Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: From the get-go I want to let everyone know that next week (03.27.21) will be the last week that the link I send you will direct you to this page.
Due to circumstances beyond my control I’ve had to build a new “Vermilion Views” page. Ergo the link I send will direct ye to that page.
It is different. But many of the same things I’ve been doing for years will be found on that site – plus a few that I’ve not been able to do on this one.
However, there will be several links on the new site that will allow those who choose to be directed back to this site where past issues and articles will remain and can be found.
I just won’t be able to change (or work – correct, add or subtract things) on this site any longer.
If, in the future, I can move the Archives of this site to the new one, rest assured I will do it.
In the meantime, please stay with me as I work to development the “New Vermilion Views” page.
And I gotta tell ya moving this site was no Walk-In-The-Park.
ANOTHER CHANGE: In the future the changing pix that I use at the top of the “Shoptalk” section of the page will change at 40 second intervals as opposed to the 20 second intervals I’ve been using for a number of years. Some persons believe they change “too fast”. But understand that I do this page on two computers – not one – and that they are “desktop pix”. [NOTE: This may change in the new site – where I might show each separately.]
THIS WEEK’S PIX On my home desk this week is Leonard Osberg: He was Mayor of Vermilion, Ohio from 1940 to 1945. My sister (Nancy Alice Emery) always refers to him as Vermilion’s “Singing Mayor”. That’s because Leonard Osberg, I have been told, had a wonderful singing voice and while Mayor opened most events about town with a song.
As one might guess from the photo taken of him at the side door of the Vermilion News building on Grand Street, Leonard was also a professional archer. He competed nationally and wrote some about the sport. We don’t really give it much thought, but it is an ancient exercise. Before gun powder and sliced bread mankind used bows and arrows to gather food and settle disputes.
Leonard was not only a Republican (politically), but he was very vocal about his political views during the 40s and 50s. He wrote a column for the Vermilion News during those years, and I’ve come across at least one letter published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
During Leonard’s tenure as mayor Vermilion’s landmark water-tower (now surrounded by Rotary Park) was constructed.
I vaguely remember him. He and his French-born wife (Anne Marie) lived in the duplex house just north of the old Congregational church (currently the Millet Auction House) on Division / Main Street. His brother, Karl, married Virginia “Ginny” Haines. And a younger sister, Elizabeth, married Dr. V.B. White. Another sister, Lenore, was married to someone with the last name of Wolfenden. She kept a house on State Street. The family were extremely eccentric and talented people.
THE SQUIRE ON THE SHOP DESK: His full name (which few persons outside his immediate family really ever knew) was Henry Robert Williams. He was born on August 17, 1869 in Brookefield Township in Trumbell County, Ohio. He was one of seven children born to hardworking Welsh emigrants. After completing his studies at Ohio Northern University in 1893 he was admitted to the Ohio Bar and straight away came to Vermilion to set-up his law practice. On April 12, 1895 then Ohio Governor, and soon to be U.S. President, William McKinley (1843-1901) signed a certificate which officially allowed “H.R. Williams” of Vermilion, O. the title of Squire. And on July 16th of the same year the newly appointed Squire participated in a ceremony which officially allowed Miss Hattie Belle Rathbun of Vermilion O. the title of Mrs. (Williams). Coincidentally, Hattie’s brother George (VPJ 10/16/08), a popular Vermilion fisherman and grocer, also married a local gal named Hattie (VPJ 8/27/09).
Over the next decade or so Harry and Hattie, had five children; three girls, and two boys: Inez, Anna, Rhoda, William “Billy”, and Thomas “Tom”. This undoubtedly made their home on Washington Street a very lively place. And while Hattie busied herself tending to the needs of their youngsters the good Squire busied himself with court business - among other things.
In 1900 he was first elected Village Mayor. He served in that capacity for what may likely be an all-time record for Ohio mayors - nearly 30 years. He was, in fact, once recognized by many as the “Dean of Ohio Mayors”. Only the current Mayor of Akron, Ohio, Don Plusquellic, now in his 24th year of service, is in a position to surpass the Squire’s record. Over the years the Squire also served as Village Solicitor, Clerk of the Board of Education, and Coroner - among other things. Some were positive experiences. Some were not.
On a sultry Saturday afternoon in August of 1906, while working alone in his office on Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, the Squire heard a loud noise echo through the village. Rushing toward its source he discovered that two Lake Shore Electric Cars had crashed head-on just west of town (near the current site of Bluebird Beach). The motorman and one passenger had been killed on impact and forty-one additional passengers were injured. The Squire administered first-aid to some of the survivors and directed that the injured be moved to the lawn and veranda of the Maud-Elton Hotel to be treated; and where the more seriously injured persons could be transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in nearby Lorain.
In 1907 the “Squire” and his family were among those who kept a summer home in Linwood Park. Among his sundry interests was the game of baseball. And as fate would have it he saw a 17 year-old girl “setting fire” to the gloves of a group of boys in the game of catch. Immediately recognizing her talent the Squire suggested to Charles Heidloff, then the manager of Vermilion’s semipro “Vermilion Independents” baseball team, that he sign her to play for the team. He initially scoffed at the idea. But after watching her play in a game that the Squire had arranged to be played between two local teams, with Alta pitching, he scoffed no more. Alta Weiss (PJ 1/11/07), with her father’s permission, took the mound at Vermilion’s Crystal Beach ball park on September 2, 1907 and pitched her way into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In June of 1945 “Squire” Williams was laid to rest in the shade of the great trees at Maple Grove Cemetery. His girls had married well, and both boys had followed his footsteps into the practice of law. To the very end he had maintained his law practice as well as an his extreme interest in the maintenance and development of the town he had so lovingly served for more than half his life - among other things.
Ref: U.S. Federal Census Reports, 1880, 1900, 1920; The Vermilion News; 6/ 28/1945; 8/25/1962; Rich Tarrant’s Yesteryear, 2005; Special Thanks To: Mark Williams, Lauren Cook Coxsey, and William Thomas Cook, M.D.; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 2/25/10; Written 2/22/10 @ 12:47 PM.
Historically,
WHO KNEW: Working so intently on the new webpage this week I opted to use this pic at the last minute. It shows a gentleman (probably a Bauman or Leadrach) making cheese at the cheesehouse in Birmingham. Until I acquired this pic I was ignorant of the fact that great cheese was not only made at the Axtel Diamond Cheese house - but also at Birmingham and Brownhelm. Who knew??
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.
MY-O-MY WHAT A GREAT, GREAT FIND:Near the end of May (2009) Vermilion native Jack Corsino, who was at the time a Major in the U.S. Air Force, was kind enough to place into my care and, after a time, the Vermilion History Museum a substantial number of articles which will help to document the history of the Nichols and Thompson families of Vermilion, Ohio.
The collection consists mostly of photographs. Hundreds of them. In large part they span a century; from perhaps the 1850’s to the 1950’s. Unfortunately, few pictures in the collection were formally identified. But fortunately, many of the 20th century photos are relatively easy for persons familiar with the family to recognize and make record.
And so it was that while sifting through this mountain of photographs (a goodly number of them being duplicates) that I came across a 3.5 x 4.5 inch wooden compact covered with a fancy leather veneer. Inside was a beautiful ambrotype photo (pictured) of a young man with a pistol.
The ambrotype (from Greek ambrotos, "immortal") process, or ambrotype, is a photographic process that creates a positive photo image on a sheet of glass using the wet plate collodion process. It was patented in 1854 by James Ambrose Cutting of Boston. The wet plate collodion process was invented just a few years earlier by a British man named Frederick Scott Archer, but Cutting used it as a positive, instead of a negative. The process was popularly used from the 1850's to about the 1880's. While there is currently no definite way (available to me) to date this particular photograph, I would “guesstimate” that it may be c.1875.
At the time another local historian and friend, the late Jim Fischer, examined the photo and noted that “ The hat cord (The ends on the hat cord are called “Acorns) is Civil War era as is the revolver. The revolver is a Smith & Wesson .22 rim fire. It is either a Model No.1 First Issue (1857-60), or a Model No. 1 Second Issue (1860-68). The coat is the typical "Sack Coat" which looks very much like our suit coats today but of heavy material.”
Although ambrotype and tintype photographs are not particularly rare nor valuable an image such as this is unusual. It is a stunning photo find even if the person in it has not been identified. However, what I found as I prepared to scan the portrait proved to be even more astounding.
When I removed the gilded-frame and ambrotype from the compact I was bowled-over when I discovered locks of coffee-colored hair (pictured) tied with a piece of bright red yarn beneath the ambrotype. 'Twere the icing on the proverbial cake.
Naturally, one can only try to imagine the origins and the reason for someone having secreted these tresses away a hundred years ago. Whether this could have been a keepsake of young love; or a memento someone kept with the photo in loving memory of a young gunslinger gone to meet his maker is, of course, unknown. It is also the stuff upon which novels are writ and movies are made. And it would be interesting to see if one could get a DNA match from the hair to compare with Thompson / Nichols Family descendants. For I am certain that this was a relative of a yesteryear.
But my-o-my what a great, great find.
- Ref: VPJ 06/19/09; Rev. 03/14/21. © 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...
Anna Katherine Gerlach brought suit against C. S. Ruggles and others for the reformation of the deed in the common pleas court, Thursday afternoon.
The plaintiff claims that the defendant conveyed land to her, and then made a transfer of the same and additional property to Ashbel P. Ruggles. Her request for an injunction to restrain the latter from selling the land was granted; the question of changing the deed will be taken up later.
The Berlin Heights Banking Co., is plaintiff in the suit in the Court of Common Pleas to enforce a judgment for $258.99, secured in September 1911, against Owen Felton of Vermilion. Felton, according to the bank, recently came into possession of $132.65 in fees as administrator of an estate and it asks that this be applied by the court on account.
The government whether bureau is arranging to furnish this spring a service to grape, fruit and truck growers that is new to this part of the country although it has been done heretofore in sections where orchard and garden heating have come into use, as a protection against late frost.
When damaging frosts are expected the Bureau will telegraph the warnings in the afternoon to our telephone company, whose operators will at once notify all patrons who have advised the company that they want them.
It is expected also that the emergency special warnings will be telephone by the Bureau as late as nine or ten o’clock at night to some one [sic] grower who will in turn notify others interested.
The government will furnish the warnings free to the company and the latter will mark make no charge for distribution to its patrons.
E. G. Burnham, and conductor on a Lake Shore Freight, was instantly killed, and George Smythe, a brakeman seriously injured Tuesday afternoon, at Huron, by a fast train. The men slipped onto the main track after the first section of the express had passed and had coupled some cars and did not notice the approach of the second section. Both lived at Toledo. Mrs. Burnham was formerly Jesse Fitzpatrick of Vermilion and is the stepdaughter of Wm. Maxfield of Ohio St. She has many friends here who will sympathize with her in her bereavement.
Mrs. F. F. Chandler is suffering from a severe attack of pneumonia.
Mrs. Ernest Oehling who has been ill almost all winter is somewhat improved at this writing.
Mr. and Mrs. Laurie Eppler have purchased C. A. Reid’s place on S. Main.
[NOTE: I believe this may be Vermilion expatriate Ron Eppler’s grandparents.]
Capt. D Blanchard was been on the sick list for the past week we are glad to say is able to be out again.
The M. E. Church is undergoing extensive repairs.
Wm. Baird has been appointed superintendent of the electric lighting plant.
BORN –To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kassouff, a son, Thursday, March 6th.
Mrs. John Burgess underwent an operation at Dr. Fredericks private hospital at Lorain, Friday.
Word has been received here of the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. R. Carl Young of Portland, Ore. Mrs. Young was formerly Miss Olive Gray of this place.
The funeral of James Laraway was held Thursday afternoon. Rev. E. A. Robb of the Methodist Church officiated. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.
The funeral of Mrs. Mary Straw was held Monday afternoon at 1 o’clock, Rev. P. E. Harding of Windham, O., former pastor of the Congregational church officiated. Interment was made in the Cleveland St., Cemetery.
The four months old son of Mrs. John Grisovitch died on Saturday. The funeral was held from the Catholic Church Sunday afternoon.
Leimbach Bros. are hauling stone for repairing the barns.
With the approach of the camping season, the boys are beginning to lay their plans for this biggest of all events. As yet we are undecided as to where we shall camp but several sites have been proposed. The tents for this purpose will be brought bought before long, and instructions given as to the articles needed by every boy. The scoutmaster has served notice however that unless some of the boys straighten up, they will have none of the joyous experience. We are determined to have discipline.
Sorosis – tomorrow evening at the home of Mrs. Geo. Naegele.
Basketball game at Ruggles Hall Friday evening. Huron vs. Vermillion.
Busy Bee dance at fireman’s hall tonight. Over 50 tickets have already been sold.
Easter supper at Church of Christ on Friday, March 21.
The annual dancing party under the auspices of O. E. S. is an event set for Tuesday evening, March 18 at Fireman’s Hall. Masons and their families and members of the Eastern Star are invited. This will not be a masked ball as at first announced.
Albert Newman, 53, died from injuries received Tuesday while splitting logs on the farm of Conrad Croll near Huron by a dynamite blast.
Mrs. Jas. Cuddeback has been quite ill the past week. Her mother, Mrs. Humm of Berlin is spending a few days with her.
New clothing store in the Fischer block opens Saturday.
Hot Cross Buns will be served at the Christian Church Supper on Friday, March 21.
L. Trinter has sold his property on Hanover Square to B. L. McQueen.
Mrs. C. Carpenter, 84, died Tuesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. O. Minkler, Lorain. Burial Friday at Berlin Heights.
“Senator” W. Earl Childs and Rev. W. K. Williams returned last Saturday evening from a 10 days trip to the inauguration in Washington, and from a visit to the pastor’s parents, and Carlisle Pa., as well as side trips to Gettysburg, Harrisburg and other points of interest. Mrs. Williams and son Leland stopped off at Indiana Pa. to visit her parents on the return. They report a wonderful time.
Four Cleveland boys, ages ranging from 16 to 19 were arrested here last night. One had a 38-caliber revolver and another a “Jimmy”. It was found that they were tough characters one or two having served a term at Lancaster and Hudson.
Mr. Ella Andress, who has been spending the winter with her son Charles Klary near Birmingham and who fell and broke her limb several weeks ago, returned to her home last Friday. She is able to walk about with the aid of crutches.
Mr. Keeps, and aged citizen who has been sick for the past two weeks died Sunday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Keeps have lived in the village for a number of years and are well known. The deceased had reached his fourscore and five years. The funeral was held from the home Tuesday afternoon conducted by Rev. A. L. Eddy. Mrs. Keeps has the sympathy of all in her bereavement.
Miss Ella Harris has been quite ill with an attack of the measles.
Good weather for the making of Maple syrup.
Mrs. Raymond Fairchild who is been ill for the past two weeks is much better.
The Diamond Cheese Co. had their icehouse filled last week and expect to begin making cheese April 1st. They have been buying milk all winter and selling it to a milk dealer in Lorain. E. H. Ladrach is charged of the factory here.
1946 MAP: Margaret Wakefield-Worcester sent me this map pic several days ago. Of specific interest in the piece is the listing of Waterfront Owners. Obviously much has changed since 1946. But methinks some folks will recognize some of the names therein. Plus; note the waterfront on the lake west of the river. (And wonder.)
One day a young mother took her 6-year-old son with her to visit a friend at work. Everyone there knew her, and offered her a cup of coffee.
As one of the employees went to get her coffee, her son followed her and asked, "What are you doing?"
"I'm making your mom's favorite drink," she answered.
She was stopped in her tracks when the boy said, "Wow! You know how to make beer?"
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. 19. Issue 2 - March 20, 2021
Archive Issue #940
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant