Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: Cops. Vermilion cops. Atop the shop desk this week is Edgar Benson. Benson was born in Monroeville, Ohio on March 22, 1884. He had lived in Wakeman for several years before coming to Vermilion around 1917. He was a miller by trade and worked in mills in Wakeman, Lorain and Vermilion.
After coming to Vermilion he had worked as nigh marshal for many years and then about 1930 was appointed by council to the police chief – its first. It was a position he held until his retirement in 1955.
He died in early 1960 his home at the very bottom of north Jefferson Street (on the west side of the street just south of the tracks where the road turns and runs up the hill where it becomes Ohio Street). I remember the day because I was horrified at the idea that he had died alone and had not been found for several days thereafter (early February).
It’s a terrible thing to be so alone.
CHIEF FRANK TODI Frank Todi, ironically enough, lived in the first house on the north side of Ohio street when you go up the small hill from the old Benson property.
Frank inherited the job of Police Chief when Benson’s successor Joe Ryan after Ryan (only 55) died of a heart attack in June of 1955.
Todi was born in Ithaca New York on 15 August 1907. Before coming to Vermilion he lived in Lorain for about 15 years and was Brownhelm Township Constable.
Chief Todi had a heart attack and died at his desk in his office on April 3, 1958. My mother had spoken with him in that office not too long before a, then, 17-year old Tom Hoffman found the chief slumped over at his desk at about 9 a.m. He was the Chief when the police department was in what was then the former comfort station in Exchange Park. His office (as well as Chief Ryan who proceeded him in that office) was on the west side of the little building. The jail cells were on the east side.
Historically,
BETWEEN RESTAURANTS: Herein does one see the end of what the McGarvey Boat Drive-In Restaurant once was and the beginning of the Red Clay / Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant. It’s kind’a like looking at a photograph of an auto accident
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AT THE THEATRE: There are over 30 videos / audios available at the theatre. I'm adding to the collection as the months pass. During the Covid (or anytime) - it's a good place to visit. I will be adding more this week. During this virus thing I've been learning a good deal about video productions.
I recently added a fairly long piece illustrating how I acquire and publish one of the things for each week's blog. It's just me working (ho-hum). Some of the productions I tried out and developed using the Facebook app end up here because I regularly delete Facebook postings.
BITS & PIECES OF THE GOOD OLD DAYS: Time being relative – meaning in this particular case that to some the accompanying photographs may seem old. But to others, such as myself, they don’t seem very old at all. I don’t recall precisely where I came across this collage. Nor am I sure for what it was intended. I suspect that it may have been used in the school’s old newspaper, The Compass. But as of yet I’ve not come across a copy of an issue containing the picture. What I am sure of is that the photographs were taken some time during the 1957-58 school year at Vermilion’s old High School on Decatur Street.
The picture caught my attention because I knew and still know most of those pictured. Although I don’t recall every first name, I certainly remember the surnames:
Front Row L-R: Stiglin, Terry Owen, Rick Walker, Bob Bailey, Al Thompson, John Hoffman, Tom Esper, Tom Sanford, Bob Mey, Joe Turza, Bob Hunter, Butch Campbell, Dave Halley, Bobby Braden, Larry Knittle.
Back Row L-R: Cliff Bartlome, Ernie Mello. J. Moore, Ronnie Ollis, Lund, Tom Peebles, Freddie Smith, Darrel Ollis, Jeff Edwards, Chuck Rogers, Mroski, Mike Blakely, John Hunter, Mike Wheeler, Tim Trinter, Bill Bors, Kendra, Gail Darby, Bill Watkins.
There were two sets of brothers among the footballers: the Ollis and Hunter brothers. The Ollis boys have passed into the great beyond now. But to the best of my knowledge both Hunters are still among us. John is currently the Mayor of Sheffield Village. And locally one might bump into a few of the other players. Bob Mey, Butch Campbell, Freddie Smith, Tim Trinter and, to the best of my knowledge, Gail Darby are still about town.
Of the three coaches Ed Ziemke remains. He was the only one that stayed and retired from Vermilion schools. I believe the other two men continued their careers as teachers and coaches after leaving town. Both Coach Braden and his son, Bobby, passed some time ago as did Coach Hunt. (Incidentally, while living in town he married a local girl – also a teacher – named Joyce Ridenour. They later divorced.)
The cheerleaders are L-R: Judy Fisher, Mary Wakefield, Shirley Williams, Gerry Martin, Cynthia Avery, and Mary Lee Russell. Shirley Williams and Mary Wakefield Buxton still visits town in the warmer months of the year. Mary Lee Russell comes to town on occasion. But I’m really not too familiar with Ms. Fisher or Ms. Avery. All were (and probably remain) popular persons.
While all these folks were just a wee bit older than myself, they were of “my time” – or at least near it. I feel very fortunate to have come of age in our little town. Here the “good old days” were really and truly the “good old days”.
-Wednesday, January 11, 2017
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 Village Council held a meeting Friday evening in place of its regular monthly meeting on account of Labor Day and election.
There seem to be very little doing. The fire committee reported upon the repairs on the Fireman’s Hall, W. A. Tischer gave figures upon the work necessary to fix up the building, the Council to furnish the material. A. P. Becker also gave estimates on putting in concrete floor, the Council to pay for having old floor removed and the necessary digging. The Mayor suggested that it would be well to find out what the extra material etc., – the complete jobs would cost and the matter was referred back to the committee for further consideration.
It was reported that the new crosswalks to be put in across Liberty Street, on the west side of Division Street and across Division Street on the south side of Grand. It was thought concrete would be the more desirable and cheaper than stone and it was decided to use concrete. The matter was referred to the committee, several sidewalks were reported repaired.
Two claims for damages against the village on account of the railroad were read by the clerk. He was instructed to forward the claims to the legal department of the L. S. & M. S. Ry., at Cleveland. One of the claims was that of Wm. Schifler approximating $1500.
The franchise granted the railroad company requires the said company to defend the village against all damage suits.
A letter from Mr. Handy of the L. S. & M. S. that he would arrange to meet with the upcoming council at most any time convenient to both parties, was read. It is the desire of the Council to have the work finished up as soon as possible.
The lighting committee was reported that as soon as a new and larger transformer could be installed lighting service would be better and considerable of the commercial circuit troubles eliminated.
The lighting committee refused to sign the lighting bill for the last month as the company refused to recognize the outage reports of the light inspector, probably laboring under the mistaken idea that the outages were reported at the station promptly.
The street commissioner was instructed to issue the notice notices concerning the building of sidewalks on Liberty Street now that the summer season was practically over.
After some discussion on various matters, the bills were read and approved after arrangements have been made for borrowing a small sum of money for the health fund and a renewal of two notes.
It was reported that the finances were in better condition than last year at this time, when it was one continuous borrow. It is expected that the fall distribution will be in soon.
After the payment of bills, council adjourned.
The Vermillion G. A. R. Band went to Mansfield Labor Day and took part in the band tournament and convention. Most of the boys and their wives and friends left here Sunday afternoon on a special car and a number of them went Monday morning, arriving in time. To take part in the parade.
The Vermilion Band brought back a fine $75 Lyon and Healy cornet as a prize for having the largest number in the parade, 32 being in line. All report a most enjoyable time.
Nellie V. Lumley has instituted suit in the common pleas court for divorce and alimony from John Lumley. The parties live at Vermilion and have five children.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Sam McBride, son, Thursday, Aug. 29.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Carver, of Lorain, a daughter, Monday, Sept. 2.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Minch, a daughter, Saturday, August 31, ‘12.
The Township schools opened on Monday and showed an increased attendance in nearly all of the various schools.
Mrs. Gus Emmerick was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital Thursday where she underwent a serious operation, there are grave doubts of her recovery.
The funeral of Carl Menzel was held Monday morning at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Reichlin Lorain conducted the services. The remains were interred in the cavalry cemetery.
The condition of Wm. Hamman who is at a Toledo hospital is a very grave one, with but little hopes of his recovery. He was thrown from the top of the boxcar and struck on the chest receiving internal injuries. His wife and mother are at his bedside.
Mrs. Geo. Stick was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital at Lorain Friday where she will undergo an operation.
Mrs. G. Emmerich was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lorain and underwent a very serious operation, Thursday. Her condition is reported favorable for her recovery.
The funeral services of Mrs. Clara Opperman, nee Atherton, of Henrietta, but formerly of this place was held at the Cong’l church, Tuesday, September 3. Her death occurred August 31, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lorain where she had suffered a severe operation. She leaves to mourn their loss, her husband, Mr. Raymond Opperman, and three children, Clarence, William and Nellie. Rev. Rife of Henrietta officiated. Burial took place at Axtel Cemetery.
Relatives of Walter Miller, 26, Nickel Plate brakemen, killed in an accident on a bridge at Kishman, July 17, will receive the sum of $6,500 from the corporation. This is regarded as one of the largest of the settlements in the history of the country.
The amount was paid into the probate court of Cleveland Thursday. The deceased whose residence was in Cleveland is survived by a widow, and a daughter, Frances, of 3rd Street, Sandusky. Atty. John F. McCrystal conducted negotiations in the matter.
James Brown, 25, electrician of Lorain and Carl Wetzel, 30, of Amherst were killed Saturday afternoon when they fell with the cage on the conveyor at the ore docks of the National Tube Co.
We regret to hear that death has robbed the once happy home of our onetime friend and schoolmate, Mr. Raymond Opperman, of a kind and loving wife and mother. Mr. Opperman spent his boyhood days in our little village. Our sympathy goes out to him and his three small children.
Eddie Miller has been hauling brick the past week for a new silo. A good investment.
The heavy rains are doing a great deal of damage for the farmers in this section. Potatoes and oats have been rotting badly.
Mrs. Wellman did not open her school on Tuesday on account of the death of her sister, Mrs. Raymond Opperman.
The village schools will open on Monday.
The Berlin schools are sending out an unusually large number of teachers this year which must speak well for their thoroughness and character.
Mr. Sheldon one of Berlin’s “chicken men” breaks the record for the large eggs. He has on exhibition at Page and Lippu’s store an egg weighing for ounces and a quarter. At this rate it would only require three and thirteen seventeenths of an egg for a dozen. Mr. Sheldon believes that eggs should be sold by weight.
Mamre Anna and Pelton was born June 23, 1836 in Vermillion [sic]. She was married here on September 20, 1855, to Albert S. Backus, Lumbermen. To this union were born four children, three of whom Mrs. Eunice Lawrence, Albert A. And Fred H Backus are still living in Vermilion. One child of this union died in infancy.
Mrs. Backus died at the house of her daughter, Mrs. Lawrence, Tuesday, September 3, 1912, at 2 o’clock, A. M., Aged 76 years, two months and 10 days. She used to mourn her departure besides her children, four brothers, Nelson A. Pelton, living in Pontiac, Michigan; Henry J. Pelton of this place, Levi B. Pelton of Cleveland, and Charles Pelton of Ford, Kans.
Funeral services were held from the Congregational church this Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock, Rev. J. A. Kayley officiating. Interment at Maple Grove.
Word has been received by Oberlin friends of the death of Rev. John Henry Bradshaw, at Ann Arbor Michigan. Dr. Bradshaw was pastor of the First Congregational Church of Oberlin for 10 years
The tugs, Jas. Driscoll, Fred Driscoll and Stricker left Tuesday for the e Fairport fishing grounds.
Miss Nellie Klaar left the latter part of the week for Lamar, Ia. to begin her year’s work as teacher in a business college.
H. M. White was taken suddenly very ill last Thursday. While considerably better, he is still unable to attend to business.
The telephone company has built a new line on Adams Street in Stove Plant Allotment and installed phones in the residence of Walter C. Abell, E. F. Lawrence and F. C. Goff.
[NOTE: It is amazing (to me) how far back the Abel family in that area go.]
E. A. Brown of Cleveland came to Vermilion with a picnic one day last week became “lost”. He was “found” by the Marshal and Mayor Wakefield gave him $1 and costs. He got lost again and when found was given $5.00 and costs.
[NOTE: I’m not sure what to make of this. I guess (and I am guessing) the Mr. Brown was drunk.]
Mrs. H. S. Post is recovering as fast as can be expected from an operation Monday at Charity Hospital, Cleveland. She was taken ill very suddenly. Her many friends hope for a speedy return to health.
BIRMINGHAM
BORN – to Mr. Mrs. M. E. Clary, a daughter, Wednesday, Aug. 28, ‘12.
CHIEF RYAN:For a time Vermilion had a difficult problem keeping a chief law enforcement officer.
…live there yet for all I know. His victim, Lemon, minus one ear, died years ago in Sandusky.
Jacob Schmied, a son of Jacob A. and Catharine (Meyer) Schmied, settled here in 1838. He was born in Oberendingen, Canton Aargau, Switzerland, on June 8, 1820, and came with his parents to this country in 1829. They settled on a farm. Jacob came to Sandusky in 1838, where he worked as a cooper for many years in Post & Co.'s employ. He was married in 1857 to Margaretha Rivers, and ten children were born to them. He died in 1884. His widow now resides on Washington street.
Johann Caspar Ritter. The day-book of this unfortunate man is before me. It gives in twenty-four pages an accurate account of his trip across the ocean. It is dated April, 1837, and well preserved. I take the liberty to copy from it as follows:
(Translation) “ My name is John Caspar Ritter, merchant. I left Burgsinn, Hessen, on April 3, 1837, with my wife, Wilhelmine Charlotte, a daughter of the game-keeper, Jungerman, of Mittelsinn, and our four children: Christiane Elizabeth, age nine years; Emilie Frederike Margarete, seven years; Wilhelm Heinrich, five years; Ernst Christoph. Three years. . . . . We reached Fulda the same night Rothenburg the next day, and Cassel on the fifth of April, 1837. . . . Weather-bound; the oldest inhabitants cannot recollect a storm of such severity. Snow, reaching up to the middle of the windows, and no living soul to be seen on the streets. . . . A damper, but we are determined to move on. and regret only the delay. Victuals cheap, especially beer, and it is excellent. The officers are very polite; everybody is addressed by ‘sie' (you.) In presenting my passport I was offered a chair, and repeatedly insisted upon to make use of it. . . . Goettingen, April, 10th snow five and six feet deep in the streets; regular tunnels are constructed at the crossings; it looks like a labyrinth. Nordheim, 11th, Einbeck, April 13th, and Bremen the 14th. Left Bremen May 1st on the sailboat "Isabella," Captain F. Meyer. . . . May 16, my wife Emilie, Wilhelm and Ernst are seasick, Christiane and myself are in good health and eat double rations. Ours are the only children on shipboard. . . . May 20, Emilie's birthday; I gave her a crown dollar as a keepsake. . . . Our board is excellent, and many wish the voyage to last a year. Arrived at New York June 12, where we boarded on John street, paying $12 per week for the family. My wife was confined on St. John's day, (June 24, 1837) in this place. The mid-wife, Caroline Collman, was skillful, and was educated in an institute in Wuerzburg. I paid her fifteen gulden for her services. We left New York July 6, and arrived at Buffalo July 14, reaching our destination, Huron, on the 16th, at 2 P. M. . . . . "
This is only a meagre abstract, but the original written in a bold hand testifies in numerous instances of the great kindness and love Ritter had for his family. Well educated, and in possession of means, he would, undoubtedly,…
RECENT ARTIFACTS: It really wasn't vert long ago when all these things had some import in the daily lives of many folks. Well, perhaps the wooden nickel wasn't. But plenty of people walked a mile for a camel and (some) lived to regret it.
A housewife called up a pet store and said, "Send me thirty thousand cockroaches at once."
"What in the world do you want with thirty thousand cockroaches?" asked the astonished clerk.
"Well," replied the woman, "I am moving today and my lease says I must leave the premises in exactly the same condition I found it."
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
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
Vol. 18. Issue 27 - September 5, 2020
Archive Issue #912
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