. Nolte last week was largely attended. [sic] Prices good.
Fred Will is very busy cutting wood these days.
C. F. Smith shucking his corn getting it ready for market.
Charles Alheit purchased the new drought horse in Berlin Heights Monday.
Mrs. J. K. Boehm is gaining slowly from her recent sickness so it is reported.
Hmmmmmm....
…nal was issued on August 16, 1866. The new paper was an eight column folio, very neatly printed for the times, and was edited by John C. Kinney with vigor and ability. At the end of six months Mr. Colver retired from the firm, and the paper was conducted by Kinney Brothers until the 1st of January, 1868, when M. F. McKelvey became associated in the firm, and a daily and tri-weekly edition of the Journal, were established as an experiment. These editions were continued with varying success until Mr. McKelvey went out of the firm in September of the same year, when they were suspended. The Weekly Journal was not affected by this event, however, but kept up its issues regularly as an independent publication until the nomination of Horace Greeley for president in 1872. It then espoused his cause, and became the exponent of Democratic principles, which it always afterwards advocated.
In the year 1879, John C. Kinney, who had been its editor, felt compelled by failing health to retire from active business, and at the close of that year the Journal was sold to Frank and Charles A. Layman, who, on the 8th of January, 1880, issued the paper under the firm name of Layman Bros.
After his retirement from active business John C. Kinney acted as stenographer in the Court of Common Pleas, but later his failing health confined him to home, and in a little over eight years after relinquishing control of the paper of which he was one of the founders, he died at his residence in Sandusky, on February 1, 1888, at the age of fifty-eight years.
Layman Brothers, who were journalists from Columbus, concluded to reissue a daily edition of the Journal, which they did in the form of a six-column folio, on January 1, 1885, since which time it has continued with only a brief interruption. In 1882 the office of publication was moved from 212 Columbus avenue to the Ramsey block on Market street, in rooms formerly occupied by the Sandusky Tribune and Sandusky Independent, the former paper having been published a few years as a daily and weekly, and the latter only about three months as a weekly.
The Layman Brothers sold out the establishment on March 1, 1886, to Frank Stible and Felix Breen, who published the journal, daily and weekly, for six weeks under the firm name of Stible & Breen. At the expiration of that time Mr. Stible purchased the interest of Mr. Breen, and continued to publish both editions, employing E. P. Moore as editorial writer. Some time later, in the year 1886, a Sunday edition was added, which appeared regularly several months, when it ceased for want of adequate support.
In January, 1887, the Journal office met with a disaster by fire, which necessitated the suspension of the paper's issue for some weeks, after which the publication of the daily edition was resumed by Mr. Stible, and continued until March 3, 1887, when the whole establishment passed by sale into the possession of A. E. Merrill and C. C. Bittner, and was consolidated with the Sandusky Local, a daily and weekly newspaper which had been in existence as an opposition Democratic publication for several years.
AN INTERESTING FIND: Vermilionite John Moc phoned me a few days ago asking me if I’d be interested in having a token coin he found while walking along the beach. Beachcombing is his hobby as he collects the beach glass. But once in a while he comes across something like this.
I’d like to say I know what the letters “E.C.B.” or is it “B.C.B.” mean but I’m at a loss. I don’t think they represent the Erie County Bank – but who knows. Perhaps I’ll have someone take down to Rudy’s and get 5¢ off a beer. [Just kidding.] It’s a great find and perhaps someone can suggest what the letters stand for.
John Moc, f.y.i., is the grandson of the late local photographer Rudy Moc – and the son of late Dr. Rudy Moc.
A woman drove a minivan filled with a dozen screaming kids through the mall parking lot, looking for a space. Obviously frazzled, she coasted through a stop sign.
"Hey, lady," shouted a man in another car, "don't you know when to stop?"
She rolled down her window and screamed at him, "What makes you think these are all mine?"
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'".
Rich; it is our 60th reunion and will be very informal. It looks like this at the present time; Tuesday, JULY 9, 2019.
-4pm Boat ride Vermilion River and Lagoons (Parsons)
-5:30pm Drinks and music on the Patio-Vermilion Boat Club
-6:30pm Dinner - order off the menu Vermilion Boat Club
Replys can be sent to;
Roger Boughton
2205 1th Ave. SW
Ausitn, MN. 55912
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. 17. Issue 1- March 9, 2019
Archive Issue #834
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