Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On the desktops this week are “then” and “then again” pix of the living room in the Vermilion History Museum. The stark differences amaze me.
When we began renovation, the walls were covered with wood-like paneling. It looked ok. But it didn’t look the way I thought it should. I wanted it to look more like it might have before the paneling – when the walls were plastered. Ergo we removed the paneling and – then all the lathe.
I have to tell you that removing all that lathe was a real task. While working at it I became very impressed with whomever it was who installed it. That had to have been taxing.
We also installed additional installation. In some places there was none and in others old newspaper was used for that purpose. We insulated both the walls and the ceiling.
We kept the original woodwork. It is all nice white oak (and I’m still at it). Following having new electric and outlets installed we had a pro install drywall on the walls and ceilings. After that my friend and board member, the late George Spreng, painted the room. (I have some video of him doing just that.)
Eventually, I sanded the floor and stained it. We purchased some nice carpet, laid it down and – the room, as is obvious, looks quite different. While I have changed things a good deal since it remains a very attractive part of the museum.
VID-PLAYFor the past few weeks I’ve been playing with video taken from the dash (and sometimes the back seat) of my Colorado (pick-up). I am learning how to use sound and speed (and other things). Most of this stuff was posted in Facebook. I don’t keep any of it there longer than a day. Anyway I’m getting the hang of it.
Now I’m attempting to produce a video production about the Vermilion History Museum that I want to send to the Ohio History Museums Associations in the spring. This requires numerous pix, sound and I want to use some video interview footage (only very short clips) as well. Theis going to take me some time because I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m an O.J.T. type of guy.
OPEN & CLOSED: We opened the museum on October 1st and several persons took the tour. And then the number of Covid cases in Ohio increased to numbers not seen since July (over 3000 per day new cases). Ergo, I’ve closed again.
To be candid, Covid, is slowly killing the museum. As some persons may understand, a museum does not depend on visitor traffic alone to survive. Other activities, such as our “Wine Tasting” and “Clambake” events provide a great deal of financial support. Unfortunately, Covid has made them (at least for now) difficult to impossible.
Ergo, if “VV” should suddenly fail to appear on your desktop some Saturday morning and the sign on the door at the museum says “Closed”, we ain’t on vacation (or worse – dead). The electricity was probably shut off. If, perchance, you would like to help support the cause of the museum we are a 501(c)3 / tax deductible organization. Just made your contribution payable to the "VHM". We are located at 727 Grand St. - Vermilion, OH. 44089. (And thanks a bunch to those who have already contributed and those who will) Please visit us after the virus is defeated.
Historically,
TOMMY DALE & I & HELL’S BELLS: Sorry; I can’t explain this pic much. I do know who is in it. It is “I” and my childhood friend Tommy Dale Boone. “I” is the light-haired kid climbing across the ground. I can’t say what Tom was doing.
To the best of my directional thinking this was taken in the lot on Perry Street before Tom’s father built a house on the property.
Tom died nearly 20 years ago. The death really took me by surprise. Although he’d not lived in Vermilion for years he regularly came to see me – sometimes helping put away food at the Vermilion Food Pantry.
One of many Tomisms (and I can still hear him say it) was “Well, Hell’s Bells…
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 continue to add videos - they keep on coming. Keep watching.
THE “NEW ROAD”: This aerial photograph of the west side of Vermilion Village (depending on one’s age) is not extremely old. It may be c. 1950. Due to the fact that this is also a winter photo, and the trees are bare, it is all the more interesting. In this particular instance it was also very useful.
As most folks may already know Ohio Route(s) #6 and #2 (aka. Shore Road; Lake Road; Liberty Avenue) was, for perhaps some 50 years, the main thoroughfare to, through and from Vermilion for all the auto, bus, and truck traffic that travelled along the southern Lake Erie coast through northern Ohio. The road was, in a word, busy.
After the demise of the Lake Shore Electric rail system in 1938, and the increased popularity of the automobile as the primary and preferred mode of transportation the highway became even busier. As fate would have it the early roads on which this traffic had to travel were not designed to accommodate that type of horsepower being generated in Detroit. Moreover, when these highways were created, they fell upon a more natural course. Like water they had followed the path of least resistance. A road course designed for wagons and buggies being towed by one or two horses is hardly suited for heavy steel machines powered by an engine equal to 200 or 300 horses.
In the Village of Vermilion, Ohio this was no more apparent than the course the road took on the west side of town. [e.g. If driving west through town the road was easy to follow until it reached Decatur Street. At that point the road abruptly turned south toward the steam railroad tracks. Then just before the tracks it, again, took an abrupt turn to the right and headed west.] These were not “S” curves. These were corners that required complete turns. They were more like “Z” curves.
There were no traffic lights and no stop signs on these corners (although there may very well have been a single blinking light on Liberty at the intersection where the road turned south on Decatur and ran toward the railroad tracks). But even so, negotiating these corners required that one pay serious attention to the road and the arrows on the signs at the corners. Unfortunately, that was not always the case.
Usually it was the east bound traffic coming into town that had problems negotiating the turns. The speed limit coming from the east toward the turn onto Decatur Street was probably lowered from 60 mph to 20 mph some distance before crossing Edson Creek - but I think we all know how that goes. And many an unsuspecting motorist had the misfortune of abruptly parking their car or truck through the showroom window of Kyle Motors (now Vermilion’s Municipal Court). At one point in time Mr. Kyle built a concrete post to protect the gas tanks in front of his garage. The likelihood of more people missing the turns at either corner were as predictable as rain in the springtime. It was not a matter of “if”, but of “when”. And as is obvious by the inset photo traffic heading west sometimes fared no better at negotiating the corners.
Eventually, with much encouragement from Vermilion Village representatives, the state decided that it would be a good idea to build a new section of highway from Decatur Street westward past the city limits near Bluebird Beach, to eliminate the problem. Moreover; the new section of highway would be a divided highway. The reason for that design is unclear. However; at about the same time this change was taking place so too was the divided highway between Vermilion and Lorain being built. It may very well be that it was the intention of the State and Federal government officials to turn the entire span of Lake Road across northern Ohio into what was then perceived to be a modern highway system using the path of the existing roadway.
In any case, this is the reason that one might hear many old-time residents of Vermilion such as myself continue to refer to the divided highway on the west side of our pretty city as “The New Road”. That, it most assuredly, is – if only to myself.
-Ref: The Vermilion News photo archive; and the Vermilion Area Archival Society; VPJ 03/30/2006; Rev. 10/25/20.
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 Rathbun and Unser case which was taken to the Circuit Court has been decided in favor of Mr. Unser. It will be remembered that the case involving ownership of certain land on the Lake shore.
As a probable result of the Boland fire two weeks ago, Vermilion will have two new and substantial business blocks. The state fire inspector has been here and condemned the building owned by Mrs. Bertha Englebry on Division Street now occupied by M. A. Friday, as a barbershop and the Mrs. Moore, milliner’s, as a fire trap, and ordered it demolished. Later it was ascertained that the front portion of the building can remain but the buildings in the rear must come down.
We understand that the Boland building is also to be “raised” and a more substantial structure to take its place.
Last Saturday and Sunday the Cong’l church at Florence celebrated the 80th anniversary of its founding. The celebration was one of great interest to all and was well attended.
In 1818 the church was founded at Florence, but later removed to Vermilion and is now the First Congregational Church here. At the celebration M. E. Lawless represented the Vermilion church and read extracts from the records of this first church. In 1832 the present church was founded.
Mrs. (Dr.) Sawyer of Cleveland a daughter of Rev. Barber, the first regularly installed pastor of the church, gave sketches from her father’s diary. Several prominent ministers of the church will present and gave interesting sermons and addresses.
The church building now standing was built some 70 years ago, and last Sunday was the first anniversary of the opening of the edifice.
Miss Lulu March, Ms. Charity Sherod, Mrs. Mary Childs, M. E. Lawless and Mrs. Geo. Shattuck and Miss Helen Kishman were present from Vermilion. Mrs. Shattuck took part in the musical part of the program. In calling the role Ms. Sherrod responded being a descendent of one of the charter members, David Sherod. Mrs. Childs is also a descendent of a member.
Anna M. Pelton, 70, 2603 Church Ave., Wednesday was divorced by Judge Addams from Capt. Edward R. Pelton, 73, Vermilion, wealthy retired Lake captain.
During the hearing late Tuesday A. R. Rumsey, Vermilion millionaire, and friend of the family, said the Pelton’s had quarrled daily for 40 years.
Judge Addams suggested that the aged couple agree to separate without a divorce. Mrs. Pelton begged that a divorce be granted.
[NOTE: Sounds like a world record to me.]
August Schuster brought a number of potatoes to the “NEWS” office this week which he says were raised on “Blue Jay” land. The potatoes are certainly not “Jay’s” though. The largest one tipped the scale at 3 lbs. 2 oz. And the others were not far behind. Who can beat this?
BORN to Mr. and Mrs. email Lois Ridge, a daughter, Saturday, Oct. 26, 1912.
The funeral of Chas. Hanchett was held Sunday and interment was made Elmwood Cemetery.
Christ Nicholl who was operated upon at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Lorain, Saturday is reported to be in a critical condition.
Harvey Rodgers who had been at tending electrical school at New York has completed his course and has returned home.
August Appeman a well-known farmer of Florence died here Thursday at the home of his brother Jno. Appeman. Short funeral services were held here on Saturday morning, conducted by Rev. Lindenmeyer. The body was shipped to Florence for burial.
It is reported that Mrs. Della Lambert who underwent an operation at Cleveland Hospital is doing nicely.
Mrs. G. H. Fiebach who has been in ill health for over a year is staying with her sister Ms. Smith of Vermilion and appears to be improving.
Don’t forget to vote on next Tuesday.
[NOTE: That goes for everyone!!!]
Well drillers commenced work on a gas well for Fred Driscoll Wednesday.
The lighthouse supply boat was at Vermilion Monday. This is the last trip of the season.
Listen for the sound of the bell – watch for the horse with a sign on it. P. J. Havice is again making the rounds of the village with his sweet cider barrel. Don’t forget the days, Mondays and Saturdays. Best cider that can be made.
Charles Nuhn has resigned his position as engineer of the waterworks and taken over the express and drayage business of the late F. C. Wilmore. Frank Abell has been secured to take his place.
The Leroy show that was billed for the Opera House for Monday Tuesday and Wednesday, gave a show two nights and as the audience did not appreciate the entertainment and gave expression to the fact, “flew the coop” Wednesday morning.
Mr. Andrew Schisler and son took dinner with his brother Jay Stephens and family one day this week.
If the sanitary sewer project goes through, it is reported that Vermilion will have a fine new block. Let the good work go on.
Is currently reported that several new houses will be erected on the Tischer–Driscoll allotment soon. Two are said to be of the $5000 class.
Mrs. Crosier entertained the Ladies Aid of the M. E. Church yesterday afternoon at her home on Huron Street.
Mrs. O. A. Priest returned to her home in Cleveland Sunday after a week spent with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Fisher.
Mrs. Helen Edson is suffering from a badly sprained ankle, the result of a fall on the porch of her home last evening.
Ellen Mason, daughter of Asa and Sally Mason, was born in Sheffield, Mass., Dec. 26, 1841, and moved to Ohio in Dec. 1855. She was united in marriage to Giles Brundage, March 1861. To this union was born two children, Hiram and Carrie. After his death she was again united in marriage to Wilson Phelps in 1872. To this union was born one daughter, Mattie. Again, in September 1876, she was united in marriage to John Baker to this union two children were born, Henry and Anna.
After over a year and one half of patient suffering, she went home to be forever with the Lord, on October 21, 1912, age 70 years, 9 mos. 29 days, and left to mourn her death, four children, nine grandchildren, one brother, one sister, and a host of friends.
She always lived a life of love and devotion at home and was ever ready to help those in need.
Words cannot express the Christlike spirit manifested in her life during the long months of suffering that preceded her death.
Although not united with any church, yet she was united with the true vine of which the Heavenly Father is the husbandman.
The funeral was held on last Wednesday, Oct. 25, from the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Loucks, at Ogontz. Rev. Rupert of Berlin Heights had charge of the services.
Francis P. Connor died at the home of his son Saturday morning Oct. 26, 1912. Mr. Connor was stricken with paralysis about a week ago which time he was taken to the home of the son. He soon became unconscious from which time he never recovered. Mr. Connor’s wife died about two years ago since which time he had lived alone. He was well known and well-liked by all who knew him. He was of a cheerful and happy disposition. A man sprightly active for his advanced years, as he passed his 81st birthday.
The funeral was held on Monday at 1 o’clock from the home of the son, the services were conducted by Rev. Eddy, pastor of the Cong’l church.
The floral tributes were beautiful.
He leaves besides relatives, a host of friends to mourn his departure.
Frank Charles Wilmore was born in Cleveland, August 9, 1884. He was united in marriage to Sarah S. Parsons, Dec. 31, 1905. He died Oct. 22, 1912, after short sickness.
The funeral was held Friday, Oct. 25, 1912, Rev. Williams of the Congregational Church officiating.
Those attending the funeral from out of town were: Mr. And Mrs. H. L. Wilmore and son, Mr. and Mrs. Alton Arey, Mr. and Mrs. George Wilmore, Mr. Mrs. Ed Wilmore and family, Mrs. Himmellman, Miss Himmellman, Mrs. Wolf, Mr. and Mrs. Frank George, and Mr. D. H. Parsons of Cleveland; Mrs. Alva Parsons of Oberlin; Mrs. A. R. Parsons of Wakeman; Mrs. Geo. Hines of Ravenna and Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Nuhn of Sandusky.
MY AUNT & UNCLE:I came across this clipping while working on a project pertaining to my Aunt Alice (my mother's sister). Some older Vermilionites may remember both she and her husband Ferl Lindsay as well as their children Janet and David.
…session of a magnificent structure on the corner of Miami avenue and Jefferson street.
For any additional, information the reader is kindly referred to the general chapter on church organizations.
The Germans became thrifty and monopolized many branches of industry. The "Stoss-seufzer" of the English nativistic press in those days, that they were irresistible in annexing trade and manufactures was called for. As the Germans before 1830 excelled in agricultural pursuits, they now had become a potent factor in the diverse branches of industry. The brewing business is exclusively in the hands of Germans in Erie county. The Kuebeler Brothers, Frank Stang and Anton Ilg have become wealthy in this trade.
The fish, wine and lime business is likewise controlled by Germans. Most of the representative firms have started out years ago on a small scale and become prosperous beyond expectation.
The capital invested in the fish business by Adolph & Zollinger, Simeon Schacht, A. J. Stoll, Lay Brothers, Fruechtenicht & Nielson & Arend Brothers; in the wine business by Engels & Krudwig, Wm. Alstaetter, John G. Dorn, Conrad Ernst, August Guenther, M. Hommel, Morris Link, Edw. Mooss, Edw. Steuck, John Strobel and Albert Textor; in the lime manufactory by Daniel Kunz and the Ohlemacher Brothers represents more than a million of hard cash and provides bread and butter for many a hundred of families.
To facilitate business the Germans organized in September 16, 1872, the Third National Bank, a prosperous and almost exclusive German institution, electing L. Cable as president, Philip Graefe, vice-president; George Anderson, cashier; Christ F. Schoepfle, Dr. Donahoe and Jacob Engles, directors.
Lorenz Cable was born 1823, March 20, in the village of Siegen, Elsass, and came to America in the spring of 1843. He worked as a cabinetmaker for David Moort, Bellevue, O., till spring of the next year, when he wended his way to Sandusky, where he resided for nearly forty-five years. On his arrival in this city, he found a place open in H. F. Merry's cabinet shop, and subsequently in Charles Zollinger's and the old Mad River Railroad Shops. In 1856 he embarked with John Bricht in the boot and shoe trade. He has become possessed of great wealth. In 1872 he was elected as president of the Third National Bank, a position he holds to this day. The capital stock of this bank is $200,000, with a surplus of $34,000.
L. Cable resides with his second wife on the corner of Monroe and Lawrence Streets.
Jacob Engels was born 1799, in Solingen, Germany, and emigrated in 1848, making Sandusky his home in the year following. He became quite wealthy in the wine business. He always took an active part in organizing societies that aimed to cultivate and preserve the German language in song and speech. He died November 6, 1875.
ARTIFACT CATCHERS: Pictured here are two of several instruments I make use of on a daily basis: Thumb Drive and Camera. I have found that the thumb drives (by and large) work better for storage of data (photos, etc.) than disks. Contrary to what some may think the disks do degrade in time. The thumbs are also easier to store. Also many of the new computers no longer have disk players.
The camera is one of several that I use. As is obvious it is very small. I attached a piece of Velcro on the bottom and others on the dashboard and backseat of my truck. This allows me to attach the camera to either and record while I’m driving. It’s an interesting process. But I’m not precisely sure how I’ll eventually use such recordings. They’re fun. They’re interesting. But the recordings themselves need be used in larger productions.
I’m just learning. Or I should say, I’m always learning.
Morris walks out into the street and manages to get a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says, "Perfect timing. You're just like Dave."
"Who?"
"Dave Aronson. There's a guy who did everything right. Like my coming along when you needed a cab. It would have happened like that to Dave."
"There are always a few clouds over everybody," says Morris.
"Not Dave. He was a terrific athlete. He could have gone on the pro tour in tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sanglike an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star."
"He was something, huh?"
"He had a memory like a trap. Could remember everybody's birthday. He knew all about wine, which fork to eat with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and I black out the whole neighborhood."
"No wonder you remember him."
"Well, I never actually met Dave."
"Then how do you know so much about him?" asks Morris.
"Because I married his widow."
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 35 - October 31 2020
Archive Issue #920
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant