Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On the shoptop this week is an old drawing that more than a few folks will likely recognize. It was taken from a large-sized volume almanac printed in the latter part of the 19th century. The book had drawings and other information about Vermillion as well as surrounding communities.
Anyway, this is the Lewis Wells home on the southwest corner of Main and Huron streets. Wells was an early Vermilion produce farmer (as is obvious in this drawing) and was later a prominent Vermilion merchant. He was born at Wells Hollow, Connecticut, February 28, 1814, and he was three years of age when the family crossed the river to claim their Vermillion homestead He died here on September 23, 1897 and is buried at Maple Grove Cemetery.
His biography also tells us that he attended the district school at Wells Corners – something I find especially interesting. This, to my knowledge refers to the place most local residents now know as Axtel, Ohio – south of town. [Exactly how this information fits in the scheme of things pertaining the history of the area c.1820 is yet an unknown to me.]
I will write more of him at a later time.
AND ON MY HOME DESK this week is another drawing from the same almanac. This pic is one that is likely familiar to many local persons. It has been published in several places over the years.
This, of course, is the entire village of Vermillion. I don’t know how accurate everything is in it – but several things caught my eye.
For instance, you might note that Exchange Street crosses the tracks behind St. Mary’s church; that Lake Street runs from Main Street to Perry Street; and that there is a street running parallel to South Street (further to the south) that does not exist. (At least not now.) That may have been Thompson Street. And this was before the Nickel Plate Railroad had been built in that area.
There’s a good deal to look at and wonder about in these old drawings.
NEVER A DULL MOMENT: While I (along with most everyone) am glad to turn my back on the year 2020 I am fully aware of the fact that turning a page on a calendar won’t make the kind of changes I (and all of us) want or need.
I was hoping that by keeping our head down and going slowly but steadily along with things at the museum that we’d be okay until this Covid thing breaks. But I guess that ain’t going to happen.
We have a leak in our boiler and the heat keeps shutting down every few days requiring our boiler folks to come and start it up every few days (except on Sundays when most, if not all, the heating companies only have one guy on the clock).
The good news is that the part (the heat exchanger) needed to repair the boiler (we bought and had it installed in 2011) is under warranty. The bad news, however, is that it’s not easy to replace so the labor is rather costly.
[A FEW DAYS LATER]I have now found that replacing the part is nearly as expensive as getting a new boiler. So, for a few moments, I was beside myself because we really don’t have enough cash for either (right now). Ergo, we’ll opt for another opinion. But I doubt that will change things much. (Note my optimism.)
In the meantime, we’ll have to use some space heaters to hopefully keep everything (included ourselves) from freezing. The temps are going to drop. If nothing else, I’ll bide my time until springtime and try to see if I can find a better solution.
Never a dull (or warm) moment.
I really wish to thank those kind persons who have 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. Have a Happy, and Safe New Year. And please stay well.
Historically,
GEORGE FISCHER & FAMILY: To be rather juvenile I can only say that this is a really cool pic of Vermilion businessman/attorney/lumber dealer/entrepreneur George Fischer with his spouse Elizabeth and children Maud and Elton.
I was told that this pic was taken in one of the rooms inside the Lakehouse (aka. the Maud-Elton) Hotel while a new Fischer home was being constructed along the river next to the lumberyard.
It is both an interesting and rare look at the man who had a significant impact on the development of Vermilion and the surrounding area during the latter part of the 19th century that lasted well into the mid-20th century – and his family.
I also gives a hint as to what life in the hotel might have been like in years past. As I said it’s really cool.
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.
ONE OF THE GREATEST FLIERS WHO EVER LIVED: The first time I saw this photograph it was my understanding that the man in the middle of the picture was none other than one of the greatest fliers who ever lived; Glenn Hammond Curtiss. I also gathered that this photo celebrated the very first plane to land in Vermilion. That information, however intriguing, is only partially true. It is very much a pictorial recording of the first plane and pilot to alight on village soil, but it is not Glenn Curtiss.
August 1914 was a rather exciting time for Vermilion villagers. A Firemen’s Convention was coming to town, and the people had been in preparation for weeks. Cheerful signs of appreciation were everywhere. Welcome banners hung across Liberty and Division (Main) Streets. American flags dressed the porches of homes and businesses along the parade route where convention attendees, in full uniform, would march behind the G.A.R. Band and Vermilion’s proudly displayed steam pumper fire engine drawn by two white horses.
Some miles to the west, at Cedar Point, Ohio, a young flier from Washington D.C. named Antony “Tony” Jannus (b. 6-22-1889) had been contracted by the manager of the Breakers Hotel to provide airplane rides for guests in his Benoist [ben-owah] Airboat Number 43. He had been working and living there since mid-July. [Note that early aviators were impelled by simple circumstance to use air exhibitions/races and provide persons with rides to help finance their craft, trade, and livelihoods.] Precisely who from Vermilion contacted Mr. Jannus is not known. But it is known that he was contacted and hired to bring his airboat to Vermilion on August 30, 1914 to open the Firemen’s Convention.
Landing near the mouth of the Vermilion River Jannus drove the plane upstream, past Cloudy Noel’s Ferry Dock, where he moored it just across the river from the spot where a new village water plant was under construction. Later he would again take flight and land on the lake just off the beach at Linwood Park. There the Benoist Airboat would be beached and Vermilion News Editor-Publisher, Pearl Roscoe, would take this well-known photo of Tony Jannus flanked by Vermilion’s Charlie Trinter (left), and Lewis Englebry (right).
Late Vermilion historian George Wakefield told me some years ago that Mr. Englebry weighed about 300 lbs. What he failed to tell me is that Jannus took him as a passenger and flew him back to Cedar Point with him. It may very well be that Lewis Englebry was (to that date) the heaviest man to ever have been transported by air.
As mentioned at the start of this article, “it was my understanding that the man in the middle of the picture was none other than one of the greatest fliers who ever lived”. And although it is not Glenn Curtiss in the photo the pilot is in fact, and indeed, one of the greatest fliers who ever lived.
Aside from being a contemporary of Glenn Curtiss (for whom he later worked), the Wright Brothers, and, of course, Tom Benoist (his first employer), Tony Jannus is recognized as being the very first commercial passenger airline pilot in the world. At exactly 10 a.m. on January 1, 1914 he had given throttle to his Benoist Airboat in the waters of a yacht basin in St. Petersburg, Florida and took off on the first round-trip commercial passenger airflight in history; the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line was born.
On October 12, 1916 Antony Habbersack Jannus was killed when a Curtiss H Airboat he was testing for the Russian government experienced some mechanical problems and crashed into the Black Sea. His remains were never recovered. He was 27 years old.
(Ref: The Vermilion News; 1938; Jannus an American Flier, Thomas Reilly; 1997; VPJ 05/19/05; Rev. 01/02/21.
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...
For 23 years M. A. Foster has engaged in the boat livery business at Vermilion. We don’t know whether his “23” had anything to do with it or not, or whether the fact that this is the year 1913 and supposedly unlucky, but he has “skiddood” from the business.
The deal has been completed whereby H. E. Hewitt becomes owner of the entire business including boats, launches, camping outfits and restaurant.
Mr. Foster has been very successful and has concluded to take a little rest. What he will do and what business he will engage, it is too early to state. Mr. and Mrs. Foster will both be missed by their many friends all over the country who have enjoyed boating and fishing on the Vermilion River.
Mr. Hewitt who was formerly a barber, but whose health did not permit him to continue as such, has operated a launch for several years past. He will remodel the boat house so as to provide living rooms for himself and family.
While we are sorry to have Mr. Foster retire, we wish Mr. Hewitt success in his new venture.
Through the efforts of W. Earle Childs, Cassius Burch Jr., has been granted a pension for the blind. This young man has been blind from birth. He’s attending the school for blind at Columbus and spends his vacations with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. Maxfield.
The Parcels Post was inaugurated Wednesday. Two packages were sent from the Vermilion Post Office.
On page two of this issue will be found a full explanation of the system. This has been carefully prepared at the offices of The American Press Association and is worth preserving.
Several of our merchants are preparing to close Sunday and evenings. Announcements will be given later.
Among those to close Sundays is A. H. Hart, druggist. This store will be open only during hours announced elsewhere, although anyone in urgent need of medicines can call him up at his home.
The closings proposition is a good thing and is being done elsewhere with success. The merchant under the old method rarely had any time to himself and some of them could go nowhere in the evening on account of business. During the evening with exception of Saturday when all the stores are usually open, the average trade will not pay expenses in every fair reminded customer will recognize that the closing of stores accepting on certain evenings is a good thing.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Diener, a son, Monday evening.
BORN – to Mr. Mrs. Paul Meitake [sic], son for Friday, Dec. 27.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. M. Johnson, Friday a son Dec.27, ‘12.
The American Cut Stone Plant shut down for the winter will undergo extensive repairs this winter.
The funeral of Mrs. Frederick Wilhelm and her week old son was held Thursday from St. John’s Lutheran Church. Rev. Lindenmeyer officiated. The remains were interred in Evergreen Cemetery.
The funeral services of Conrad Kreuck, 79, one of the pioneer residents of Amherst was held on Monday afternoon from St. Peter’s Church, Rev. S. A. Lindenmeyer of Amherst. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.
Undertaker George Wickens, Saturday purchased a new 30 H. P. Four-cylinder auto ambulance from the White Automobile company of Cleveland, the machine to be delivered about April 1st. The ambulance will be one of the most modern on the market. – Lorain News
Earl Oakes and Louis Klein of Huron were arrested last week for using profane language on L. S. E. Car. The cost amounted to $12.45 each. The fine of five dollars was remitted at request of plaintiff.
Resolved, to make Vermilion the best place in Ohio, to live in, and make a living in.
Resolved, to quit knocking and help to boost.
John Williams Leidheiser was born in Hesse Cassel, Germany, Sept. 6, 1852. Died at Vermilion, Ohio, Dec/ 24, 1912, aged 60 years, three months and 13 days. He spent his youth in early manhood in his native country. As an evidence of loyalty, it may be said that he planned to come to America, but first served his fatherland for three years, as a soldier, so that he might return again with the feeling that he had paid all obligations to his native land. This training undoubtably proved to be a great benefit to him and taught a respect for the law and order, giving to him a military bearing which he bore to the last. After serving his term of enlistment he came to America and has since resided in and near Vermilion. In 1883 he married Miss Elizabeth Rice of DeKalb Co., Indiana. To this union one child was born, Harry, whose death has been mourned by both parents.
The funeral services were held at his home and under the auspices of the Eagle Lodge of Lorain, O., which he was a member. After the impressive ceremony of the Eagles, Rev. Moyer of the M. E. Church gave a fine sermon, choosing as his text, “Jesus wept” and then showing the sympathy which exists between Himself and His loved people.
Mr. Leidheiser was a genial friend and a kind husband. He was noted for his integrity indeed for all the sterling qualities which make a man ever ready to help a friend and kindly to all.
The beautiful floral offerings were conclusive evidence which his friends bore him. He will be missed by both the business and family circles of this little city. He leaves to mourn his death, a wife and three sisters, besides numerous relatives and a host of friends. We can pay him no higher attribute than to say “here was a man.”
The funeral was largely attended. Among those from out of town were, Mr. Wm. McIntyre and Mr. Frank Hills of Corona, Ind., Mr. and Mrs. John Reinhart of Shelby O., And Mr. and Mrs. Danny Mischier, Sandusky, O.
Twins, a boy and a girl were born Tuesday to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Nichols of Ohio Street, both passed away two hours after birth.
John A. Englebry has been confined to his bed for the past several days. He is suffering with stomach trouble.
John Morrison who was taken very ill at Fairport and placed in the Marine Hospital at Cleveland last week is home for a few days. He expects to return to the hospital Saturday.
Dr. Heinig is attending little Clarence Donelson who is confined to the house with pneumonia.
The Dall brothers have secured the agency for the Ford automobile for Berlin & Florence and Vermilion twps. They will also continue as Overland agents.
O. W. Rice has been laying off the past two weeks owing to an attack of rheumatism.
Henry Schuster has been quite ill this week at his home south of town.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. John Huttonlocker, Monday, Dec. 30, and eight pound baby boy.
Mrs. Broughton who has been on the sick list for the past week is able to be up again.
The Christmas tree in the play given by Miss Wellman in honor of her pupils was grand. A graphaphone was played. Many beautiful and useful gifts were received by Miss Wellman from her school. The children also received beautiful gifts from the teacher.
Mrs. S. T. Shelton who slipped and fell 2 weeks ago is still unable to be up. Mrs. Shelton is 90 years of age. The fall was a great shock to her and leaves her right hip and limb useless. She suffers a great deal of pain but is very cheerful for one in such condition.
Lewis Leon Heiser, Sandusky saloon keeper, is the defendant in the suit brought by the Pabst brewing company in the Common Pleas Ct., Friday afternoon. The plaintiff claims that rent for eights eight months in the sum of $625 is due.
The firm of Goren and Ritter has brought suit in the Common Pleas Ct. against Joseph Unser for the sum of $359.25, alleged to be due for legal services rendered.
777.
The Council will hold an open meeting in the assembly room of the Town Hall on Thursday evening, Jan. 16, at 7:30, to which all citizens are invited. Engineer Chapin will be present and will answer any questions put to him upon the subject. It is especially requested that citizens make notes of the information relative to the proposed system and asked Mr. Chapin the questions.
The Council wishes to take up the matter at once and is desirous of having the citizens thoroughly understand the proposition. If you are and OPPOSE to the improvement be sure to be on hand – if you are in favor of the system – aid counsel by being on hand.
Don’t forget the date, Jan. 16, next week Thursday evening at 7:30 sharp.
The Vermilion G. A. R. Band held its first regular meeting after the holiday vacation, Tuesday evening after practice and unanimously reelected its officers for the year 1913. They are:
President – E. J. Law VP – Philip Darley Sec. – W. E Earl Childs Treas.– P. Roscoe Leader – Henry Ries
All members are requested to be present at the next meeting Tuesday evening, Jan. 14, for practice.
Prof. Ackley was present and advised the band to prepare a concert program. The rehearsal was very satisfactory and attendance good.
GEORGE HARRIS: Well known and very active in the community. Touches of his elan and influence still exist - however imperceptible they may be to many.
…But the difficulty at Cleveland was not satisfactorily adjusted, and the Junction Road was eventually "frozen out," and being so unfortunately conditioned, the two divisions, the north and south, were finally consolidated under the name of the Cleveland and Toledo Railroad. That part of the old Junction Road between Cleveland and Elyria was practically abandoned, though never entirely so, and the two branches joined again at Milburn, a town west of Sandusky, and near Toledo.
Under the consolidation of 1869 the Cleveland and Toledo systems, both divisions passed to the control of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Company, and is by that company managed at the present time.
The former line of this road through Sandusky lay along Water street, but the Lake Shore people needed more room for the transaction of their largely increasing business in the city; therefore, a part of the line was changed to pass through the south portion of the town over which the bulk of their freight business passes, the Water street line being used only for accommodation purposes. Another part was sold to the I. B. & W. Company, and is now used by them.
In 1870 the revenue from passenger traffic at Sandusky on the Lake Shore Road was $8,858, while in 1886 it amounted to $39,892. In 1870 the freight forwarded amounted to over twenty-six thousand tons, and freight received to more than eighteen thousand six hundred and forty-four tons. In 1886 the shipment of freight was four hundred and eighty-four thousand six hundred and eighty-six tons, and freight received one hundred and forty-eight thousand one hundred and seventy-four tons.
The main points touched by this road in Erie county are Huron and Milan. It starts from the former and follows the general course of the Huron River to Milan, and thence passes into Huron county on the south.
The company was chartered by an act of the Legislature, passed April 6, 1871. By June 30, 1873, ten miles of its line were graded. In 1876 the road was completed from Huron to Norwalk, a distance of twelve and one-half miles, and thirty-five miles more of the road were graded. In the spring of 1878, the company passed into the hands of a receiver.
Toward the construction of the Wheeling and Lake Erie Road the citizens of the city of Sandusky were invited to contribute, and for that purpose subscription books were opened. It was promised, and generally understood that Sandusky should be one of the points touched by the road, but at a time when the company were seriously in need of funds, several prominent residents of Huron came forward with liberal contributions, and the road was built to that place. An attempt was afterward made to secure the subscription books at Sandusky for the purpose of collecting the amounts by the several persons subscribed, but they were not secured, nor was the money paid. The "road was…
EARLY LINWOOD: There are a number of scrapbooks at the Vermilion History Museum with envelope and letterheads from various businesses in and around the Vermilion area. As is obvious - many are fun to look at. I'll feature more of them in the future for your "Viewing" enjoyment.
The couple got lucky when they heard the old Piedmont Hotel in Atlanta was getting a face-lift and its beautiful maple doors became available for sale as salvage items.
They bought several and had them installed in their 19th-century home.
Showing a friend around the house, the husband pointed out "You know, these doors are from the Piedmont Hotel."
His friend raised an eyebrow and said, "Most people just take the towels."
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 43 - January 2, 2021
Archive Issue #928
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant