Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On the desktops this week are two very rare Vermilion related posters.
The “Faze Four” poster on my home desk is the oldest of the two. I am unable to date it with any accuracy. But I recognize the site. When I was younger it was originally known as “The Note”. It was built on the former site of the Ruggles Beach Dance Hall at Mitawanga. I guestimate that it’s from the mid to late 1960s. I don’t recognize the disc jockey’s name.
The poster on the shop top this week is one I made several years ago (just for the heck of it). It was of Vermilion and for Vermilion. The water-tower and bridge along the Vermilion River (to me) are some of the most memorable sites in the town. I find the numerous pix of the light at the foot of Main Street to be an obviously pretty but very shallow representation of the city.
But lately I’ve begun to question my own opinions. Maybe I’m just stupid. But if so, I’ll probably never really know. And that’s gotta be a good thing.
PBS:I do hope that some folks have been watching PBS television lately. Some of the productions have focused in on Germany just prior to WW2. The historical information provided is really relevant in our world currently.
OPEN & STILL 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 7000 per day new cases). Ergo, we remain closed.
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,
BY THE WAY: This is not a Halloween picture. I’m not trying to scare anyone. This is me on my 76th birthday (11/08). I wanted a record of it because I really didn’t think I’d get this far. I’m wearing my Covid-19 beard and moustache. When the virus is gone, I’ll be clean shaven again.
One of my childhood friends, Tom Boone (1943-2002), used to tell me how amazed he was that while I seemed always inclined to fall into (to be polite) “a sewer” I always came out smelling like a rose. Tom could, at times, be embarrassingly perceptive. But if true, it was not something of which I was never conscious. Like a real time Mr. Magoo I’ve always just gone my way.
Perhaps (I phillsophize again) that’s been a good thing.
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 - and they keep on coming. Keep watching.
THE WOOLSON SPICE CO: A few summers ago (with a little help from my friends, relatives, and sundry other acquaintances) all the “treasures and junk” that had been collecting dust in the attic at the VNPS museum for the last 110 years were carried down the narrow stairway, inspected and dispatched – each according to its condition and importance. Among all these items was an old coffee crate that someone – perhaps my great-grandfather – fashioned into a footlocker of sorts by placing four porcelain caster wheels on the bottom and a nicely padded cover on the lid. Despite the fact that time had ravaged the cover underneath the blanket of dust that covered all it is a rather attractive article [pictured]. Inside are some rather fragile women’s bloomers and housedresses once popular in the early decades of the last century. For the time being they will remain entombed in the crate / footlocker so kindly provided by the Woolson Spice Co.
The Woolson Spice Company of Toledo, Ohio was incorporated and opened for business on the first day of July in 1882. Its founder was Alvin Mansfield Woolson. Born on a farm in Huron, Erie County Ohio on 2 October 1841 he grew up on a farm and attended a country school. He received his first business training as a youngster in a country store in rural Erie County.
When the American Civil War commenced he enlisted in the First Regiment Ohio Voluntary Heavy Artillery (formerly the 117th Regiment of Infantry Ohio Volunteers. During the war he served under Gen. W.T. Sherman in the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. Following the war he spent a number of years in the Wild West as an employ of the Union Pacific Railway. In those times railroad building in the Great Plains was precarious business. It often required arduous interactions with tribes of less than gracious Native Americans.
Surviving that adventure Woolson returned to Erie County, Ohio and opened a store in Berlin Heights. In the early 1870s he married a Erie County farm girl named Frances D. Tillinghast. Removing to Toledo in 1876 with her parents and brother Mr. Woolson came up with an idea that would make him both wealthy and a highly respected entrepreneur.
In those days nearly all food articles were sold in their natural state and in bulk. Coffee, for instance, was purchased in its green state then roasted in a pan and stirred by hand to prevent burning. And most spices were sold in berry form then ground by hand in a mill. Woolson proposed pre-roasting the coffee, and then packing it in one-pound packages, airtight and unground. This concept of pre-roasting and grinding for sales in small packaging revolutionized the entire grocery business.
In 1896 a ruthless businessman named H.O. Havemeyer bought the company for over two million dollars [55 million in today’s currency] and nearly destroyed the company by 1905 losing more than 15 million dollars. But no matter. The now-retired Woolson remained active in the community for the remainder of his life. He was a member of numerous clubs and organizations in the area including The Firelands Historical Society. He often frequented a palatial country estate he kept near his childhood home between Huron and Berlin Heights. He died on July 6, 1924 in Toledo.
© rnt April 12, 2014
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...
Barnie Hockinettle, a bridge boss on the work being done on the L. S. & M. S. Ry., here and whose home is in Fremont, was struck by a fast train Friday, just as he d alighted from his car. One of his legs was broken and he was badly bruised and shaken up. Later he was taken to his home. It is reported that he was soon to retire having been in the service of the road for a number of years.
The death of Mrs. E. J. Aubill, whose husband has been in the employ of E. B. Welch for a number of years, is reported at the home of her parents, at Baltic, Ohio, on Saturday night, November 16th. Mrs. Welch was among those who attended the funeral Tuesday. It will be remembered that Mrs. Aubill has been ill for several years past and some little time ago she went to Baltic stay with her parents.
Be sure and come to the assembly room of the Town Hall tonight and learn from one of Mr. Chapin’s engineers why and how the Council will spend money in building the much-needed sewer. Don’t forget to come. It’s important.
Henry Ries who is decorating the interior of the Brownhelm Congregational church, fell from a scaffold Tuesday and was incapacitated from work, although able to be about town.
Lonnie Williams of Berlin Heights obtained a divorce from L. J. Williams, of Toledo, and the common pleas court, Monday morning. Her husband has been guilty of willful desertion for four years, according to the testimony of the plaintiff. The case was uncontested.
Judge Stahl, in the court of common pleas Friday, granted Arthur B. Bacon a divorce from Mayme Bacon, on grounds of willful absence for more than three years. According to the husband, who was the only witness in this case, Mrs. Bacon has persistently refused to live with him.
Mrs. Thomas who lives about 2 miles east of town brought a fine lot of strawberries into the local market one day last week. While the crop was not heavy, they were well worth caring for and delicious.
[NOTE: I find this unusual. Stawberries in November?]
H. H. Patton, Ice Dealer, is taking time and opportunity by the forelock. He has been at Bankers, Mich. where he has acquired a lease on property on a lake which will insure enough supply of first-class ice in case the home supply fails.
[NOTE: Again. This is a bit of interesting news; Patton making sure of Vermilion’s ice supply. Patton was, at one time, the town’s iceman. But at some time he also partnered with Ed. Lampe at Southwest Fish where Romp’s is today (2020).]
Mrs. Fred Will met with an accident last week which for a time cause considerable anxiety. As she and Mr. Will were returning from the old homestead one evening and getting over a fence jumped on a rusty nail receiving a severe wound. On her arrival home she did dress the wound as best she could. She suffered chills during the night and for two or three days did not become alarmed until the fifth day when decided symptoms of lockjaw appeared. She placed herself under the care of Dr. Boss of Birmingham and Tuesday evening was pronounced out of danger.
Thelma Blanchet was absent from school last week on account of sickness.
Hazel Smith has withdrawn from grade four on account of removing from town.
The 7th and 8th grades are experimenting to see if they can grow corn in sawdust.
William Colburn while at the well for a bucket of water was shot through the ear by some hunters in a nearby woods.
The Broughton brothers have just built a new kitchen with other improvements which makes a cozy little bungalow.
Hunting is not allowed in this township by outsiders and the people can rest in peace, as other yrs. the bold hunter would shoot a rabbit at people’s backdoors, or if they wanted a chicken dinner in their camps, would not stop for just one chicken if a fine turkey was handy he was he was their meat. Many thanks to the people of Brownhelm who put a stop to this.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fountain, a daughter, Thursday, Nov. 14, 1912. Frank Wesbacher was quite badly injured Monday. He was at work on ta barn for Mr. Wood of Brownhelm he fell from the roof injuring his ankle.
The funeral of Godfrey Koppley was held Sunday afternoon, Rev. Lindenmeyer officiated and burial took place in Evergreen Cemetery.
The funeral of Alfred Harper was held on Tuesday afternoon Rev. P. H. Harding of Windham O., officiated and interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.
The funeral of the nine-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Franks was held Friday morning at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment took place at Calvary Cemetery.
The funeral of G. Kappley, 50 years, was held Sunday at 1 P.M. from his home and at 2 o’clock at St. John’s Church, Rev. Lindemeyer officiated. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Ernest Welsh, indicted on a charge of being a member of it “tarring” party at West Clarksfield was convicted in Huron Co. court last week and the five other men are awaiting trial. The grand jury has been recalled in other indictments will probably result.
Raymond Ott, age 17, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Ott died Tuesday morning at Long Beach, California, where he had been staying for his health. Tuberculosis was the cause of his death. Ralph Ott, a brother, was with him at the time he died and Carl Ott, the oldest brother left for California, on Monday night. He was notified of his brother’s death at Chicago, Tuesday morning. The body will be shipped to Elyria where the funeral will be held. – Ely. Telegram.
Col. Roosevelt will continue to be a highly useful citizen.
Only one aviator was killed last week. We are improving.
Never count your Bullmoose before they are hatched.
[NOTE: I know this refers to Roosevelt, but I don’t know the spirit behind the sentiment. Time will tell.]
Dr. B. F. Bond was a Forrest City visitor Tuesday.
Born – to Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Wallace, a son, Friday, Nov. 15, 1912.
Jay Stephens and family visited his brother Andrew Schisler at Florence the latter part of last week.
[NOTE: This is a curious report. I wonder how Mr. Stephens and Mr. Schisler were related. I realise there can be several explanations. But I’m still curious. I have some idea as to who both were and wonder what the connection might be.]
Mr. Harry Wakefield leaves for Orlando, Fla., Monday morning to spend the winter and expects to return about the first of June.
Capts. Moody, Gegenheimer and Geo. Young laid up their boats for the season and returned to their homes this week.
Conductor Canfield of the L. S. E. car No. 14, was badly bruised when a baggage car leaving Lorain at 4:30 Monday morning crashed into his car, which was on an open spur near Vermilion. The cars were badly damaged. No passengers were injured.
C. Schwensen, proprietor of the local Bakery, returned Tuesday from a two weeks hunting trip in the vicinity of Newberry, Mich. Two deer are trophies of his hunt. He will have them mounted. Mrs. Geo. Sahl who has been suffering with a severe case of blood poisoning in her hand for the past two weeks is on the way to recovery, although it will be sometime before she is able to use her hand. DeBee Barnes is reported very ill at his home west of town.
Frederick C Wickham, 72, one of the oldest newspapermen in Ohio died in his home in Norwalk Friday.
Mr. Wickham began his newspaper career with his father, the late Frederick Wickham, founder of the Norwalk Reflector, with which Fred Frederick C. Wickham was connected practically all his life.
For eight years Mr. Wickham was postmaster at Norwalk. After that service he continued his newspaper work in Norwalk until a few months ago, when he was forced to retire on account of ill health. Mr. Wickham is survived by his widow and two children, Mrs. F. H. Jones of Bay City, Texas, and Ben B. Wickham of Norwalk.
Nearly a carload of Berlinites attended the dedication at Florence Sunday.
BORN – Rev. Mrs. Eddy of this village, at Fitchville, the first of the week, a brand-new girl.
WOULD YOU BELIEVE: Would you believe that this was only 66 years ago? My how time flies.
…the leadership of Charles Baetz and Constantin Zipfel, assisted by Osterman, Motry and Wiedeman. All the German societies of Sandusky were represented; the old German pioneers were under the command of Cornelius Schnaitter. A large delegation representing the German element of Kelley Island, Middle Bass and Put-in-Bay were in line. L. Herb's State coach, drawn by four white horses came next. The president, Adam Bauer, Captain Dewald, of Mexican fame, Councilman August Kunzman, and the orator of the day. Dr. von Schulenburg, were the proud occupants. In the following carriages the members of the city council and the vice-presidents were seated, prominent among them being Messrs Lorch, Mooss, H. Rudolph, Pietchman and Wm. Brehm. A cavalry troop of a hundred men under Gottlieb Epples' command came next, followed by an endless caravan of vehicles of all descriptions, music bands and drum corps heading the subdivisions. A score of thousands of people lined the streets. In strict accordance with the program of the day, the president, Adam Bauer, introduced at the fair grounds after an overture by the Great Western Band, the orator of the day. Dr. von Schulenburg, who spoke at length about the true mission of the German element in America, defining it in masterly and well received-way. Herman Ruess made an eloquent address. The Frohsinn and Harmonie singing societies captured the immense audience by their superb rendering of patriotic songs. The Active and Social Turnvercin gave an exhibition of gymnastic exercises, Gambrinus even had a stand but may it be put on record that not a single one could be found in all this multitude, although watched with argus eyes, who did not deport himself respectfully."
May this feeble effort to put the Germans of Erie county on record, be kindly accepted by all interested.
It is now more than half a century since the first railroad was put in operation in Erie county, and in relation to this class of institutions the county enjoys the distinction of having constructed within its borders, the first railway in the State and among the first in the country.
In the year 1832 two railroad companies, each having a part of their line in Erie, or what afterward became Erie county, were chartered as follows: The Mad River and Lake Erie, and the Milan and Columbus companies, the first being chartered January 5, 1832, and the other on the 11th February following. The…
THE FINAL EDITION: I went to a good deal of trouble to capture this half pic of the final edition of The Vermilion News – August 13,1964. I tried to get the entire front page (but maybe later).
I’m working on a digital presentation to send to the Ohio Museum Association in the spring and (I think) this might be part of it.
Friends, it’s really hard (for me at least) to narrow things down to use in a video as well as to make them comprehensible to persons at-large.
I am, by and large, a writer and, therefore, accustomed to doing everything myself. And that likely makes some things more onerous than they would be for trained professionals. But I’m so interested and invested in the technological aspects, and in no hurry so I’ll just limp along.
Anyway, part of it was acquiring the image of the final edition of The News. And that is done
.
Frank always looked on the bright side. He would constantly irritate his friends with his eternal optimism. No matter how horrible the circumstance, he would always reply, "It could have been worse."
To cure him of his annoying habit, his friends decided to invent a situation so completely bad, so terrible, that even Frank could find no hope in it.
On the golf course one day, one of them said, "Frank, did you hear about Tom? He came home last night, found his wife in bed with another man, shot them both and then turned the gun on himself!"
"That's awful," said Frank, "But it could have been worse."
"How in the hell," asked his bewildered friend, "Could it have been worse?"
"Well," replied Frank, "If it happened the night before, I'd be dead now!"
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 37 - November 14, 2020
Archive Issue #922
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