Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: Both desktop pix this week are (again) related to Vermilion Harbor.
On the shoptop is a very old pic of the harbor taken from approximately the current location of the Vermilion Water Treatment Plant looking north.
The big round-type structure in the background is the old lime kiln. And the large building on the left foreground is Tom Ball’s boathouse.
The quality of the pic leaves much to be desired. But it is nonetheless interesting.
On my home desk this week is a no less interesting pic taken at the foot of the west breakwall before there was much or any development (beyond the lime kiln and Ball’s boathouse) along the river at the point. Late Ted Wakefield sr. would build a nice home in that vicinity.
I must confess that I like wildness of it. And I recall a time when near the beach below F.W. Wakefield’s home close by the weeks grew to three feet. My friend (late Stu White) and I used to scout for “smoke-wood” in the area and secretly take a few puffs before coughing (a lot).
Them was the days.
This week has been – well – unusual. Sometimes I’ve felt like I’ve achieved something. And then, it feels like I’ve taken ten steps back.
We’re still having problems with the boiler at the museum. One guy tells me I need something – and another tells me I need something else. I don’t believe they’re stupid or conniving. I just think “I don’t know”. That’s what happens when you’re the supposed “boss”.
The computer at the museum was doing things that bothered me, so I upgraded to a new operating system. Now that, I know, can be problematic. And it has been.
I’ve been using the same flatbed scanner for about nine years. It’s not a real expensive thing. It’s an Epson GT-1500 batch scanner, and it’s worked like a champ for all those years. But the upgrade required an upgrade software “driver”.
After sleeping on it – I figured how to get things nearly back to normal.
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,
WM. ROSCOE TARRANT: This is a photo-sketch adapted from an early pic of my eldest brother Bill. He was born in 1928 and bit the dust (as old cowboys used to say) in 2015. He was 16 years old when I came into the world and this is the way I remember him when I was his pardner. As is obvious – I looked up to him.
He and my sister Nancy had horses. I was so proud of them when they rode them into town (you could do that back then). All the kids in the neighborhood would gather to see them.
Through the years he was a soldier, a printer, a fireman, a husband, father and grandfather – all of those things. But he was also my Big Brother Billy. What more can I say?
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.
HEART,HARBOR & ANOTHER NEW YEAR: This photo presentation says more than words. So I'll leave it at that. Have a happy and healthy New Year!
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...
DIED – Suddenly Tuesday afternoon about 4 o’clock, J. W. Leidheiser, at his home on South Street.
Mr. Leidheiser had been in poor health for a number of years and confined to his bed the last week but was not thought seriously ill. He was 60 years of age and leaves a wife and several other relatives. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 o’clock from the home.
Orlando, Fla., Dec. 16, 1912 – Ed. News:
Dear Sir: I must write you a few lines and tell you how I find found sunny Florida. It has been very warm here, mostly 75 to 82 in the shade. I find that Orlando has prospered in most everything.
H. L. Beeman has built a $50,000 house, and the semi – Italian style of architecture. The furnishings are beautiful and in harmony with the general style. It is one of the finest in the state. In fact, Orlando is one of the most beautiful spots in Florida.
There is a bumper crop of fruit here this season and the packinghouses are busy both night and day to supply the holiday market.
Yesterday I was joyriding all over the city and must say it is wonderful how the northern people are building here, and such fine buildings, too.
It is a pity I could not keep our friend Harry Wakefield here any longer as I think he was improving. I tried my best to get him to stay but without success. I do not think there is better climate anywhere than here in winter. I hope he reached home in safety and is getting better.
It is beautiful here now. Roses are in bloom and the palms are of all sizes and shades.
I was in Goethe and Windermere and find that they are building up rapidly and will become the nicest spots in Florida. Six large and a number of small buildings have been built and they are just going to put an addition on a hotel and next year will finish the hotel. Anyone can take a boat at Windermere go clear to Kissimmee and from there to St. Cloud and then to Fort Myers.
I will write more next time. I am well and hope that all my friends and everybody will enjoy a Merry Xmas. My best regards to all. – N. Wagner.
The Township schools have closed for a two-week vacation.
BORN –To Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wilhelm, a son, Friday, Dec. 20, ‘12.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Romer, a daughter, Saturday, Dec. 21.
County commissioners Monday afternoon accepted the Huron Bridge after making an inspection of the structure.
The bridge, which is the biggest and costliest improvement of its kind in Erie County, was erected over the Huron River by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. There remains a balance of about three thousand dollars to be paid to this concern, and this action will be taken as soon as the Chicago company puts up a bond for that amount to guarantee the solidity of its work for a year.
The public schools closed last Friday for one week’s vacation. The seventh and eighth grades had appropriate Christmas exercises.
The union Christmas tree of the two churches were well patronized. The attendance was large. The program rendered by the M. E. School was good.
T. J. Ball received an Xmas gift which he prizes very highly. It is a large pillow of yellow and black felt with the word IONA across the front and monogram TB on the back. It was sent from a Toledo couple in remembrance of a pleasant time aboard Mr. Ball’s fine launch – Iona – last summer.
The Congregational parsonage was made the scene of a general unloading of Christmas gifts on Tuesday night and Wednesday, by the many friends of Rev. Williams and wife. No less than 125 different gifts were received, ranging from a beautiful couch down to every necessity and commodity in the home.
The pastor and his wife, as well as “Baby” Williams wish to express their sincere thanks for this exceptional and fine remembrance.
Mrs. Grace Parsons is ill with “Grip” at her home on Decatur Street.
J. Lewis has been quite ill past week at his home on Hanover Square.
The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Det Parsons who has been very ill with typhoid fever is reported getting on nicely.
Manager Schmidt of the Picture Show is having a severe time with one of his eyes. It is now thought that a piece of film from the picture machine lodged in his eye.
The fish tugs, Ames and Driscoll with their crews returned from Fairport on Christmas Eve. Those tugs have been very successful in recovering most of their own and several abandoned nets since the close of the season.
A. R. Rumsey wh0 has been quite ill the past two weeks suffering from pleurisy at his Cleveland home, is reported somewhat better.
It is reported that two of our businessmen were fleeced out of $25.00 each by means of forged checks. The alleged swindle was perpetrated by a woman.
[NOTE: Go figure.]
School closed Friday for two week’s vacation.
Miss Lillian Young has been on the sick list for the past week.
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Houseman had for their Christmas guests, Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Bottomley and daughter Ethel, Mrs. Pearl Roscoe and daughters of Vermilion, Norris Welch of Florence and T. H. Bottomley of Cleveland. [NOTE: I have to wonder where my grandfather (Pearl Roscoe) was when this took place. Perhaps he was ill or visiting his side of the family in Milan???]
Mrs. Ira Denman is recovering from a heart attack of the measles.
The Xmas exercises at the A. C. Church Tuesday evening were well attended and a fine program was rendered.
IT STILL HAD NOT ENDED: The 1919 Pandemic lasted well into the following year. This is something to keep in mind.
…land to Sandusky, a distance of thirty-five miles. Also from Oak Harbor, (twenty-six miles west of Sandusky) to Millbury, near Toledo.
These two last mentioned roads were consolidated under the name of the Lake Shore Railway Company in March, 1869, under the laws of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Then the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad, extending from Toledo to the city of Chicago, Ill., a distance of two hundred and forty-four miles, was consolidated with the Lake Shore Railway Company in May, 1869, under the laws of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, under the name of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Company.
In August, 1869, the Buffalo and Erie Railroad Company was consolidated with the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Company, under the latter name, thus forming a continuous line of road five hundred and forty miles in length between the cities of Buffalo and Chicago.
This, in the main, formed the groundwork of the great Lake Shore and Michigan Southern System. It will be noticed above that mention is made of a "branch" or "Northern Division" of the Cleveland and Toledo Road. This is the line extending through Erie county, and is described above as "extending from Elyria (twenty-six miles west of Cleveland), to Sandusky, a distance of thirty-five miles."
This branch road, as it was called, was that formerly chartered as the Junction Railroad, intended to reach from Cleveland to Sandusky, and thence to Fremont. It was chartered March 2 1846 and amended so as to extend to Toledo in January, 1851. It was built during the years 1851 and 1852, but about the same time the lower division, known as the Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland Railroad was built, which road by connecting with one already in operation, reached Cleveland before the northern line was completed, and thenceforth did everything possible to obstruct the latter, among other acts to prevent the bridging of the Cuyahoga River. Then, again, the construction of the southern line /rom Toledo to Norwalk tapped the Fremont region, thus rendering unprofitable the building of the Junction Road from Sandusky to that point. The Fremont people gave it no encouragement and the project was abandoned.
After the abandonment of the plan of building to Fremont it was still necessary to have a western outlet for the Junction Road, and the idea was conceived of crossing the Sandusky Bay and running to Port Clinton, and thence west to Toledo; but in this several obstacles must be overcome. There was much opposition to building across the bay, that being navigable water; then, again, the charter did not call for a road over that route. This led to the charter granted the Port Clinton Railroad Company, and under it the road was built, though not without many difficulties and much litigation, but at last it was accomplished and put in operation.
THE HARBOR THAT NEVER WAS: I know I have more on this: I came across this metal printing plate while working in the bindery room at the museum. I knew what it was because I’d seen a print of it some time back. The problem is that I can’t find it. In any case, it’s a drawing of a prospective plan to improve Vermilion Harbor. I thought it a great idea.
It shows a breakwall in the lake that extends from the west breakwall at the river westward to an area in the lake somewhere off Decatur Street.
If built it would have formed a very nice harbor area along the lakefront where small craft / sailboats could drop anchor throughout the warm months. It would have also formed an area where water / ice sports might have taken place during the winter months.
I’ll keep searching for the article that accompanied the drawing for later publication.
A priest and pastor from the local churches are standing by the side of the road pounding a sign into the ground that reads:
"The End Is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!"
"Leave us alone you religious nuts!" yelled a driver as he sped by.
From around the curve they heard screeching tires and a big splash.
The pastor turns to the priest and asks, "Do you think the sign should maybe just say 'BRIDGE OUT'?"
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
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
Vol. 18. Issue 42 - December19, 2020
Archive Issue #927
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant