Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: VERMILION’S FIRST LIBRARY BUILDING on Grand Street opened in 1935. And though I only know one person in this pic - my grandmother Bessie Roscoe - Mamie; Mrs. Evert C. Thompson is to her right; to her left is Miss Bertha Nieding.) - the others may have been Miss Bertha Nieding, Mrs. Walter Smith, Mrs. Evert C. Thompson, Mrs. I. H. Shaw, and Miss Addie Rust. Mrs. Paul Buttner was the librarian. These were the Vermilion Public Library Board members in October 19, 1935
The building of this library was a monumental task given the fact that it was accomplished in the midst of "The Great Depression".
The ability for Ohio towns to have a library actually began in 1817, when the Ohio General Assembly enacted legislation providing for the incorporation of public libraries. It was a nice gesture. But that’s about all it was. Because the legislation provided zero financial support.
Things got a little better in 1853 when “The School Act” codified local tax support for public schools, This legislation provided that some of those funds could be also used to create school libraries that would be open to the public
And then - moving right along - in 1869 legislation was passed authorizing Ohio municipalities to open and maintain free public libraries. While this legislation made it possible for communities to apply for Carnegie grants in the early 1900s it was not until 1933 that public libraries in Ohio received any real support. That support was generated from revenues realised from the intangible personal property tax. This was a tax levied on individuals’ holdings of intangible assets – mainly stocks and bonds. Although the tax was state-imposed and applied evenly throughout Ohio, it was collected locally, and the funds remained in the county of origin. They were distributed to library systems in each county in accordance to “need.”
Throughout most of the 19th and the early years of the 20th centuries Vermilion’s public library consisted of but a few tomes occupying the shelves a village dry goods store. The books were both donated, and cared for, by some very “kind and public-spirited citizens”. Although Ohio laws had years before made it possible for various organizations to sponsor a library and maintain an operating budget it was not until December 17, 1918 that the Vermilion Library Board (of Trustees) was formally organized and appointments to it made.
In 1905 the subscription library was kept at the GUY DAVIS – GENERAL STORE (pictured) on the northwest corner of Liberty and Grand streets.
A.C. Hofrichter, the president of the Board of Education, appointed Miss Bertha Nieding, president, and Mrs. Pearl (Bessie) Roscoe, vice president. Mrs. Walter Smith was named as secretary; and Mrs. Evert C. Thompson, treasurer. Mrs. I. H. Shaw, Miss Addie Rust, and Reverend H. C. Lynch made up the rest of the library committee. Mrs. Paul Buttner served as librarian.
Initially the newly organized library operated out of a small building on the east side of Grand Street just north of the railroad tracks. The building had once been the home of local photographer Rudy Moc’s Sunset Studio. In 1935 - after 17 years of savings made on purchases, work done gratis by board members, and interest earned on savings - a new facility was built on the site.
Much of the unskilled labor was provided by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) a program designed to alleviate adult unemployment during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. The skilled labor was accomplished by some local artisans under the supervision of a local contractor - W.A. Tischer.
On Saturday, October 19, 1935 the Vermilion Public Library was officially opened to the public. From just a handful of books on a shelf in a dry goods store it now housed over 7,000 books and magazines. To many folks it must have seemed like a task well done. No one, of course, realized it then - but it was just a beginning.
-Ref: Vermilion Centennial and South Shore Regatta 1837-1937; The Vermilion News 1/17/35, 10/17/35; Ohio Public Funding History from the Ohio Library Council; Roscoe-Tarrant Family Photo Archive; Written 8/30/09.
Historically,
CASS ROSCOE: This is the youngest portrait I’ve ever seen of my maternal g-grandfather. His name is Caselton Roscoe. He was born in 1836 and left this world in 1918. I’ve likely used other photos of him previously – but as said, this is the earliest one I’ve seen of him. I’m guess that it was sometime following the Civil War where he had served as a musician (a fifer) in Company K, of the Ohio 67th Infantry Regiment from 1861 to 1865. This was probably him around 1870. As the tie he’s wearing illustrates, he was very active in the Fraternal Order of Masons in Milan, Norwalk and several other places in the area.
Following the war he went to California, I believe to help his son from a previous marriage. I don’t think he ever accomplished that – so he returned to Milan where he worked as a famer, carpenter and millwright.
We have his diaries and letters from the war and his California journey. They’re very interesting. I feel as though I know him (some).
HELD OVER: The video held over this week is quite long. Again, you may want to get 2 boxes of popcorn and some chocolate covered raisins before you start watching.
A GLOURIOUS ANNIVERSARY: In my grandparent’s time they referred to it as “The Glorious Fourth”. It was a day set aside in our nation to celebrate our independence as a nation marking a time when our forefathers broke the chains of autocratic rule over our lives. The celebration in our little Vermilion was not unlike those in most communities in the yesteryear.
The 1916 celebration for instance, both began and ended with a bang. At sunrise they fired the big cannon in Exchange Park. Then, in the afternoon a parade of “about 30 automobiles” headed by what was then a newly formed Grand Army of the Republic (aka. G.A.R.) band on the back a big truck started at the Town Hall and “traversed the greater part of the town.” All the automobiles were described as being “handsomely decorated.”
Following the parade, a crowd gathered in Exchange Place / Park and the flag was hoisted on a new 90-foot steel pole and “thrown to the breeze.” And whilst the band played the Star-Spangled Banner another blast from the old cannon echoed through the town and across the marsh to the east. Judge H.R. “Squire” Williams was then introduced. He “made an excellent patriotic speech and was heartily applauded.” Afterward the crowd dispersed to seek amusements elsewhere while awaiting the display of fireworks that would take place that evening.
Later fireworks were fired from the marsh across the river (now the Vermilion Lagoons) and were reported as being “well worth seeing”. “The day”, The Vermilion News later reported, “was an ideal one. And despite the large crowd and an almost constant stream of autos passing over our streets no accidents were reported. Taken as a whole the day was a very satisfactory one to all.”
By the time I came along (after 1944) the yearly celebration had changed some. The band was from our local high school. While I am certain they played the National Anthem during these festivities the only music I remember were John Phillip Sousa marches. The speeches (that I never listened to) were made from the old brick bandstand in Victory Park.
Later in the evening the Crystal Beach Amusement Park – now the Crystal Shore Apartment complex behind Key Bank – was the place to be. There a crowd gathered, and wonderful fireworks lit up the sky over the old carousel and east of the park. And people “oohh’d and aahh’d” to their hearts content at the pyrotechnic display.
The 4th of July celebration in our Vermilion in all its yesteryears certainly seems to have lived up to the adjective that was often used to describe it (i.e. Glorious). In many respects it reflected that of the very first celebration that was held in Philadelphia in 1777. According to The Pennsylvania Gazette regarding that initial birthday party: “Everything was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal. Thus, may the Fourth of July, that glorious and ever memorable day, be celebrated throughout America by the Sons of Freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen and amen.” But today, more than ever, it means that July 4th requires much more of us than just symbols of our freedoms (i.e. parades, bands, speeches in the park and fireworks). Today it is a day when all of us need pause and take time to examine our lives – not only as Americans – but as human beings. Then and only then do we begin to comprehend and honor the true meaning of the Glorious 4th.
- Sunday, June 28, 2020
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...
After the regular routine of opening, council settled down to the reports of committees, etc.
Complaint was again made that the gates on the Lake Shore crossings were badly operated at times. Another accident was barely averted on Division Street last week. The advisability of passing a speed ordinance was discussed, also other means of providing protection.
It was reported that the residents on east side of Short Street desire to build a sidewalk. The committee was instructed to take the matter up.
The public grounds committee had no report to make.
Geo. Fischer; walk on Sandusky Street just east of the planing mill was reported out of repair and the clerk authorized to issue the legal notice to repair the same.
It was thought that the walk as S. W. Simons should have some protection where the retaining wall is. Also, that the other similar grades should be protected.
The park committee reported that the town owns 2 feet more lot than was supposed at the fire hall and that the building was to be made 14 feet wider instead of 12, thus giving the town storage room 14 x 28 feet. This was satisfactory.
The street lighting committee reported that the new lights had been placed and that all work recommended such as raising lights, etc. had been done, also that a light had been placed in front of substation. In connection it was the sense of the Council that the mayor and chairman of the street lighting committee investigate and report the reasons for the incandescent lights being turned off at times, and see if there was a remedy.
The matter of the Huron Street sewer was brought up. The sewer has been dug up and in so doing the reason for the trouble also why the town is having so much expense readily found. Whoever laid the sewer put in a reducer and reduced the size of the sewer from 10 inches to 6 inches, then went to an 8-inch pipe and the way the pipe was laid was on the rail fence order. No wonder the sewer won’t work satisfactorily. It is needless to say the work will be done right this time.
The clerk was instructed to write to N. P. Ry., to change the crossing on the Black farm to Adams Street.
G. H. Blattner was present and asked that he be permitted to build the walk on the north side of his premises in such a manner that it would be around the trees instead of cutting the trees down. After some discussion it was agreed to let the matter rest for a time.
J. J. Cuddeback was present to see what the village had decided upon in regard to taking more dirt. It was finally concluded to finish up the work already begun and make one or two little fills then stop taking more dirt on account of shortage of funds.
The clerk reported a shortage in the service fund and the mayor and clerk were authorized to borrow the amount required.
The Sealer of Weights and Measures reported everything working nicely and no complaints.
Considerable discussion was had concerning public docks and landing places and it is the sense of the Council to provide such contingencies as soon as the finances of town will permit. Some of the town river frontage is now rented to private parties for very small fees and when any outsider tries to land with a boat, he is compelled to pay dockage or get off. This is cutting off a source of revenue to our merchants and if this condition continues the yachtsman will no longer come to Vermilion.
After ordering the payment of bills, council adjourned.
The “Golden Age” built by the late Valentine Fries at Fries Landings in 1883 and which the editor of the NEWS saw launched, was sold to a Cleveland company recently. The boat at that time was the largest craft built on freshwater, being 300 feet in length. Now she is considered a small boat of little value. The vessel will be taken to Cleveland and overhauled. This boat and the barge, William Edwards, were the last boats built by Mr. Fries his shipyard.
[NOTE: Fries Landing was/is on the Huron River just north of Milan, Ohio where my grandfather, editor Pearl Roscoe, was born and grew up. Born in 1869 he was around 13 or 14 years old when the Golden Age was launched. The launching was undoubtedly a big deal for a youngster in those days. Ergo, so was the sale of it (in Roscoe’s eyes) nearly 30 years later.]
Paul Slopak, baggage man on the Nickel Plate train which brought an excursion to Crystal Beach Sunday, came over town and got into trouble. He was arrested and while attempting to put him in jail he resisted and struck officer Stevens, cutting him over the left eye. He was jailed in Monday morning pled not guilty for the mayor. His trial will be held Friday.
Monday evening Paul Slopak’s mother and brother came from Cleveland and he changed his plea to guilty and was given $25 in costs, which will make it run up to nearly $30. His mother went security for the amount.
Philip Baker was locked up Saturday night drunkenness. Monday Mayor Wakefield gave him $25 and costs and 30 days in the county jail.
[NOTE: This was prominent Vermilion auto dealer Frank Baker’s father. He was, by trade, and fisherman. Phillips’s wife, Mary Bachman-Baker, later divorced him and married a fellow named Charles Williams. Frank died in Michigan at the age of 50.]
In France eagles are being trained to attack airships.
Horse-drawn cabs have been prohibited in the streets of Berlin.
By a new system of machine telegraphy 300 words a minute can be sent.
Fourteen hours was considered a day’s work for miners during the last century.
Migration from country to town is become a national menace in France. Steps are being taken to arrest it.
The name “Gazette” as applied to a newspaper is derived from a small Venetian coin, the price of the first news sheet published at that place.
[NOTE: There’s a piece of trivia for everyone.]
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Jones, son, Friday, June 28,
Raymond Armstrong fell from a load of hay Friday afternoon, fractured both bones of his left arm or the wrist.
777.
Mr. Will Croll seems extremely happy lately, wonder why?
The new barn of L. J. Washburn will be completed this week, it is a fine, large building.
One pleasant thing about moving pictures is the elimination of the inhuman dialect exploited by so many actors.
People who would never think of buying worthless mining stock occasionally purchase preseason watermelon.
Capt. Fred Driscoll and Capt. Bert Madison left yesterday for a trip up the lakes on the Norway.
Rocco Klawetch, Kelly’s island murder was sentenced to electrocution, Friday, October 15, by Judge stall, Tuesday.
[Rocco wanted a new trial and got it. In the first one he had been found guilty, but the verdict was life. Vermilionite Geo. Ritter was his attorney and had advised him not to go for a new trial. But Rocco demanded it. He got what he asked for.]
Twenty-eight pony coats worth from $1800-$2500 were found in a barn at Huron Tuesday. Lake Shore detectives claimed them, explaining that they had been stolen from trains passing through Huron.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Fischer and family spent Saturday, Sunday and Monday on an auto trip to Cleveland, Akron, Silver Lake, etc. They witnessed the aeroplane flight at Silver Lake Sunday.
Harry Wakefield is reported apparently considerably better. The family feel very grateful for the many acts of kindness and for the beautiful flowers from the many friends and neighbors.
The “dog ordinance” is now in force and already a number of stray canines have been sent to the “happy hunting ground.” What the authorities desire to do is to rid the town of all tramp dogs and those liable to bite children, as well as grown-ups. Keep your dog home.
The ladies of the Cong’l church will serve supper at the church parlors, Wednesday, July 10.
Use Nyal straw hat cleaner, to clean that straw hat. For sale at White’s Drug Store.
THOSE WACKY MILLIS BOYS:I knew of this, but had not seen this article before. It was on the front page of the Elyria Chronicle back in '50.
…have become a prosperous and prominent citizen, had not the hand of a villain terminated his life in a most cruel and unprovoked way. After a short stay in Huron the family moved to Sandusky, where Ritter opened a general provision store on Columbus avenue. He was shot dead at his own door by a crippled tailor, called Evans, for which crime the latter was made the culprit of the last scene of execution witnessed in Erie county, in Huron Park in 1840. Ritter died on May 5, 1840, in his forty-sixth year, leaving his widow and six children well provided for. His wife died in December 1880, in her eighty-third year. One of the daughters, Wilhelmina, a faithful and trusted servant in the United States mail service for many years, is well known by every man, woman and child in this city. The writer does most heartily wish that she may survive all changes of the national administration for many a year to come. Conrad Wiegand was born in Hessen, and came to Sandusky in 1835, where he worked for years at his trade as shoemaker. His wife having died, he moved to Put-in-Bay Island to spend his last days with his children, who took good care of him. He had become very infirm and crippled up with rheumatism. He died a year ago and was buried at the side of his wife in I Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky. He was a highly respected citizen. His children are prospering.
Franz, Joseph Motri came here in 1834, An old marriage certificate, well preserved reads thus:
“Know all men by this presents that Joseph Motri, a taylor, and Elizabeth Ziegler, were lawfully joined together in holy matrimony on the 22d day of July, in the year of the Lord, 1834.
“St. Mathaus Church,
“N. Y. City."
Aside from its value as a family relic, this paper becomes more precious in having the signature of one of the most noted Germans of New York attached to it. *Motri was born on March 31, 1811, in Untergrombach, Baden. His…
*The name of the officiating clergyman calls for a more than passing notice. The First German Lutheran congregation was organized in New York in 1749, and the first substantial church edifice was erected in 1767, on the northwest corner of William and Frankfort streets. The building was standing as late as 1850, and was, in its dilapidated condition, finally used as a livery stable. Johann Christopher Kunz, son-in-law of old Muehlenberg, of Revolutionary fame, became the first pastor. F. W. Geissenhainer, sr., succeeded him. He preached exclusively in German. As in 1814 some of the members of old Mathaus Church made an effort to abolish the German language in song and speech in their devotional exercises, Geissenhainer rather gave up his pastorate, than enter into this bargain. F. C. Schaeffer. his successor agreed to preach mornings in the German, and evenings in the English language. Geissenhainer, who in the meantime had moved to Pennsylvania, where his beloved mother tongue was held in better reveration, was recalled seven years later. He gained his point; German was exclusively spoken from that day on in the old pioneer church. Geissenhainer, a typical German, died in 1838, in New York City, lamented by all who knew him.
A SURPRISE: This will not mean much to some or any readers, but it shows that in 1902 my father had a younger brother named Harold. I never knew of this until I happened to come over it while looking through Ancestry.com for other information. It appears that he did not live too long after his birth. Ancestry is full of surprises.
The obituary editor of a newspaper was not one to admit his mistakes easily. One day he got a phone call from an irate subscriber. The caller complained that his name had been printed in the obituary column.
"Really?" replied the editor calmly. "And where are you calling from?"
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. 18. Issue 18 - July 4, 2020
Archive Issue #903
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