Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: Sometimes things don’t go the way I want. Now ain’t that a big surprise?
This week I need to have the copy machine at the museum serviced. It was. But somehow the tech who serviced it disengaged the small connection to some LED lights in the front window. So…
I tried (to no avail) reconnect the lighting. And to do accomplish this I had to move stuff around. And in moving this stuff the whole office looked like a small tornado came through it.
I hope – by the time this is published the lights are working and the place is put back in order.
One good thing about it is that I was forced to place things in better order. And they will remain that way until I begin fixing something else.
Also, the heat went off again in the building. And the guy came and re-lit the pilot on the boiler. But the problem (he believes) is due to the fact that there is no cap on the chimney.
Hopefully, that, too, will be fixed by the time this is published. (Unless something else goes awry.)
ON THE DESKTOPS: This week are pix of the Vermilion Harbor. The black & white pic on the shoptop is the oldest c.1905. As is obvious, the lighthouse is seen at the end of the west breakwall. And what some folks didn’t know is that at one time there was a catwalk on that pier.
You may also note that the eastern wall appears to be in the process of construction. I believe that both breakwalls were built and rebuilt upon over the years. There had to be a great deal of stone laid to keep them in place.
On my home desk is another view of the harbor – looing the other direction. This pic is actually from one of my grandfather’s color slides from around 1943-44. I date it from the water-towers in the distance. The newer tower (new then) was built when Leonard Osberg was the Village Mayor (1940-45). The other tower (I never saw when it existed) was a train tower when the steam locomotives still ran through town.
This pic affords a nice view of the fish houses that once ran almost the entire length of the river from the waterworks to the bridge.
It’s a nice picture – a rare one.
OPEN & STILL SO CLOSED -BUT TRUDGING ALONG: 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.
I really wish to thank those kind persons who have already contributed to our cause. While I do keep working everyday at the museum (the radio people on "Folk Alley" keeping me company) I do miss the old days - when the sign on the door read "OPEN". We are in hopes that by early spring that will happen. In the meantime visit this page, the Theatre Page and my personal Facebook page for updates - historic and otherwise. Merry Christmas. And please stay well.
Historically,
EVENING AT THE TARRANT HOME: I have very few photographs of my mother and father together - as I would remember them. This candid snapshot of them is one that I have been struggling to improve for a number of years. The quality is terrible. But I finally came across one copy that wasn't too bad.
Here my mother and father sit near the dining room table working. This, with a number of exceptions, is the way I remember our home. My father is seated nearly atop the natural gas furnace that was located in the floor. while Mom reads at the table. Both have a cup of tea near by. My father, for whatever reason, seldom drank much coffee. Tea was his beverage.
The room to the right was the den. There is a single bed in the photo. I'm guessing that it was there because my brother Al, at one time, was sick with Scarlet Fever and was nursed back to health in that room. The cabinet radio is a device that held the attentions of the whole family - day and night. It was, like today's televisions the primary source of news and entertainment. Persons who visit the Vermilion History Museum will note that I have a cabinet radio in the parlor of the apartment. It is something that holds some of my most precsious memories of childhood.
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.
Keep an eye out for my Xmas video.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY: I originally wanted to use this particular photograph during the Christmas season. But as fate would have it that seemed to be a busy time for the VPJ. Every group and organization were usually having a party, a sale, or something and there was rarely a great deal of room for trivial matters of this nature. So! I wished Vermilion a Merry Christmas in July.
Anyway, step back into time with me, friends. Vermilion about 1912. Grand Street between the railroad tracks and Ohio Street became a veritable pond of mud when it rained. In the summer the city oiled the streets to keep the dust down. The sidewalks (where they existed) were made of wood. Electric lights were the coming thing in town. It began slowly with streetlamps downtown and then crept forward into various shops on the bustling thoroughfares of Liberty, Division, and Main streets. Then private homes were getting wired for lights. Those with those devices became used to the fact that every time the new electric streetcars / interurbans climbed the Liberty hill heading west from the depot on the corner of Exchange Street all the lights in town dimmed as the electric trains strained for more power.
Atop the offices of The Vermilion News on Grand Street the Roscoe girls, Ella and her little sister, Alice, along with their cousin gather around the tree in their apartment. The girl's father, Pearl, sets up his camera in the living room and - poof! - recorded the moment for the benefit of future generations.
My grandfather (Pearl Roscoe) took many photographs in and around Vermilion from about 1900 until his death in 1946. Most of those pictures became illustrations on penny postcards sold at The News Gift Shop run by my grandmother, Bessie, down on Liberty Street. Many of these photographs were doctored by professionals for various reasons. Some were transformed into nighttime pictures, and in others, people, cars, horses, and sundry other items were added to gain the interest of prospective buyers. More than a few of them are currently being sold on the internet site, eBay, for fees I view as being quite astounding. For if the truth be known, the cards are so common that their true value is not much more than their original price.
This Christmas photo is not, obviously, one that found its way to an eBay collection. Nor will it ever. I find this to be one of the most beautiful, and telling, photographs ever taken by Roscoe. While there is, of course, a great deal of personal value in this picture for both myself and my family, there is also much to be said for it without knowing any of the parties in the picture.
A candlelit Christmas Tree on the most magical day of a youngster's life. The baby doll and small presents on the long-needled tree decked out with a single silver garland and a great big star at the top begs one for a further picture and to hear the happy voices of the children as they unwrapped their gifts minutes later.
Nearly a century has passed since that day. Everyone in the picture is gone now, except Alice. She has seen nine decades pass by, and one can bet that few to none of the Christmases she has seen has been thus memorialized, frozen in time. [Note: Alice has since the writing of this article gone on to the next life.] This, in essence, is a belated Christmas gift from our family to Vermilion.
Caught in the eye of Roscoe's camera lens is a past generation of people and children looking toward the future. It is a gift of sharing, faith, and optimism for that which is to come. I knew it was only July. But again, from my family to all of you, Merry, Merry Christmas!
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...
Judge Sloane in the probate court, Wednesday vested Frances Parsons, as guardian of Dean H. Quigley, a minor, with authority to set settle a claim for damages against the Lake Shore Ry. Co., and settlement will probably be affected.
The applicant represented to the court that Mary A. Quigley, who owns a two thirds interest in a lot in Vermilion, damaged by the railway company, as a result of a grade change, was about to settle for $466.66, and expressed a desire for authority to settle upon the same basis, for $233.33, the claim of her ward, who owns the remaining one third interest.
The damage described by the guardian is the result of track extensions made by the Lake Shore in Vermilion and vicinity. – REG.
A. L. Howard, Barber, ordered imprisoned for 30 days and to pay the costs of prosecution for having failed to obey an order of Common Pleas Judge Stahl, to provide for a wife and family at Berlin Heights, was taken to Toledo workhouse Monday by Sheriff Reuter.
Miss Martha Wagner entered the Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland last week and on Saturday underwent an operation. At last report she was recovering as fast as can be expected.
The remains of Mrs. Sophia Dregert who died in Elyria Wednesday were brought to Amherst Friday afternoon and interred in the Cleveland St., Cemetery.
The funeral of John Northeim was held on Tuesday afternoon at 1 o’clock from the home, Rev. E. A. Robb, officiating. A widow and one daughter and two sons and a brother are left to mourn their loss.
Walter Albright, of Birmingham was accidentally shot Monday afternoon by Thomas Fazey, Sr., of S. Amherst, as Albright was driving from Amherst and was near the Central school building, when he was struck by several shot which were intended for a chicken in a nearby field. One shot going through his nose, two grazing his forehead and two struck his cheek and one lodged just under his eye.
The work of lighting the town by streetlamps is well underway.
Mr. and Mrs. Jake Berk and Mrs. H. H. Berk of Vermilion were in town one day last week.
In order that it may deliver material to be used in the construction of the Cedar Point Co’s. automobile roadway, the Lake Shore Electric, within the next few days, will begin the construction of the siding from its mainline near Rye Beach, to the right of way over which the auto road will be constructed. The siding may have been extended almost to Cedar Point resort ere the roadway is completed.
On last Friday the new Carnegie library at Milan was formally dedicated. The library was started some 35 years ago by a subscription of $50 which 100 books were bought.
The property of the Norwalk Reflector was put up for sale by the Huron Co. Sheriff on Saturday. Not a bid was received. The property was appraised at $15,500, requiring a two thirds bid, $11,000, there is a judgment of $17,000 against it.
Helen M. Rose was born in Vermilion Nov. 28, 1840, died in Sandusky, Dec. 12, 1912, at the age of 72 years and 22 days. The most of her life was spent in Vermilion, except about 13 years which was spent in Henderson, Ky.
She united with the congregational church at an early age and was always a faithful member and active worker.
She leaves four children, Paul Brumitt of Toledo, Walter Brumitt of Vermilion, and Mrs. Georgia French, of Cleveland, and Mrs. Vernon Ross, of Wellington; also a twin sister, Mrs. Harriet Skinner who lives in Sandusky, and a brother, Mr. George Andrews, of this place, together with eight grade grandchildren.
The body was brought to the home of her son Walter Brumitt Saturday evening and the funeral held at the Cong’l church Monday at 11 o’clock, Rev. W. K. Williams officiating. Interment made at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Meats for Christmas. Prompt delivery. George Krapp market.
The first real snowstorm of the season Wednesday night and Thursday.
Mrs. Jonathan Lumley has returned home after a stay of several weeks at a sanitarium.
Mr. Clarence Kishman and Lottie B. Marsh attended the production of the “White Squad” at the Lorain opera house last Saturday evening.
Mr. Willard of Ada came last evening to the to be the guest of his daughter, Mrs. A. L. Irey and family. Mrs. Willard who has been here the past few weeks has been quite ill for several days past.
Early Friday morning relatives here received word of the death of Mrs. Helen Rose which occurred suddenly at the home of her sister, Mrs. Skinner at Sandusky. Mrs. Rose has been nearly helpless the past few years owing to a stroke of paralysis.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. William Nuhn a daughter, Saturday, Dec. 14, 1912.
Leave your orders for Xmas ice cream Hart’s drugstore.
Another closely contested basketball game between the young men of the Congregational and Methodist churches on last Saturday afternoon, resulted in a score of 15 to 12 in favor of the Methodists.
Just received our Christmas trees. All sizes from 6 to 10 ft. high, price is right. – Unser & Seeley.
Miss Helen French who for the past few years has been making her home in Cleveland has returned to Vermilion and will make her home with Rev. W. K. Williams and family.
Miss Minnie Wolfi had the misfortune to be bitten by a dog Monday.
Mrs. M. Lee is reporting quite ill suffering from an attack of pneumonia.
Isaac Skinn was born at Legburn near Holford, Lincolnshire, England, in the year 1854 and died Dec. 14, 1912, at his home in Florence Ohio. He came to this country about 28 years ago. He was united in marriage to Alice Horn about 23 years ago. He has three sisters, Helen, Elizabeth, Mary and brothers John and Peter. The deceased has been in ill health for the past three months. Everything was done that human skill could do, but with all he gradually weakened until the end came, while expected, yet suddenly. He was highly respected by neighbors and friends. He was a man of stability and integrity, honored and loved by all who knew him. He joined the order of Maccabees in 1902. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church quite early in life and had made considerable progress in the knowledge of God’s word. He has been for the most part regular attendant of the church when opportunity permitted. He leaves to mourn his demise, a beloved wife and daughter, besides many other relatives and friends. Funeral was held Tuesday at 1 P.M. from the Florence M. E. Church, conducted by Rev. A. G. Rupert.
Christmas exercises will be held at the Advent church on Xmas Eve. Everyone invited to attend these exercises.
Mrs. Wm. Frisby had the misfortune to fall from her buggy on last Thursday and fractured her wrist, besides other injuries.
Peter Ruth is seriously ill at his home here.
Miss Emelia Zilch is reported to be ill.
Miss Alberta Lynn has been unable to attend school this week because of sickness.
ANOTHER SAD DAY: Mrs. Baumhart played a precious part of the legacy of the Baumhart family. I do remember her. And I am certain that others do as well.
…proved the rock on which the founders of the enterprise, the Hollisters, were wrecked. In 1837 an effort was made to purchase the iron, to be used in building the road, in England, and for that purpose James K. Campbell was sent to negotiate; but this effort was unsuccessful. The bed was finally completed as far as Monroeville, a distance from Sandusky of sixteen and one-half miles. It was operated as early as 1837, but the motive power used was horses, with which regular trips were made between these points. The rails were of hard wood, and as no great speed was acquired or desired this primitive method answered very well for a time.
The State rendered considerable substantial aid in the construction of this old road, which was completed and put in operation under the presidency of Burr Higgins. Its results, however, were not very satisfactory from a financial point of view, therefore a reorganization became necessary, to which reference has already been made. The stock, which was considered of little value, was bought up, and by the results of the lease, virtually to the Baltimore and Ohio Company, bids fair to be of some considerable value in the future. The road is now earning an excess above interest on its bonded indebtedness.
The line of this road through Sandusky formerly and for some years lay through Franklin street, but it was subsequently changed to Warren street The old residents of the city will remember the old depot of the Monroeville and Sandusky City Company, that was located about in front of the old Lake House on Water street.
The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway proper was created or formed by the union or consolidation of other lines of road having an existence prior to the year 1869. And inasmuch as this is, undoubtedly, the most important railway now passing through Erie county, a brief mention of the several corporations from which it was formed will not be considered inappropriate in this connection.
The first union occurred by the consolidation of the Buffalo and State Line Railroad (extending from the City of Buffalo, N. Y. State, west to the State Line of the State of Pennsylvania, distance of sixty-eight miles), with the Erie and Northeast Railroad (extending from the Pennsylvania State Line to the city of Erie, a distance of twenty miles), under and in pursuance of laws of the States of New York and Pennsylvania, in the year 1867, and became known as the Buffalo and Erie Railroad Company
And the consolidation of the Cleveland, Painesville and Ashtabula Railroad (extending from Erie, Pa., to Cleveland, O., a distance of ninety-five miles), with the Cleveland and Toledo Railroad (extending from Cleveland to Toledo, a distance of one hundred and thirteen miles), with a branch or northern division of the latter road extending from Elyria twenty-six miles west of Cleve-…
THE REASON OKAGI'S WAS POPULAR: In the days before pre-packaged restaurant food I am astounded that any restaurant could have had such an extensive menu. How did they have all these items available without the cooking equipment we enjoy today? And not only did they offer these things - they were good.
A teacher was helping one of her kindergarten students put his boots on.
He asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn't want to go on.
When the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, "Teacher, they're on the wrong feet."
She looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off then it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on - this time on the right feet.
He then announced, "These aren't my boots." She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, "Why didn't you say so?" like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off.
He then said, "They're my brother's boots. My Mom made me wear them."
She didn't know if she should laugh or cry. She mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots on his feet again.
She said, "Now, where are your mittens?"
He said, "I tuffed them in the toes of my boots."
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 42 - December19, 2020
Archive Issue #927
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant