Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On the desks this week are some old pix of the Great Flood of 1913 along the mighty Vermilion River. The pic on my home desk was taken from the approximate site of the Moes and Parsons marine enterprises along the river looking to the north and east toward Linwood Park. Were that today the Vermilion Lagoons would be seriously underwater.
The other pic on my shop desk was taken during the same flood from the approximate vicinity of the Vermilion Water Treatment Plant looking to the south and east. The water tower in the background was on the south side of the railroad tracks between Sandusky street and West River Road.
Until 1969 this was probably the worst flood that ever ran through the Vermilion River Valley. Fortunately, very few people lived in the valley. However, the fishermen took a big hit. But they did recover. When times git tough...
ALWAYS WORKING: During the past week I’ve been laboring over on a presentation pertaining to the Vermilion Education System from its beginnings to about 1970. It’s been a task because there is mucho material – at least 150 years - to review, scan and assemble. And it’s easy for me to get lost. Moreover, there are tech details pertaining to presentation itself that require some attention.
I hope it works.
I will use some of the presentation as an mp4 video file in the VHM Theatre sometime in the future.
Historically,
HENRY “HANK” BAILEY: He always greeted everyone with a hale and hearty “Hi Neighbor” when they entered his hardware store on Grand Street. Hank was among the very nicest people on the planet.
He was born in Norwalk, Ohio in 1904. His mother was a Kohlmyer a name well-known in hardware and sportsmen circles in Lorain for many years. His wife Edna, along with their son, Bob, and daughter Diane were active and very popular Vermilionites.
This pic is exactly the way most saw him toward the end of his life on the planet. He died at the tender age of 92 years in March of 1966.
I don’t know if it’s written on his tombstone, but it should be: “Hi Neighbor”. Only the good die young.
NOW SHOWING: This week we are (again) featuring the Vermilion High School Marching Band from 1958-1959. This is an audio file and worth a listen or two. Some Viewers may even have been part of it. If, perchance anyone has video of this band I would be very interested in seeing it - and being allowed to use it in the theatre.
HEYMANN’S MILL: Local historian, Dennis Lamont, sent me the drawing (right) of the mills in Amherst and Brownhelm [would you believe eleven years ago?] that compliments the photo of the mill at Mill Hollow (left) next to it. The drawing affords everyone a better idea of just where the mill was located in the hollow. [But I’ll still need to go and see what is left myself.] My brother-in-law, Dave Wilkes, told me that the foundation - as well as the "ditch that provided water-power for the mill - still exists.
As many persons know the river winds through the hollow in what may be termed to be a "U" shape. So - to power the mill a "ditch" was cut between the two arms of the "U" shape to let water through to power the mill. The mill pictured in the drawing, however, appears to be powered by steam. Perhaps both sources of power were used depending on the amount of water moving down the stream. The mill was purchased by Mr. John Heymann from the Benjamin Bacon family in 1868. Originally only the water powered the mill. The steam power was added in 1877 following a fire that completely destroyed the mill a year earlier. Ergo this drawing must be c.1877.
Some readers may notice that the owner's name "Heymann" is also spelled as "Hyman" in other histories of the area. Inconsistencies in spellings are not uncommon in historical records. Consequently, it's helpful for interested parties to recognize that they do exist.
The 1876 photo of the mill in the place known to locals as simply “Mill Hollow” was scanned from one of the metro-system's history books loaned to me by my brother-in-law (Dave Wilkes). It is the only photograph of the mill that I've ever seen from that time period. But I'm certain that deep inside a chest in someone's attic or closet there are others.
I made a point of marking the position of the Bacon House and the mill so that "Viewers" will have some idea as to their position in the hollow. Just visible to the left of the house is the road which led into the hollow from the northeast. The mill existed when Benjamin Bacon purchased the property in 1835. The house was constructed in 1845. Following Bacon’s death in 1868 the mill was sold to a J. Hyman. Bacon's son, Frederick, bought the mill back around 1879. In 1890's it was sold to an "A" and "D" Christman and it was moved to the Village of Vermilion.
Apparently, the mill that once occupied the site where currently the "Mill Manor" elder-care facility on south Exchange Street is now, was the site where the mill was relocated. The owner, one David Christman, his wife, Elizabeth, and his children, George, Maggie, and Arthur, lived in a home on nearby State Street. Now, who would've “thunk “ that Vermilion's old mill at the end of Exchange Street was the same mill as the one once located in Mill Hollow? Not, not, I.
What follows is an entertaining footnote relative to the place. Apparently after something I’d written about the Bacon Family in a past publication an old friend, Vermilion expatriate Kathy Dickason- Kvach now living in Virginia, sent me the following communique:
“…You wrote about the Bacon family – here’s a good story for you about a women who lived in the huge ramshackled house at the top of Mill Hollow on East River Rd. [now Vermilion Road] right before you went down to the Hollow (and it had a huge, wonderful barn behind it). She was a Bacon and quite elderly even when you and I were kids, but I just can’t think of her first name – anyhow my dad was great friends with her and was her doctor. He’d go out to visit her and they’d talk Vermilion history, etc. and one day she invited him to look through this gigantic run-down house of hers, just crammed with antiques and junk (sometimes I’d to with him so I can tell you that I – probably 8-9 or so – thought that it was a badly kept museum). He found two or three original Currier and Ives paintings [i.e. hand-tinted lithographs] stashed away in a corner – at least that’s what he thought, and with her permission he took them to (I think) Case Western Reserve where it was verified that they were originals. On another day she offered to give me an antique woman’s side saddle – I don’t remember having it at home, so I guess I wasn’t allowed to accept it, but I do remember how thrilled I was that she offered it to me…”
This only goes to show that were it not for good friends and relatives I’d likely have absolutely nothing to write about.
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 village council held its regular meeting session Monday evening with all members present.
After the reading and approval of the minutes of the last meeting, the reports of the various committees were given.
The lighting committee had viewed the club places where lights had been asked for an [sic] the East River Rd. and the West River Rd. The one on East River Rd is to be placed but it is desired to hold correspondence with the two railway companies in regard to the matter. and recommended lights. The former to be placed between the Lake Shore Electric and steam roads and the other near the Haber residence.
The committee also recommended the raising of several of the street lights. The report was accepted and the committee ordered to have the lights placed on West River Rd. is able to be plucked placed., But is assured desire to hold some correspondence with the two roadway companies in regard to the matter.
The sidewalk committee reported that several wish to raise their walks in the spring. The chairman being one of the new members, asked for information.
The fire committee had no report.
Public grounds committee reported that the comfort station had been closed.
The matter of having the ordinance ordinances of the village codified was brought up and discussed but laid over for your further consideration.
The subject that brought forth the greatest discussion was in regard to the gates. Complaint was made that the gates since Capt. Bailey was killed, especially were kept down longer than necessary, also that some of the crossings could not be seen by the gate. It was also stated that there were no alarms at some of the gates and the gatemen often could not tell of the approach of a train until it was directly upon them. It was proposed that the officials of the road be asked to meet with the Council to arrange for better protection, and provide for not holding the crossings any longer than absolutely necessary. The question is a hard one to solve satisfactorily.
The mayor stated that his office would soon be in readiness and that the Council would be welcome to spend their spare time there, thereby having opportunity to discuss the various questions. He asked for a telephone at the office which was taken under consideration. He also stated that it was necessary for the marshal to have a phone had had one placed which was approved.
The chairman of the street committee reported ordering the street Commissioner to publish a notice prohibiting piling ashes along the gutters, etc. Which was approved. Cleaning of the sidewalks with the snowplow was discussed at some length and the street Commissioner was authorized to make a trial.
Mr. Miller said he had noticed it a published statement that Vermilion Village had some $700 in delinquent personal property tax. The Council voted to ask the county treasurer to attempt to collect the same.
Sealer of weights and measures G. B. McConnelly made quite an extensive report. He stated that he and the deputy sealer had gone over the town and had found but four pair of scales in bad order two were repaired and two thrown out. He gave a list of the outfit he needed for his work. He said that the deputy sealer would be near Vermilion to test the platform or hay scales and would test them here so that the apparatus for this test would not be needed. He also reported that he had endeavored to secure the ordinances relating to the sealer of weights and measures, but so far had not received them. His report was accepted and he was instructed to purchase the necessary articles required for the work.
The clerk announced that he had received return of the contract from the Lake Shore Railroad for opening of a street across the track to give an outlet to the occupants of the stove plant allotment and that the work would be done as soon as possible. This will be good news to those living there.
[NOTE: This refers to the crossing at Adams Street. This would make a good Vermilion Trivia question.]
After ordering payment of bills council adjourned.
Under the present conditions of the coal market, with a continued cold weather and a suspension of coal mining, which is very liable to take place, April 1st, owing to the differences existing between the Operators and Miners which condition is already affecting the coal company coal supply.
I would advise the customer to take in an extra supply of cold now, thereby protecting themselves against a shortage in higher prices which is liable to take place in the near future.
I am fortunate to have an ample assortment of high grade coal on hand at present and can give the usual service at the usual price.
Yours truly,
C. F. Decker.
The wrestling match between Ray Vincent who is now a Vermilionite and Matsuda the Japanese champion at the Opera House Monday evening, called out a large crown.
The preliminaries created considerable amusement and resulted in a draw.
In the Vincent–Jap match Vincent succeeded in “flooring”, the Japanese minutes. After over an hour in the second bout, neither had the advantage.
Henry Leidheiser’s residence located about 5 and a half miles east of Vermilion near the line of the L. S. Electric Ry., was totally destroyed by fire late Wednesday afternoon. Nothing was saved.
Mr. Liedheiser lived alone. He thinks the fire caught from the stove. He built up a good fire in the stove and went to Mr. Nieding’s for a pail of water, when he returned he found his home in flames. There was not water enough thereby to do any good and it was too late to save anything. He feels his loss keenly. Mr. Leidheiser is an uncle of Capt. Henry Leidheiser and the others of that name in Vermilion.
Sarah E. Brooks, was born Nov. 11, 1834 in Vermilion. On Feb. 23rd, 1853, she was united in marriage to Jonathan Jones. To this union was born two children, Margaret A. Parsons and Frank H. Jones, both of Vermilion.
Thirteen years of their marriage life was spent in Bellefontaine, O. They then moved to the west, returning to Vermilion where she has lived past 40 years.
The first week in January she contracted a severe cold, which confined her to the house. On 30th of January she was taken seriously ill and gradually became worse, passing away early Tuesday morning, Feb. 6th, at the age of 77 years. She had been confined to her beds but six days. She had been a member of the Vermilion Congregational church for 39 years, I was loved by all who knew her.
There is left to mourn their loss, a daughter, a son, two grandsons, a sister, and many friends.
The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock, from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Margaret A. Parsons, Dr. R. C. Swisher officiating. Interment was made at Maple Grove Cemetery.
O. F. Hatch, who for 44 years has been a resident of Vermillion, died at his home on Ohio St., Wednesday evening about 8 o’clock. He has been in poor health for the past several months. He was born in the Southland 73 years ago and after the war came to Vermilion.
Funeral services will be held at the residence Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock.
Perhaps no higher attribute has been paid to Sunday School Boys as a class, then was the one given by County Judge Fawcett, of Brooklyn, a few days ago. In sentencing George H. Locke, 19, two a term in Elmira reformatory for burglary, Judge Fawcett said “of all the undesirable professions, that of burglary is the worst. No matter how good a burglar you may be, you will be caught, sent to prison sooner or later. I have seen your friends who wish to speak to me about you, and I find that all attempts to have you go to Sunday school have failed.
In the five years I have been sitting on this bench I have had 2,700 boys before me for sentence and not one of them was an attendant of the Sunday School. Had you gone there I am sure you would not be before me today. Instead of being ashamed of Sunday school a boy should be proud of it.”
London possesses 7,476 licensed taxicabs and 8,105 drivers.
The Christian population of India now numbers nearly 4 million.
Russia said to have the fewest physicians of any civilized country.
Judges and lawyers show a larger proportion of bald heads any other profession.
[NOTE: I guess I missed my calling.]
Eugene Pearl and mother reported very ill.
Mrs. Frank Mischka is quite ill at her home on N. Church St.
About 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, while undertaker, Beeckel was driving past the residence of M. A. Friday on State St., he discovered the roof to be on fire. He immediately gave the alarm.
The firemen responded promptly and the fire was soon extinguished.
The damage was mostly confined to the main part of the house, the roof being badly burned on one side and the ceiling of the second-story badly damaged. Water did considerable damage on the first floor. The household goods were mostly removed. The property was insured.
A. E. Beeckel had the misfortune to cut his head with a saw. Consequently he is wearing a bandage.
Henry Haber had the misfortune to slip and fall on the ice Saturday evening, breaking his collarbone. He is getting along as well as can be expected.
Mrs. Cora Chandler will be at home every Saturday to meet the ladies wishing to examine the Spirella corsets. Phone 68 L.
The Vermilion G. A. R. Band is planning for summer uniforms and to assist in their purchase a dance or a series of dances are being planned. Music will be furnished by the band.
A sleigh load of high school pupils were entertained at Mr. and Mrs. Henry Funk’s on Friday evening.
Mr. George Blanden has been laid up with a bad cold for several days in Clinton Ennes has been carrying the mail.
Master Harvey Brandan is ill.
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Bacon moved to Cleveland.
Miss Etta Hoffner took the Lorain County Teacher’s examination at Elyria Saturday.
Mrs. S. Hum, while visiting Vermilion last week had the misfortune to fall and severely sprained her wrist.
Young people of the village are enjoying the splendid sleighing by getting up many sleigh ride parties.
Seymour Leimbach took a jolly sleigh load to Amherst Saturday.
Elver Huessner gave the children of the 5th grade a sleigh ride on Monday.
By Dr. E. Von Schulenburg, Sandusky, Ohio.
232…German emigration assumed the most gigantic proportions in the middle of the present century. As it will undoubtedly interest the general reader, an authentical list, taken from the record of the Statistical Bureau at Washington, is given below:
This list will speak for itself. Conclusions may be drawn by every one that is familiar with the history of his nation.
The ravens of Kueff Hzeuser desert their former habitation; Barbarossa sleeps now in peace—once more a solid and an undivided empire in strength and power as of old. The price was dear, and many thousands of our brave sons were laid to rest in a strange land; once more did the bloody wars of 1866 and 1870 take the life-blood of this nation, but when King William placed the emperor's crown of a once more united country on his silver hair in the halls of Versailles, it was another just retaliation, when he remembered in that eventful hour, with tears in his eyes, the humiliation of his country and…
THE ROAD AT RUGGLES: I can’t say much about this great wide-angle pic taken of the Ruggles Beach area c. 1915 except to say that I really like it.
The road didn’t actually make a turn as seen in the shot, but is misshapen by the camera lens. In the background you can see the dance hall / roller rink with the hotel behind it (to the left) on the lake. On the right is the Lake Shore Electric. It’s rather hard to see. But it is there.
And I like the car. I would bet that it is stopped because someone riding in it was the photographer.
Wow. What a neat pic.
An anthropologist was assigned to Borneo, where he found a guide with a canoe to take him up the river to the remote site he where he would make his collections. At noon on the second day of travel up the river they began to hear drums.
"What are those drums?" asked the anthropologist, knowing he was in cannibal country.
The guide turned to him and said "No worry. Drums OK, but very bad when they stop.
"They both went ghostly pale when the drums suddenly stopped.
The guide crouched in the belly of the canoe and covered his ears. "Do as I do! Very important!" intoned the guide with great urgency.
"Why? What does this mean?" asked the panicked anthropologist.
"Drums stop! Next come violin solo!"
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 “Tripping: A Writer’s Journeys.” Signed copies of her new book can be purchased for $15.00 at the Southside Sentinel office or by mail by writing Rappahannock Press, Box 546, Urbanna, VA and adding $6.00 to cover mailing costs and tax. Contact:glongest@ssentinel.com.
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
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Vol. 17. Issue 49 - February 8, 2020
Archive Issue #882
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