Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK:On the desktops this week are comparative pix taken from the front porch of our home at the Olympic Club - one in early spring (or late winter) and one taken earlier this week. The change is remarkable.
When the ice broke up on the river it formed a dam spreading ice and water across the grounds. When the dam-jam broke the water quickly receded and the ice floating on top just dropped where it was - ergo the icy scene.
After a month or so, when the ice had melted the grounds was littered with all types of things. It was, in a word, a mess. I thought it would take months to clean. But one Saturday the club members got together and cleaned the grounds completely. I was amazed. They really did, as is obvious, a great job.
While it is rather muddy. The gas company has been busy installing natural gas lines to most of the cottages. In the past most folks were using propane or electricity for appliances. Add to that project a tremendous amount of rain (the lake is at record levels) and the grounds are especially soft. But by mid-summer things should be back to normal (maybe).
REV. COLEMAN: My friend, Rev. Glenn Coleman, stopped by the museum with his son on Friday fora brief visit. He does that sometimes. Some readers may recall that Rev. Coleman served as pastor of the Vermilion E & R church for a number of years before going to a church in Sandusky.
We discussed a number of things. Among them was Rev. Louis Bertoni. Lou had fallen, broke his hip and is now in assisted living in Amherst. Way back when, when Rev. Bertoni was studying in Germany it happens that Rev. Coleman was also in Germany (with the Heifer Project). They were in Heidelberg at about the same time, but never knew it until relatively recently. At that time they didn't know one another. They could very well have passed one another on the street and not have known it.
It's a small world.
VERMILION TRIVIA: As a partial result of our conversation I have a trivial question: Do you know who designed the Vermilion City Logo that appears on Vermilion's utility vehicles?
Historically,
RUBBERNECK ENTERTAINMENT: There’s a reason many local folks refer to it as “Rubberneck” Park – and you can plainly see by this photo. The official name is Exchange Park. Some people confuse it with Victory Park – which is just down the street and across the tracks to the south. A billion (an exaggeration) years ago Exchange Street was ostensibly supposed to run to and behind this park. It never did. But no matter. It still got the name. Victory Park was initially known as “Liberty Park”. I’m not sure when the name was changed (yet). I’m thinking that it was sometime following the First World War (c.1919-20). But back to Rubberneck.
Rubberneck got its name from the people who sat in the park by the main thoroughfare talking and watching (i.e. “rubbernecking”) the traffic pass them by.
In this snap even the Police Chief (Ed Benson) is sitting in the park watching the world pass. His police cruiser (it appears to be a 1938 Chevrolet sedan) is parked next to the bushes to the left. I’m guessing of course, but I’d say that this photo was taken around 1940-41 – during WW2.
Vermilion only had one full-time policeman back then. He wasn’t really wasting his time by sitting in the park. If anything happened, he was right where everyone could find him. And if he needed help – well, you can see he had plenty available.
Watching traffic in the park was a wonderful pastime for kids of all ages. When I was a little guy my friends and I spent a good deal of time doing just that. The guys with popcorn stands invariably found their way to this corner where folks stopped at the traffic light or simply stopped in a traffic jam would and could purchase their goods.
For years Route #6 & #2 was the only major highway across northern Ohio. On the weekends when folks were coming and going between Cleveland, Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands they had to pass through the Vermilion bottleneck” and the ” rubberneckers” would entertain themselves by watching and talking with them as they slowly moved through town. Back then the 4-lane road on the west part of town did not exist and the sharp turns in the road on that side of town slowed them down considerably.
This activity was more fun than any television show.
THEY REALLY WERE “THAT BIG’ – A FISHY TALE: It’s not really what someone taking a dip in Lake Erie during the sweltering days of an Ohio summer thinks about, but the accompanying graphic speaks for itself. Fish such as these really do make their homes in the lake. Years ago my late father-in-law George Diener, who was an avid sport fishermen, used to frequently tell me what I thought to be a “tale” about a two-hundred-pound catfish that used to hang out in the Vermillion River. And just as frequently I could not help but have a good belly laugh about it. I imagined it to be something akin to a mini submarine scudding up and down the stream. A 200-pound catfish? Indeed. It seemed so absurd to me. But now – after all these years – I’m not so sure he was exaggerating all that much. And if I were a young person today and some finely seasoned fella with bifocals (such as myself) simply told me about a seven foot, near 200-pound sturgeon, or a 50-pound bullhead having been hauled in by Kishman Fish trapnetter boats way back when, I’d probably think he was full of carp (or something to that effect). But it is, as ye can plainly see, it’s true.
In the latter part of April 1950 the Kishman Fish tug Kenneth K. captained by a fella named Kirk Hall and his crew were fishing west of Vermilion off Mitiwanga when they lifted a 50-pound bullhead catfish in their nets. Ken Keller (pictured with the fish) trap net foremen for Kishman told amazed onlookers that usually the large bullheads would not run over 31 pounds. This was, to put it mildly, a doozy of a catch. F.Y.I. Bullheads differ from other catfish in that they have straight or rounded tails, whereas other species of catfish have forked tails. Coloring between species differs as well. The fish are edible, said to be very tasty, and are also the most common member of the catfish family. I’ve no idea of what became of the one in the photo. It appears as though it would’ve made several dinners for someone, or perhaps one very big fish fry for a bunch of someones. Now that was a big fish. But to be candid big “cats” similar to it were unusual, but not exceptionally rare catches on Lake Erie. But the one caught by another crew of Kishman fisherman two years later certainly was.
In July of 1952 the crew on another Kishman trap net tug skippered by William Eberle snagged a seven-foot, 194-pound lake sturgeon. Rather than risk losing the fish while trying to transfer it from the net to the boat they kept it in the net until they reached port. The crewmember pictured with the gigantic fish is the skipper’s son Russ.
This fish has no scales, very coarse skin, and the mouth is on the underside of the snout. It has four long feelers in front of the mouth. It is sometimes known by the names such as Great Lakes sturgeon, rock sturgeon, and bullnosed sturgeon. These fish may grow to be 4-6 feet in length (sometimes up to 8 feet – or in this case 7 feet), and may typically tip the scales at 50-100 pounds. However some can weigh over 300 pounds. The largest recorded weight of one in Ohio waters of Lake Erie thus far was in 1929. It was over 200 pounds.
The photograph of Russ with the sturgeon has been widely published over the years in both newspapers and magazines. I make a point of saying that because it speaks to the rarity of the catch. You may also note the spectators behind Mr. Eberle. News of the event spread through town like wildfire and folks just had to see it to believe it. Moreover, the fact that the photo was taken by professional photographer Paul Ludlow is indicative of its historic import.
As previously said, if anyone simply told you about some gigantic fishes that were caught in the lake way back when, you would more than likely politely nod your head, turn away from the spinner of such a yarn, roll-your-eyes and later on have a good laugh among your friends. To be sure it would seem a fishy tale. But look at the photos. They really were “that big”.
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 Village Council met in regular session Monday evening and went through the regular routine of business. The sidewalk question was discussed to considerable extent and as a result several that have not been repaired or laid according to instructions will be cared for according to law.
John N. Englebry was present and asked what could be done with the sidewalk in front of his new residence. He would like to have to walk placed on a grade and he would furnish the dirt for grading for the other property owners if they could be induced to raise their walks to a grade. The matter was left to the street committee.
The matter of tapping sewers was brought up that it was decided to make some change in the ordinance placing the fee at $5.00. In cases where private sewers were run in the street it was thought that parties wishing to enter the same should pay their portion of cost of construction in addition to the fee before such connection could be made.
It was decided that the comfort station should occupy a portion of the time to be held Thursday evening.
The tax levy was brought up and as no apportionment could be made in the different funds in mills it was thought best to send in the amounts needed in each. The levy for 1911 – 12 is as follows:
The whole amount needed $15,150, divided as follows:
Service fund – – $8000
Water Works Sinking Fund $3500
General – – –$1600
Safety – – – $1600
Health – – $150
Cemetery – – $300
The Perry Street sewer outlet was reported in need of attention and several plans for remedy discussed.
It was reported that the L. S. & S. Ry. Co., was ready to work on the East River Road if the council would have the stakes set for the grade. Instructions were given to have them proceed according to a certain survey.
The clerk said he had heard from only a portion of those occupying the ends of the streets.
In regard to the oiling of streets a communication from the Linwood Park company, stated that the company would can contribute $10-$15 toward the oiling of the road from the park to the bridge and 1/2 the cost from their gate to the east line, also of the river road.
The clerk was instructed to write the company that the Council would accept the $15 if the road was oiled. The other part of the oiling was in accordance to the plan already adopted and needed no further action.
The resignation of C. H. Nuhn, the village clerk to take effect on July 3, was read. Mr. Nuhn who had has served the village so faithfully and efficiently, in order to prepare to take up the duties of county treasurer, thought it best to resign at this early date.
Upon motion and with expressions of regret the resignation was accepted. The appointment of Mr. Nuhn’s successor was deferred.
The marshal asked that an electric light be placed at the jail door. As the Township trustees were reported as contemplating the placing of a light so as to light the sheds, action was deferred until their intention could be ascertained.
The final action on the advertisement for bids for the improvement of Liberty and Division Streets was taken.
The need of 200 feet of new hose for the fire department was reported and the power to purchase of the same given to the fire committee.
After providing for payment of bills, Council adjourned.
At the request of the plaintiffs the suits of Henry Axt vs. Wm. Wahl and Lewis Cassidy, administrator against Jas. Flynn Junior adm. were continued until next term.
The Wilcox – Dixey Stock Co., did not exist quite a week.
Saturday evening a check which had been given by Mr. Wilcox on a Cleveland bank was protested. Township clerk, Trinter immediately ordered the hall closed and attached what little property could be found.
The Wilcox – Dixey Company attempted to put on a “show” every night of the week but met with many difficulties. One of the stagehands brought from Cleveland, said that they supposed Mr. Wilcox had plenty of money when they signed up with him as did a number of the performers and all had been led to believe that they would enjoy the summer and make a good living besides.
Members of the company alleged that the said Wilcox – Dixey Co. represented by the former owes them their salaries and as he was engaged in business in Cleveland would have their pay or there would be “something doing.”
Mr. Wilcox went to Cleveland on Monday to raise funds to settle up with, and the balance of the company are here practically stranded.
[There’s no business like show business.]
C. H. Nuhn, who had conducted the Red Cross Pharmacy for a number of years has sold to H. M. White. Both are too well and favorably known in Vermilion for comment. Mr. Nuhn is preparing to assume the duties as County Treasurer and will turn over the drug business to Mr. White about the first of next month. Mr. White will have a competent pharmacist in charge. While the public regrets the loss of Mr. Nuhn from among our businessmen and also the services of one of the best and most efficient Clerks the Village ever had [we] are pleased to have him in so responsible a county office.
We with wish both success in their work.
The band will give the first open-air concert, Friday evening June 9. It is expected that E. B. Ackley will be present to direct. Concert begins at 7:30.
Walter Holstein is again able to be around after his recent illness.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ruth a son, May 30, 1911.
Mrs. Jesse Whyte is suffering from blood poisoning being bitten by the family cat.
The Maccabee hall was reopened Thursday evening after being closed for some time on account of being partially destroyed by fire.
The funeral services of John Riley were held on Friday forenoon and the body was interred in St. Mary’s Cemetery at Elyria.
The remains of Carl A. Gidding [sic], who was struck by a train at Brownhelm Station Friday, were buried in Crown Hill Cemetery Monday.
Strawberry picking is on and berries seem to be very nice.
BORN – to Mr. Mrs. Duane Burrows, a son, May 29, 1911.
Adam Hahn was caught in a machine Saturday and suffered a broken leg.
Grover Berkmeyer left this week to take his examination for admission to the practice of law. He will also visit his sister Mrs. Stratton and family at Chillicothe.
John Thomas, jr. died Saturday afternoon at the home of his mother at the age of 41. He leaves a wife, mother, three brothers and seven sisters.
A Children’s Day entertainment was given by the Sunday school of the United Evangelical Church Sunday evening June 18th.
The Thirteenth Annual Alumni Banquet of the Brownhelm High School was held Saturday evening June 3 at Browhelm Station at the K. & L. Of S. Hall.
Mrs. D French is reported very ill.
Mrs. Henry Stick who has been visiting relatives here has returned to her home in Windham.
Mr. Chas. Curtis has presented his family with a fine new, Ellington piano, block of Avery and Bemus of Amherst.
A man whose name is supposed to be Carl Giddins [sic] was struck and killed by a fast freight on L. S. & M. S. Ry. at Brownhelm Station about noon Friday. The body is now at the Baker’s morgue. From papers and articles found in the body it is believed he was deaf and dumb. He was about 25 years of age. A touching letter from his mother written a short time ago was found but unfortunately the name of the place from where it was written was omitted and the envelope was gone.
From the contents it seems to come from someplace near Baltimore.
The name of W. S. Hendrickson, Philadelphia, was found and a message of inquiry has been sent to him. – Lorain News.
A large party of Vermilion firemen and their ladies attended the Fireman’s benefit at Lorain Thursday evening and report a very pleasant time.
Mrs. Chas. Wilkes was called to Huron on Saturday by the death of her brother. The death of her father occurred only about two months ago.
The Jolly Farmers of W. Cleveland enjoyed their annual outing and picnic at Crystal Beach Sunday.
The storm Sunday because caused a change of plans in regard to the Woodman’s joint memorial. Between the storms the M. W. of A. went to the cemetery and decorated the graves. The W. O. W. Will decorate as soon as convenient.
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Smith, age couple who have been making their home for the past year or so in one of the cottages near the lake, better known as Nelsonville, were removed to the infirmary Friday. It seems the couple met with a number of reverses at their former home near Cleveland came to Vermilion with the hope of raising poultry. Their age, low finances and illness combined made their project impossible and for months past kind neighbors have looked after them, paid their rent and done what they could to relieve the situation, and the town has furnished groceries. Mr. Smith is very ill, so ill that he is helpless and had to be carried on and off the car, and so weak that he fainted three times on the way. Mrs. Smith objected strenuously to entering the poor house and had driven stakes near the stove plant and was preparing to build him a hut from factory and paper or anything she could get. We do not believe their condition was generally known otherwise, no doubt, a way other than the above mentioned might have been made for their maintenance during the short time Mr. Smith will probably be among the living; when it is said the wife will be amply able to care for herself.
[NOTE: This is such a sad story. Some folks assume that less fortunate people are just those who won’t or don’t do for themselves. Many times that’s just not true. There but for the grace of God… If you’re reading this you (and I) are among the very fortunate.]
Mrs. Charles Hahn returned on Saturday from Charity Hospital, Cleveland.
Messrs. Will and Barney Shiffler were called to Sandusky Friday to attend the funeral of their grandmother, Mrs. E Neiser.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Irey, a daughter, Tuesday, June 6, 1911.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Rumsey of Cleveland, a son, May 31, 1911.
This is G. H. Blattner who was been seriously ill is reported better although still confined to her bed.
The severe storm Sunday night did very little damage in and around Vermilion. At Linwood it is reported a tree was struck by lightning and two or three others blown down. Several trees about town were damaged by the storm also.
Miss Minnie Schade was called to her home in Cleveland Saturday by the illness of her sister, Mrs. A Kennerdy who was operated on at Lakeside Hospital for appendicitis Saturday morning. Latest reports are that she is recovering as fast as can be expected. Mrs. Kennerdy was formally Miss Cora Schade of Vermilion.
Mr. Everett Rose died yesterday at S. & S. H. Hospital Sandusky at 12:30. Mr. Rose has been a lifelong resident of Vermilion until about two years ago when he entered the home at Sandusky. He has been ailing for the past six months but was confined to his bed only about a week. Of his immediate family a wife, one son, Harry E. Rose, of Vermilion and one daughter, Mrs. V. Ross, of Wellington are left. The body was brought here today and funeral services will be held at the home of his son, H. E. Rose, Saturday at 1 o’clock.
Electrical storm on Sunday and’s Sunday and Sunday evening did no damage here, but a great deal of good to both small and large fruit.
George Knott is making preparations for the building of his new barn.
Mr. Seeley of Vermilion was at Joppa Monday buying cattle.
George Krapp was in this part of the country Monday buying up cattle.
Mr. E. B. Welch secured the services of a young man from Cleveland for the summer season.
Altho [sic] there has been no great improvement in Mrs. Sperry’s health we are glad to learn that she suffered no ill effects from a recent trip.
777.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. R. Derby Florence, a daughter, Monday morning.
Little Donald Robertson met with an accident last Friday while carrying an ax and a file, he tripped and fell and run [sic] the file through his ear and was injured quite badly.
[NOTE: OUCH, OUCH, OUCH!!!]
Hmmmmmm....
…an earnest man, full of a great purpose, striving against a fate which usually benumbs the faculties and palsies the energies of its victims.
John F. Campbell the law partner of Lucas S. Beecher, is remembered as being a man of light complexion, young, smart, active, facetious, witty and possessed of a keen sense of the ludicrous. About the year 1840 he had an attack of sore eyes that unfitted him for professional work, and in fact rendered him partially blind for a time at least. He quit the practice of law and went to Pennsylvania. After a time his eyesight was restored, and he studied for and entered the ministry of the Lutheran Church, and subsequently became a resident of the State of Virginia. Still later he became a bishop of the church.
He seems to have met with decided success in his new calling; but those that knew him well as a lawyer say that he was the last man they ever dreamed would finally become a clergyman. He evidently followed the command to “multiply and replenish the earth," for when last heard from his family comprised a wife and nine children.
Ebenezer Andrews of Milan, was a plain, sensible, unassuming man, and a fair and honest lawyer. He was probate judge of the county from 1852 to 1855. He died many years ago.
John N. Sloane entered upon the practice of law in 1840. His regular occupation, however, was that of merchant. He died September 24, 1881.
Hon. Ebenezer Lane, unquestionably the most distinguished and most honored of the many gentlemen of the legal profession that have practiced at the bar of the courts of this county, became a resident of Sandusky in the year 1842, two years after the civil organization of the county was made complete.
Judge Lane was born in Connecticut, in the year 1793. He was educated at the University of Cambridge, and afterward read law with his uncle Judge Matthew Griswold, of Lyme, Conn. He commenced the practice of law in the year 1814, at Norwich, Conn., but in 1817 came to the Western Reserve during the same year. In 1819 he moved to Norwalk, the county seat of Huron county, having previously been appointed prosecuting attorney for that county. At Columbia in 1822 he was admitted to practice in the United States Circuit Court. Soon after he was appointed Common Pleas Judge of the Second Circuit, and continued in office six years, when he was appointed judge of the Supreme Court of the State, sitting first in that capacity in 1830. He was reappointed in 1837, but resigned his commission eight years later.
It was during his life upon the bench that Judge Lane became a resident of Sandusky City. After thirteen years of residence here he moved to Chicago, having accepted the appointment as counsel and resident director of the Central Railroad of Illinois, an office that was ably filled by him for nearly fourteen years. After having severed his connection with the railroad company Judge Lane made an extended tour of Europe, returning to this country in April, 1860. He lived but six years longer, and died on the 12th of June, 1866.
SIXTY-NINE: Over the next few weeks the “Artifacts” section of the page will be featuring pix from the great flood that occurred along the Vermilion River (and elsewhere) during the heavy rainstorm of July 4th in 1969. A half century has now passed since that even, but it seems like yesterday.
In this snap, taken by Vermilion expatriate Bill Fischer, one of the Kishman tugs had washed up on the beach just west of Bluebird Beach. I don’t know the particulars behind it – whether the tug had been on the lake during the storm or whether it broke loose from the dock at Kishman’s and floated out of the mouth ending up in the location. But it’s an amazing sight.
A group of young children were sitting in a circle with their teacher. She was going around in turn asking them all questions.
"Davy, what noise does a cow make?" "It goes moo."
"Alice, what noise does a cat make?" "It goes meow."
"Jamie, what sound does a lamb make?" "It goes baaa."
"Jennifer, what sound does a mouse make?"" It goes click!"
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'".
Rich; it is our 60th reunion and will be very informal. It looks like this at the present time; Tuesday, JULY 9, 2019.
-4pm Boat ride Vermilion River and Lagoons (Parsons)
-5:30pm Drinks and music on the Patio-Vermilion Boat Club
-6:30pm Dinner - order off the menu Vermilion Boat Club
Replys can be sent to;
Roger Boughton
2205 1th Ave. SW
Ausitn, MN. 55912
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.
MARY WAKEFIELD BUXTON'S LATEST BOOK "The Private War of William Styron" is available in paper back for $15.00 with tax and can be purchased locally at Buxton and Buxton Law Office in Urbanna, ordered from any book store, Amazon.com or Brandylane Publishing Company. A signed, hard back edition may be purchased from Mrs. Buxton directly for $30.00 by writing her at Box 488, Urbanna, VA 23175 and including $6.00 for tax, postage and packaging.
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. 17. Issue 14 - June 8, 2019
Archive Issue #847
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