Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On the desktops this week are some nice pix of Vermilion’s first Boy Scout troop. If, perchance, you also read the “Briefs” section of this page you will find a report about the scouts (by the scouts).
Formed in 1912 they had in December of that year 26 members. In the pic on the shop desk there are 27 boys as well as the Scoutmaster Rev. W.K. Williams. I’m guessing that this was taken in the spring or summer of 1913. This pic was taken on the north side of the State Street School. In the background (right) you can see the Vermilion Feed & Grain Mill at the end of Exchange Street.
In the companion camp pic on my home desk there are only about 24 scouts as well as Scoutmaster Williams amid all the scouts holding (I’m guessing) his child.
Rev. Williams pastored at the First Congregational Church from 1912 to 1914. As I looked over the history of that church and the town, I became aware of the fact that Williams seemed to think that getting involved with the children and the community was an important part of ministry. He organized this first scout troop and was also instrumental in helping the girls organize a similar organization. He also coached high school football.
In short, Rev. W.K. Williams was a good person in and out of the church he served. Unfortunately, he became inadvertently involved in a scandal of sorts in February of 1914 while participating in a benefit fundraiser for the scouts at the Town Hall.
The event was a minstrel show. And before anyone flies off the proverbial handle and begins accusing anyone and everyone of being racist please recognize 1.) that minstrel shows in cities and towns across America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries were not uncommon. And 2.) while that does not excuse the behavior – it is not meant to. Yes, such shows perpetuated an absurd view of African Americans and were, in fact and in retrospect, wrong and disrespectful. However, and 3.) they did take place, and the fact that they did should not be hidden. They should be viewed as a shameful part of our local and national history – and should never be forgotten.
Now – what happened during the show that caused a scandal was this: One of the jokes done in the show was deemed to be an insult about another local preacher. And while that preacher was not in the audience many of his parishioners apparently were and took some umbrage.
Hearing of the slight the other preacher wrote a piece in The Vermilion News expressing his dissatisfaction with the supposed joke. And seeing that, the person who wrote the joke took responsibility for it and made a public apology.
While Rev. Williams had nothing to do with the joke, he still took some heat for it. But he survived. As did the scout troop. Vermilionite Larry E. Howell has been keeping it going for the last 30 some years.
In the “Familiar Faces & Places” section below you can see the participants in that particular show. Rev. Williams is the only person not in blackface.
WORKING IN THE COLD: 2020 has certainly been a bad year and the past few weeks have been (for me) less than stellar.
I got to work on Wednesday and discovered that the museum had no heat. The low-pressure steam boiler wasn’t working.
Just a few days earlier I had a guy check the system and everything, but the water-pressure in the building was good. So now, no heat. And getting someone in to fix the problem before everything freezes is near impossible.
But we’ll see. I hope by the time this is published the problem is eradicated. In the meantime – I’m cold.
UPDATE: A few hours later the persons who installed and serviced the system came and corrected the problem.
The pilot light had blown out. I don’t know why that might have happened. But it did. And if it continues, the tech said, they have a way to correct it.
Hip, Hip Hurrah! I’m warm again.
GETT’N DOWN: Just lately I’ve begun work in the bindery room at the museum. I removed some old shelving and have begun tossing old paper, etc. in the trash.
This allowed us to move one of the oldest machines in the building – a perforating machine (mfg.1898) – to another spot where we can put light on it for show and demonstration purposes.
It also allows access to some big heavy boxes filled with old metal photo plates that were stored under the shelves. The plates will be moved to a place where they can be sorted and cataloged.
With the plates moved to another location we’ll be able to place file cabinets in the room and that will allow us an ability to systematically store and catalog photographs and other documents making them easier to access in the future. It will also (hopefully) help unclutter the museum.
Were it not for the pandemic this might have put this off for a time. But now time is what we got.
OPEN & STILL SO CLOSED -WOW: 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.
I really thought we'd be open by now. But things got worse instead of better because some didn't believe the virus was a serious threat.
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.
I do continue to work behind the closed sign. The bindery room is a mess because I've begun work on reclaiming metal photo printing plates that have been buried for a half century. I'm also improving exhibits and storage for our numerous files. If I disappear, look for me under a pile of paper and photo plates.
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,
MINSTRELS: These are participants in the aforementioned Minstrel Show at the Town Hall in 1913. The only person not in blackface is Rev. Williams. As said, this was a fund-raiser for the scouts. Obviously this would be in bad / terrible taste if done today. But I believe it's important (historically) both locally and nationally to recognize how many persons made offensive behavior, however innocent it may have been a hundred years ago, acceptable.
I don't think we should forget it.
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 do keep on coming. Keep watching. I have just completeld a Christmas video and will launch it sometime this week. This is a nice way to spend a bit of time while waiting for the virus to get-gone.
THE END & THE BEGINNING: A PERSONAL JOURNEY: I am currently working on a video presentation that will be submitted to the Ohio Museum Association that will map out the history, creation and development of the Vermilion History Museum. I know it sounds easy. But it ain’t. When I look back at the history of the building and people who owned, lived in and operated the old weekly newspaper and print shop on Grand Street I am at a loss as to where to begin. There’s so much history there – in one building – it’s amazing. But let me give it a try. I begin at the end.
In early October in 1960 the following article appeared in area newspapers: “Vermilion, Ohio (AP) – Doors of the Vermilion News were padlocked by Internal Revenue agents Wednesday. A notice posted by agents in the window said the building housing the weekly newspaper was closed for nonpayment of income tax. William Tarrant, publisher of the News since 1946, was not available for comment.”
The announcement was a shocker for many townsfolk. The weekly had been the carrier of good and bad local news in the town for the previous 62 years. No small part of the problem had begun months earlier when Ella Tarrant, my mother and co-owner of the News, suffered a debilitating stroke. Mom had been the longtime bookkeeper and treasurer for the business while her husband Bill, my father, was publisher, printer and managing editor. When mother fell ill all were greatly concerned with her well-being. So much so that the financial side of the business was, to put it mildly, neglected.
Way back in 1716 a British actor/dramatist by the name of Christopher Bullock sagely observed that “’Tis impossible to be sure of anything but Death and Taxes”. Well in this case, mother most assuredly didn’t die. However, taxes very surely had to be paid; and they were not. Ergo, the government simply did what government does when taxes are due; they padlock doors.
Because the business was a family business and my family was a relatively large family (consisting of 8 children) the adult children and their spouses gathered together, paid the taxes and immediately formed a new corporation. This was accomplished so quickly that there was no interruption in publication of the paper or other printing services at all. But as wonderful as that is and certainly was, there was a technical development outside the walls of the shop that was conspiring against the ageing print shop. That development was namely “Photo Offset Lithography”. The News was a “letter press shop” – a quality printer. And while one can argue about printing quality all day and half the night, when it comes to the “mass” printing of books, magazines, cheaper stationary, posters and (of course) weekly newspapers, offset printing was and remains, at least financially speaking, the best way to go.
On Thursday, August 13, 1964, just before 3 a.m. my brother Al pulled the plug on the clock inside the old print shop on Grand Street just as the final edition of The Vermilion News rolled off the press. Lacking the funds to purchase equipment that might have moved the shop into the light of the second half of the 20th century, the presses were put to bed, the lights shut off, windows shuttered, and there they slept, collecting dust, for nearly the next half century.
A New Beginning: In 2011 my wife and I purchased the building as some say “lock, stock and barrel”, from my sister Nancy Alice with the intention of making it into a “working museum”. The “working museum” intent, however novel, requires expertise beyond my own and has not, thus far, been feasible. While it is still not entirely out of the question let it suffice for me to say that as I began to reacquaint myself with the building, I also began to, very literally, stumble across so much local history that my vision of the mission of the project expanded well beyond the print shop itself.
I came across nearly 500 glass and perhaps as many film photo negatives of people and scenes of Milan, Lorain and Vermilion taken by my grandfather from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. I found magazines, books, diaries, jewelry, arrowheads, photo albums, dolls, hats, gloves, large portraits, maps, furniture, pens, razors, letters, newspapers “ad infinitumly”. It took my breath away.
Since 2011, persons have donated other items that help tell the story of Vermilion’s past. Some are modestly sized items such as a 1918 VHS class ring or a token from Cloudy Noel’s ferry service. Some items are larger, such as a vintage sofa, a dining room chair from the Wagner Hotel, a Windsor fanback chair from the old Maud-Elton Hotel. There are paintings by Hattie Ries and Evelyn Walker; a piece of siding from the long-ago razed Kishman Fish Co. fish house; vintage male and female clothing; a large family portrait of the William Miller family of Axtel; mantle clocks, a lighting fixture from the F.W. Wakefield Wakefield Brass Company and Leidheiser Restaurant, menus from McGarvey’s and the Park Restaurants; all again “ad infinitumly”. Beyond all these things some persons have wanted to donate additional letter presses and printing type to the museum that we could not accept because we simply do not have the space.
When I think back to that early morning in 1964 when my brother pulled the plug on the clock at the print shop, I remember my heart falling into my stomach. I thought it was the end. But it was really only a beginning. I just couldn’t see it - yet.
Ref: © 11/29/20 RNT
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 Cedar Point Co’s title to Cedar Point Peninsula land was quieted by Judge stall, and the court of Common Pleas Friday, when the cross petition of W. C. Phelps of Cleveland, who several years ago, projected a railroad from Rye Beach to Cedar Point. The document was filed in a suit instituted by the resort company to establish its right to occupy the land in question. While the Cedar Point company will pay the cost of the suit, judgment for the amount, whatsoever it may be, was rendered in its favor, against Phelps.
Martin Tansey, 38, Vermillion and Anna Strahle, 25, Brownhelm.
T. R. Bellamy and Rufus Jacobs, proprietor for 18 months of the pool and billiard hall on Broadway between fifth and sixth streets, have dissolve partnership. Mr. Jacobs is to take over the business. Mr. Bellamy leaves next week for Florida where he is to engage in the orange raising industry. – Lorain Times Herald.
Mr. Bellamy was formally engaged in similar business here.
The Lorain, Ashland & Southern Railroad Co., of which Joseph Ramsey, Jr., this week deposed as the president of the Ann Arbor railroad, is president, was given authority Friday by the state Public service commission to issue $1,750,000 capital stock, $1,500,000 first mortgage bonds and $1,200,000 second mortgage bonds.
The money is to be used for completing a line which will connect Lake Erie at Lorain with the Fort Wayne division of the Pennsylvania at Custaloga.
Mr. Ness of Norwalk was in town Tuesday, making arrangements to open a clothing and gents furnishing store in the Fischer block. The concern will be known as the Ness Clothing Co., and it is expected that the store will be opened about the middle of March. Mr. Ness is experienced in the business and states that he expects to put in a strictly new and up-to-date line of goods.
Our organization is progressing in splendid style. We have 26 members at this time and could have more but have closed our charter list until after the beginning of the year.
At the last meeting we received two new members. They are Kenneth Bohn and Linwood Shaw.
The boys took a hike on Sunday afternoon, under the direction of scoutmaster, Rev. Williams. A jolly good time was in store for all.
One of our boys, Louis Becker, is on the sick list.
We expect to have our scout suits by Xmas.
The boys are making a determined effort to clean up the town. If observant, the boys can be seen removing paper, tin cans, bottles and unsightly objects from the streets and yards of our town. A Boy Scout stands ready and willing at all times to aid or assist anyone in need without expecting pay. Instead, he will refuse the same.
The boys of our company are demonstrating that the Scout influence makes them better in every way. Courtesy, loyalty, and cleanliness are rules of conduct strictly observed.
Wm. Parsons is reported seriously ill.
Ernest Becker is laid up, having stepped on a rusty nail.
A great number of pupils are absent from school suffering with the whooping cough.
The chicken pie supper and bazaar held by the Ladies Aid Society of the M. E. Church brought in $70.
The sanitary sewer job which has been in progress for about two years is about completed.
CEYLON
Gust Nieding is hauling logs to the sawmill. He expects to build a barn in the spring.
Joseph Millis 20, son of Vermilion Farmer, is in the Central jail under a bond of $500, charged with the theft of over a month ago of the motorcycle belonging to his chum John Eckstein, Elyria Road.
Eckstein’s machine was stolen on the night of October 28 from a shed at the rear of his home. Tracks on the ground indicated that the thief used a wagon to cart the cycle away.
Eckstein reported the theft to Lorain police, who sent descriptions of the stolen machine to nearby cities. Meanwhile Eckstein began a search on his own account. He and Millis had been chums until later the latter moved to Vermilion with his family. Eckstein wrote to young Millis, telling him of the theft of the motorcycle and asking him to be on the lookout for the machine.
Acting on a “tip”, Eckstein went to Millis’s home Sunday and found the stolen machine. Millis said he had bought the cycle in Cleveland about four weeks ago, paying $75 for it.
Eckstein rode the machine home and before criminal Judge Job he swore to an affidavit David charging Millis with the theft.
Millis was arrested at his home Sunday by Police Chief Williams and Sgt. Theodore Walker and brought to the central jail. In court Monday morning Millis maintained his innocence, repeating the story that he bought the motorcycle in Cleveland of a man he did not know.
Unable to furnish the bond set by Judge Job, Millis was remanded to jail. He will be given a hearing on Thursday morning. – Times Herald.
Erie County Has 117 Saloons. They Are Distributed As Follows:
Sandusky – 96
Huron Village – 7
Castalia – 3
Venice – 2
Milan – 3
Vermilion Village – 5
Perkins Township – 1.
W. R. Tyler, Postmaster Huron for the past 12 years died in his home there, Monday, aged 57. A wife, two sons and one daughter survive.
Go to Krapp’s market for specials.
Mrs. Henry Baxtine is quite ill at her home on Ohio Street.
John Carr was called to Coshocton, Sunday by the illness of his father, Wm. Carr. Although his illness was not thought serious his death occurred Sunday. Funeral services were held Wednesday. Mr. Carr was 71 years of age.
Norris Welch Entered the O. B. C. Monday.
The W. R. C. is packing a box of jellies and literature to send to the Soldiers Home at Sandusky.
Little Bernadette Parsons, two-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dett Parsons who was reported ill last week, is still very ill, suffering from typhoid fever. She was a little better at the last report and is hoped a run of the disease may be averted.
We are all glad to see that Mr. Walter E. Wasem is able to be about again after a severe illness.
The extreme cold weather has put a stop to the football games among the boys, but no great loss without some gain for the river has frozen over and skating is now their leading sport.
Ray Opperman is buzzing wood for Gust Ladrach on his Nuget Ridge Farm.
Mrs. Sherman Reynolds who is been ill for the past week is now improving. She is under the care of Dr. Bond.
What is men’s opinion of Bloomer Girls? They are divided.
Where did Noah keep bees? In the arc-hives.
Andrew Huttenlocker is out again after a weeks struggle with La Grippe.
Miss Hazel Humm was out of school Tuesday attending the funeral of her grandfather, Mr. David Allgood.
David Stephen Allgood son of Burwell and Weltha Allgood was born in Greenfield, O., March 18, 1841. When a small boy his parents came to Wakeman, Huron Co. O., and a little later, they brought the Nathaniel Daniels farm in Florence, Erie Co., where he lived to manhood and where both of his parents died. Then he brought home his young wife, and there was [sic] his children born. About twenty years ago he bought the farm on which he was living at the time of his death. In 1863 he closed his ear to this call of life and drum and listened to the gentle tones of Mary Elizabeth Rogers to whom he was united in marriage in March of that same year and with her passed nearly half a century of happy married life. To this union eight children were born, the oldest, a daughter dying in infancy and later another daughter was called from this life. Two daughters and four sons remained to help comfort their sorry sorrowing mother. All of the children being present at his last sickness, one of whom had not been home for the past 15 years, his home being in Utah. Mr. Allgood had not been well for several years, though seriously ill but a few days. He died Friday evening, December 5, 1912, at the age of 71 years, 8 mos, 18 days.
Besides his immediate family he leaves two brothers, and a host of friends. Mr. Allgood made a pleasant and happy home for his wife and children. Measured by this standard he was a very successful man, kind, thoughtful, helpful to those about him, to his neighbors as well as his family. Always charitable in his judgment of others, he was a man who had few if any enemies. He aimed to do good to all and harm none.
Funeral services were held from the home southwest of Florence, Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Rupert of Berlin Heights. Interment was at the Poyer Cemetery.
Mary Roberts Klady was born south of Axtel, April 8, 1859, and died at the Toledo State Hospital Sunday, December 8, 1912, at the age of 53 years and 8 mos.
Mrs. Klady had been in ill health for some time and it was thought that by treatment at the hospital she might be restored to her former health, but all efforts failed to bring about the desired end of [sic] her loved ones. She was united in marriage to L. V. Klady and to them three sons were born, Frank, Clarence and Glenn, all of whom with the father and husband survive her. She began her Christian life in girlhood and identified herself with the church of her choice. She remained faithful to her trust until the end. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to help in need. A kind and affectionate wife in a tender and loving mother.
The funeral services were held Wednesday in the Cong’l church conducted by her pastor, Rev. Johnson. Mrs. E. Darley and one daughter Jennie furnished appropriate music. The family have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.
Miss Louisa Zilch is reported on the sick list.
IT WAS AN ACCIDENT: I am one of those crime story nuts. But as interesting as this story is it really wasn't a crime. The lady got up in the night to use the outside powder room and was taken for a burglar. As my friend K. Kvach might say, "Yikes!"
267…Rush R. Sloane was made president On the 9th of January, 1868, this lease was surrendered.
In 1868, on the iith of January, by a decree of the Common Pleas of Erie county the name was changed to the Cincinnati, Sandusky and Cleveland Railroad Company, by which it is known at this day, although managed by the receiver of the Indiana, Bloomington and Western Company as a part of that system. That part of the road between Dayton and Springfield was leased for a term of ninety-nine years, renewable forever, to the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Company, in 1868. This contract of lease was negotiated by Rush R. Sloane, and it was, without doubt, the most profitable lease for the lessor company that was ever effected and executed in the State of Ohio.
About the year 1881 or 1882 the Cincinnati, Sandusky and Cleveland portion of the road was leased to the Indiana, Bloomington and Western Company. This latter corporation was operating a line of road extending from Indianapolis, Ind., to Springfield, O., and desirous of obtaining a lake connection, leased the part above named and made it a portion of their system. Some months ago, however, the Indiana, Bloomington and Western Company became insolvent, and a receiver was appointed, and since that event the Cincinnati, Sandusky and Cleveland as well as the Indianapolis, Bloomington and Western Company has been operated by the receiver of the general Indiana, Bloomington and Western System.
This company embraces three others of much earlier organization, which, with the dates of their charters, respectively, were as follows : The Monroeville and Sandusky City Railroad Company, chartered March 9, 1835; the Mansfield and New Haven Railroad Company, chartered March 12, 1836, and the Columbus and Lake Erie Railroad Company, chartered March 12, 1845.
The two first named were united under the name of the Mansfield and Sandusky City Railroad Company; and that, in turn, consolidated with the Columbus and Lake Erie Company, and became known as the Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark Railroad Company, on the 23d of November, 1853. In the year 1856 the road was sold and then reorganized, retaining, however, the former name. On February 13, 1869, the road was pleased to the Central Ohio Railroad Company, and the Baltimore and Ohio' Company guaranteed and assumed the covenants of the Central Ohio Railroad Company. The road extends from the city of Sandusky to Newark, O., a distance of one hundred and sixteen miles.
The work of construction on the old Monroeville and Sandusky City road was begun in the year 1835, and was, of course, necessarily slow. At a point six miles south of Sandusky the workmen encountered a ridge of slate, and this…
RARE COLOR Few persons think of color photos as being unusual now, but in the mid-1940s they were. This photograph of Vermilion's First Congregational Church on Division (now Main) Street is a rare one. My grandfather who had been a photography buff since he was a very young man began taking color Kodak slide pix as soon as he had a camera that would allow it. He died in the early months of 1946 but he managed to get a few shots off before biting the proverbial dust.
Two old women were sitting on a bench waiting for their bus. The buses were running late, and a lot of time passed. Finally, one woman turned to the other and said, "You know, I've been sitting here so long, my butt fell asleep!'
The other woman turned to her and said "I know! I heard it snoring!"
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.
DAVE’S NEW BOOK: Views readers might remember Dave Schwensen’s humor column, “Something To Laugh About” that ran in the Vermilion Photojournal, Sandusky Register and others. Dave has chosen 144 of the columns that he still thinks “are funny” and compiled them into his new book of the same name. It’s available through Amazon.com and other online sellers in paperback and eBook. If you’re interested in a signed copy click on Dave’s email @ DAVE.
To purchase the book on Amazon click here: SOMETHING TO LAUGH ABOUT
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 41 - December12, 2020
Archive Issue #926
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