Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK:This desk pix this week came from Jennifer Williams Masin. I was avoiding using them for anything because I don’t value the subject matter, but because the document pix were apparently taken with a cell phone as well as in their glass frames. In short, they’re hard to read. I was hoping for better photos or an opportunity to take scans or photos myself. But I doubt that is going to happen so…
They are really cool documents. Both are signed by great men in our nation’s history: FDR, who was U.S. President, and Wm. McKinley. The FDR doc is the appointment of late Vermilion attorney Tom Williams to the office of Postmaster in Vermilion. For those who don’t know – postmasters were political appointees in years past.
The other document is also an appointment doc. It was signed by, then Ohio governor, William McKinley, appointing Tom’s father, H.R. “Squire” Williams to the office of Justice of the Peace for Vermilion. McKinley, as persons should know was the 25th President of the U.S. He was also assassinated six months into his second term in office.
These really are wonderful artifacts.
SHEESH: Seems like when one gets one thing fixed another goes haywire. It took me forever to straighten out the cctv at the museum. After taking a good deal of time to fix it (I don’t know how it worked before) then something goes awry with my gmail account.
This sort of thing keeps me on my tippy-toes, but it’s also frustrating. More often than not the cause is some itty-biddy thing. At least I hope it’s the case.
A SURPRISE VISITOR: A week back a young couple from Michigan visited the museum with their daughter. (It was spring break for the little one.) I was surprised to find that the young guy was the son of one of my best friends – Tom Boone.
Tom died unexpectedly seventeen years ago, and I’d not seen his son (his only child) since then. His name is Josh. He’s now in his early 30s and works part-time as an exterminator in Michigan.
I was glad to see him. He was just a youngster when his dad died (Tom was only 58). Knowing Tom as well as I did, I held the belief that one day his son would visit Vermilion. Tom was always one to investigate places he’d been in the past.
Hopefully he and his family will return sometime and visit their many relatives in the area.
Historically,
FRANK EDWARD BAKER: was one of those people that in my youth I great admired. I grew up in the 1950s, cars were forever on my mind and Mr. Baker (lucky guy) owned the local Ford Dealership. Back then new car models were introduced to the public around September of each year and every year the car designs changed. So you can bet your boots – or what have you – on the fact that in September of every year good ol’ Rich and his buds could be found on the display floors of all the auto dealers in town salivating over the bright and beautiful new cars. Moreover, most of the dealers would have 1:24 scale models of those cars in a display cabinet on the wall for folks to admire (mostly me) – and I wanted one of them. The best way to get one was to ask the dealer (in this case Mr. Baker) if I might have one after the new models (with new designs) were introduced the following season. I wanted to guarantee I was in line to get one. [Someti admired Mr. Baker who, if inclined, could actually drive any of these beautiful cars – including the Thunderbird.
I didn’t know it then but Mr. Baker had been born in Vermilion in 1898, the only child of Vermilion born parents Phillip (b.1871 – d. 1921) and Mary Bachman (b.15 Oct. 1875 – d. 28 Sep. 1940) Baker. Phillip was a fisherman, and Mary worked as a dressmaker / seamstress (probably at home).
Census data appears to show that the couple parted ways sometime (in March of 1911) during the first decade of the 20th century. Phillip then left Vermilion and Ohio for Michigan where he passed away in December of 1921. Mrs. Baker, Mary, then married a gentleman named Charles Daniel Williams (1869 –1941) in 1914.
Frank married Edith Wasem (1905 - 1958) in 1930. The couple lived on the southwest corner of Ohio and Sandusky streets with their three children; Patricia, Norma, Richard and Frank’s mother and step-father. Like my pop he was a veteran of WW1.
Frank had worked as a machinist in a garage, but by 1930 he owned the garage as well as the local Ford Dealership. After he retired from his dealership he retired to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida the day after Christmas in 1966.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: This is not the first time mention of the church in the accompanying photograph has been made in this column – and it probably won’t be the last. That is because it played an important role in both the spiritual and social development of the Vermilion community. When I first viewed it I really couldn’t have been more pleased. Speaking only for myself, of course, it was like finding some long forgotten cash in the pocket of an old overcoat. (Wow!) It is a beautiful photograph of what was for many years a Vermilion landmark – the Methodist-Episcopal church (c.1900) on the southeast corner of Liberty and Grand streets. To be clear the steeple of the church was not just a figurative “landmark”. It was a fact. Persons familiar with many historical photographs of Vermilion village as it appeared in the yesteryear, whether it be by land or sea, know it.
As I wrote of the church back in October of 2016 (VPJ 10/27/16): “Without knowing the precise date the church was founded and built I believe it is safe to say that it was a well-established institution in the town before the turn of the 20th century. Many of Vermilion’s best-known citizens (pictured) attended, were married and buried by its pastors. As time passed the church grew and the building just to the east of it was used for dinners and recreational purposes. I suppose that adjoining building was akin to what most churches now call their Fellowship Hall”.
“By 1926, however, the numbers of the congregation had significantly decreased, and a proposal was made for them to merge with Vermilion’s First Congregational Church. Thus, with the approval of state officials regarding such matters, the Vermilion Congregational and Methodist-Episcopal Churches voted to unite. That was in 1927. They united under a Congregational policy adding 118 members to that church.” That was about 90% of their congregation. At that time the Congregational church minister, Rev. Earl T. English, was a Methodist minister.
Many of those who did not transfer to the Congregational church opted to join Vermilion’s Evangelical & Reformed church. This made some sense because some services at the M.E. church had been conducted in German, their native language. At that time the E&R church still held some German language services. It was where they felt most at home.
Following the merger the building and surrounding buildings, were purchased by the Congregational church and were only being occasionally used for sundry church or community related activities. Eventually the building was leased to Ben Taylor a local plumber. Then, in what late Vermilion historian Betty Trinter once described as a “spectacular nighttime fire”, the church building with the landmark steeple that once so proudly cast its long shadow across the townscape of the lively Village of Vermilion Ohio was destroyed. In mid-October of 1934 the Vermilion Grange at Axtel won the bid to remove what remained of the church. Only the bell and the stained-glass windows were salvaged. [Note: Where those artifacts are today is unknown by this writer.]
A short time later the Standard Oil Company of Ohio purchased the lot and built a service station on it. Many current Vermilionites, of an age, know the site as “Fulper’s Corner”. And thus does it remain even though the entire area was cleared making way for yet another story, for another day and another era in the history of our pretty city.
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 Vermilion Chamber of Commerce held his regular monthly meeting Wednesday evening. The committees, excepting the Special and River and Marine had very little to report.
The entertainment committee reported some additions to the contributions for the band tournament.
Mr. Coen on behalf of the special committee on tax equalization reported that in all probability the work of placing valuations on real estate of the village would be completed this week, and the Board Of Equalization had accepted or partially accepted an invitation to come to Vermilion and view enough of the property to convince them as to the worth of the new valuation.
The Harbor and Marine committee was not ready to report upon the river accepting as to the monetary values derived directly and indirectly from it. Without the river, Vermilion would not be a summer town to such an extent as now so this was considered. M. E. Lawless, secretary of the committee, read a well-prepared report of the amount of money derived. While this report did not include laundry, bakery, saloons or parks and several other items and will be made more complete later, its total figures were amazing. The NEWS will give the report in full later but we think a few items will be of interest now. Our fishing plants are valued at nearly $100,000. We have 13 tugs and 8t gasoline boats valued at $97,690. 1778 tons of fish were caught last year. $10,000 of private launches and yachts are owned here. The boat liveries earned over $4000. The hotels took in about $15,000 from summer guests, not including the hotel Linwood, etc. This does not include the ice harvest, the wages paid fishermen and employees of various concerns at the parks. The total is given by Mr. Lawless reached $124,250. A complete report will bring up this up near the $150,000 mark we believe.
Mr. Coen read a circular issued by the tax Association headed by Mr. Matthews of Cleveland which brought out many good ideas.
Mr. Wakefield suggested that members bring instructive matter to the meeting to be read.
The plans for a public comfort station were at and as the estimate had just been received there was little discussion on the matter.
The president announced that 17 members, five of whom were on committees had not as yet paid dues and unless paid by next meeting night, action would be taken. There are now 67 members.
F. C. Wilmore’s application was read and he was accepted.
The meeting was an interesting one there being some 26 members out.
Joseph S. Bartlett is it is the plaintiff in a suit for divorce begun yesterday in the Court of Common Pleas. Flossie M. Bartlett is the defendant. John Ray is Bartlett’s attorney.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett were married at Huron in July 1903, and have two children, Ruth Irene, 6, and Dorothy May, 4. Bartlett says in his petition that his wife, without just cause, left him May 30, 1907.
Rev. Snyder, pastor of the M. E. Church is reported very ill.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Haas, a son, Monday, April 9, 1911.
It is expected that about $1000 will be used this spring to repaint the buildings on the mysterious Know syndicate, north of town.
Word has been received here of the arrival of a little son at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Straus of Jeffersonville, Indiana. Mrs. Strauss was formerly Miss Edith Earl.
Philip Beagle, a well-known resident of Huron, was taken to the Huron Road, Hospital, Cleveland, Tuesday, to undergo an operation for cancer.
The latest amusement which the young gentleman of this vicinity have engaged in is “horseback riding.” Four were seen on the public highway one evening last week.
If you owned chickens, keep them in your own yard. They are an annoyance to your neighbors at all times but especially so in the season. Many a friendship of long-standing has been stretched to the breaking point through chickens. Your neighbors do not like to have them damage plants etc., as they do at this season. Neither do they like to clean up after them. Do you blame them?
The Electric Road Officials and a contractor engaged in moving a building on the Johnson place west of town had a little dispute over crossing the track one day past week. As the building ws to be moved across the track the contractor claims he gave the company two day’s notice stating the time he would want to cross and to raise the wires so he could cross. They did not do so, so he blocked the track which brought those gentlemen to the scene armed with injunctions and a warrant. Both were served and the obstruction was removed. The case was set for hearing today at Sandusky.
Conrad Walper, born August 8, 1822 at Braumhausen, Kries Rodenberg, Germany.
Died April 6, 1911, at Vermilion Ohio, age 88 years, 7 months and 28 days.
He was married in 1845 to Miss Anna Catherine Wetzel, who preceded him 24 years ago.
They came to America August 17, 1850, and settled at Vermilion, Ohio.
To this union were born 10 children, three of whom have preceded them. Four sons, three daughters, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren are left to mourn their loss.
The funeral services which were largely attended were held in English and German at the Reformed Church in charge of Rev. A. C. Pretzer, the pastor, Saturday afternoon. Interment at Maple Grove Cemetery.
BORN – to Mayor and Mrs. H. R. Williams, April 7, 1911, son.
George Schwensen has returned to Vermilion and is again with his brother at the bakery. Since his departure last fall, he has been to the “Fatherland” also visited his brother in Michigan. He had a most enjoyable trip.
Baseball supplies in large quantities at Baumhart’s Rexall store.
Work is progressing very satisfactorily on the L. S. & M. S. Railway Bridge here and it is thought that the false work will be ready for the iron work this week.
[NOTE: Falsework consists of temporary structures used in construction to support a permanent structure until its construction is sufficiently advanced to support itself.]
Rolland W. Faulhaber announces to the public that he has given up boxing will adopt baseball and kindred sports hereafter instead of the ring. He will however give instruction in boxing. His many friends will be pleased to hear of his decision.
Our soda fountain is now open day and night. A. D. Baumhart
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Gross, Thursday, April 6, 1911, a daughter.
Master Ludwig Krapp is enjoying the new 1912 Wheel, “Crusader”, it also will assist him greatly in his messenger work.
She was one of a family of twelve children, six boys and six girls. Two sisters and two brothers survive her. One of the brothers, Benjamin F. Smith, of Minnesota, was present at the funeral.
The funeral was held from M. E. Church, And Wakeman, Tuesday, April 4, at 1 o’clock p.m., and her body deposited in the cemetery vault until the roads become passable, when the burial will take place in New London.
The funeral service was conducted by Rev. W. D. Pierce, pastor of the Wakeman M. E. Church of which she was a member. – Wakeman Press.
Mary Ann Smith was born in Florence, O., August 3, 1820, was married to Henry Prosser, November 30, 1845. To this union was born two sons, Harvey H. and Alvarado, who survive her.
Henry Prosser died May 17, 1850 age 28 years.
November 13, 1864, she married to Nelson Scott, who died June 10, 1881. She then moved to Wakeman where she has since resided.
She united with the Methodist Episcopal church when quite a young woman, living a faithful life until her death, which occurred at her home in the village of Wakeman, O., March 31st, 1911, age 90 years, 7 months and 2 days.
She was loved and respected by all whom she became acquainted.
Mrs. Todd is out again after a long stretch of illness.
Winnifred Hayes is home again after a short absence.
Eleanor Kent is back to school after a couple weeks indoor confinement.
This is I. H. Morse is on the sick list.
School opened again Tuesday morning.
Mrs. Broughton is under Dr. care at this writing.
Our school is close for a few days on account of illness of the teacher.
Mrs. Anna Knott fell down the steps Monday, breaking her nose.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Coon Leidheiser, a daughter, Saturday, April 1st.
Martin Hohmann spent Friday evening with his aged mother, Mrs. Arndt, who is very ill at this writing.
Master Raymond Clipson is out of school on account of sickness.
Miss Daily teacher in the public schools is on the sick list and unable to teach.
Miss Reichley who has been sick and unable to teach the past week in the public schools is again back in her place.
Mr. Chas VanThorne has purchased a very fine black horse for work in his vegetable garden, his having died last fall.
Henry Moats, was born in Spalding, Lincolnshire, England, December 12, 1838, and died at his home south of Berlin Heights, April 5, 1911 age 72 years 3 months and 24 days. Mr. Moats came to this country in company with his parents at the age of 11 years, his parents locating in the state of New York. A few years later they moved to Cleveland, O., Where he learned the trade of machinist. February 11, 1864 he was united in marriage to Miss Jenny Profitt. Six sons were born to bless this union, all of whom survive except Geo. Whitfield who died December 25, 1872. Mr. Moats with his family moved to the Berlinville from Collmar, near Cleveland in 1873, and has lived in the community ever since.
At the beginning of the Civil War he gave himself to his country’s service. He was made sergeant in Co. B. of the 1st Regiment of Ohio Light Artillery on September 5, 1861. During the furlough in the last year of service he married a lady of his choice who has been sharing his joys and sorrows until death did sever. He received his discharge July 22, 1865.
The G. A. R. Attended a funeral in a body. He was a member of the M. E. Church and was elected Steward in August, 1904, which office he maintained with honor until his death. He taught the young people’s Bible class in the Sunday school for more than two years just past. He loved his church and its services meant much to him. He was a true man of God, loyal, earnest and devoted. He was a good citizen, a kind father, loving companion. The funeral held on Saturday afternoon was largely attended. Services were conducted by his pastor Rev. Rupert, assisted by Rev. H. S. Powell, Supt. of the Sandusky District.
Mrs. Arndt is very ill at this writing at the home of her daughter Mrs. Jacob Reinhart.
Dwyer Leimbach while at school playing ball had the misfortune to spraine his ankle but is slowly recovering.
Hmmmmmm....
…cil and the court martial, while the bar consisted of the feathered chief and the uniformed commander.
The jurisprudence of the State, as of all the northern territory embraced in the Virginia cession, was founded on the common law of England, modified and construed by the several charters of King James I to the early settlers of Virginia, and by the ordinance of 1787. In 1793, by the Territorial Legislature, a statute was adopted from Virginia declaring “that the common law of England and all statutes made in aid of the common law prior to the fourth year of James I, which were of a general nature, should be a rule of decision until repealed." By the second section of the act of February 22, 1805, this act was repealed, but by the first section of the act was re-enacted; it was again repealed January 2, 1806. So it may safely be said that the British statutes never had any effect in Ohio save as adopted by the Legislature. [1 Chase, 190, 512, 528.] The English common law, however, so far as reasonable in itself, suitable to the condition and business of our people, and consistent with the letter and spirit of the Federal and State constitutions and statutes, ‘ever has been and is followed by our courts and may be said to constitute a part of the common law of Ohio. [2 O. S. 387.]
After the organization of the State by the adoption of the constitution of 1802, the written law of Ohio may be said to have commenced, but the practice was far from uniform, and it was not until 1845, when the able work of Joseph R. Swan, whose name needs no title to the bar of Ohio, Practice and Precedents, was published, that uniformity began to prevail with either bench or bar. Previous to that time, paraphrasing from the preface of that able work, most of the members of the bar and bench, whose opinions moulded our judicial system, had pursued their legal studies in other States of the Union, and brought with them a high respect for the practice and decisions of the courts where they were educated. Almost all the States of the Union had been thus represented at our bar and upon our bench, and had produced a very great diversity of law in different parts of the State. In truth, a local common law existed to some extent in each judicial circuit. In one the English common law was looked to as the only pure fountain; in another the common law of England was modified by the laws of New York; in another the common law of Massachusetts; in another of Connecticut; in another of Pennsylvania. The statutes of the State indicated the same heterogeneousness. The practice act came from New Jersey; the attachment law from Pennsylvania; the administration law from Massachusetts, and the non-imprisonment act from New York. This state of things sometimes gave rise to divisions of opinion in the court, in bank, and often subjected the adjudications to severe and unjust criticism.
It is certainly no disparagement to the many able jurists who aided in giving to Ohio a uniform and perfect system of jurisprudence, to say that to Judge Swan is the bench and bar of Ohio most indebted for the desirable consum…
THE BOATHOUSE INN MATCHBOOK: This little place, along with the Schooner restaurant, is often forgotten by persons who talk about some of the old Vermilion eateries. I don’t think I ever ate anything in this place, but I did visit it – probably with my brother Bill when I was very young. This restaurant was located where the Freeman Eckley boat dealers are currently located (above Parsons Marina).
I am just beginning to recognize the fact that some businesses just don’t last too long – anywhere. Moreover restaurants don’t seem to last long at all. It’s a hard business with very little returns.
As a mother was bribing her little boy with a quarter so he would behave, she said, "Why do I always have to pay you to be good; why can't you be good for nothing like your father?
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 6- April 13, 2019
Archive Issue #839
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