NEAR THE LAST EXIT: This is a pic of the exit light above the north door of the Vermilion Town Hall's Opera House. I just thought it was an interesting piece.

To date there is been no final decision on the sale of the hall. Apparently, the Vermilion Township Trustees are waiting for an opinion from the township prosecutor on the subject.

Whilst I've already indicated that the highest bid on the structure was made by the Emmanuel Lagace of Novi, Michigan the final decision (again) has not been made.

We shall see how this shakes down and hope like heck that it remains an asset for the folk whose ancestors built and maintained the place for the last 123 years. That I, am not enamoured with the manner in which the powers that be have conducted this process is a fact that I'll freely admit to anyone who cares listen to me. But money is money. And there's not been any overwhelming swell of support from locals to retain local ownership of the building. So...

SOME SOPHOMORES: In 1937 this was one quarter of the Sophmore Class at Vermilion's new South Street School. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed they were:

_{(L-R Back) Mary Lezak, E.Kovanic, Anna Matas, Joan Nieding;
(L-R Front) Harvey Rodgers, R. Morgan, J. McDaniel, Carl Kuhl}

I know/knew but two of the people in this particular photo; Ms. Kovanic and Harvey "Buck" Rodgers. Ms. Kovanic (her first names now escapes me - Adele/Edele(?) was my music teacher in my elementary school years. She always struck me as being a tad testy. But in reality she was just doing her job with a bunch of children whose priorites lay elsewhere. However, recently I acquired the new Bruce Springsteen cd "We Shall Overcome", and I was reminded of being in her music class 50 years ago.

Springsteen's new cd is a collection of American folk music (which is, incidently, well done). And in the collection is an old folk ballad called "15 Miles on the Erie Canal". I have vivid memories of singing that song in her class [sic]("...low bridge everybody down...low bridge cuz we're going through a town..."). Remember that? I still see her around town.

And then there was Harvey "Buck" Rodgers. Mr. Rodgers was my friend's, Tom's, father. I probably know more about him now than I did when I was younger. Harvey was an athlete (as was his son), and his father was a belated casualty of WW1. I don't know it for a fact but I believe that his family lived on a farm in the Joppa Road area. When I knew him he worked for the Wakefield/Brass Lighting Company. He eventually retired to Florida.

LOYALA UPDATE: Loyola-On-The-Lake (a summer school of science) was Stop #123 for the Lake Shore Electric Railroad (that ran from Cleveland to Toledo, Ohio from 1901 to 1938) and was exactly 34.1 miles west of Cleveland. It was apparently located along Lake Erie between Lorain and Vermilion during the late 19th and/or early 20th centuries. Aside from this post card I've seen no mention of this institution anywhere in the histories of Vermilion, Ohio.

In an attempt to discover more information I contacted Loyola University in Chicago on May 1st and received this prompt reply:

Mr. Tarrant:
Your inquiry about the Loyola-on-the-Lake postcard was forwarded to the University Archives. I have a similar postcard in the archives although all it says is "Loyola on the Lake, Vermillion, Ohio". Someone wrote on the postcard "Jesuit Summer Villa". Unfortunately I do not have any more information about this villa. Since the summer school program at Loyola University Chicago was not established until 1918, I suspect that in 1912 this property would have been owned by the Buffalo mission, which later became the Detroit Province, and they could have operated a summer school there. I suggest that you contact the Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus to see if they might have any information.
Please feel free to contact me with any further questions.

Sincerely,
Kathy Young

I followed this communique up with an e-mail to the Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus, but have not yet received a reply.

I also sent an inquiry to the Black River Historical Society but, again, receive no reply.

I find it hard to believe that if the place existed some account of it isn't documented somewhere aside from this card. Just looking at the landscape on the north side of Lake Road from Baumhart Road in the east to Sunnyside Road in the west I'd guesstimate that the retreat center might have been on the lake shore just west of the creek (I don't recall the name of the creek at the moment) that lies about a quarter mile west of Baumhart Road.

By now the place might have been claimed by Lake Erie. But if not parts of the foundation must surely remain.

Interesting stuff!

HISTORIC CHURCH: Travel Lake Road west out of Vermilion. Shortly before entering the community of Mitiwanga - where Joppa Road meets West Lake Road look to the right/north and you will see this church. Today, like many of the old church and public buildings in the area, it is privately owned. So there is no access. It sits behind a fence, buried 'neath some trees. But once upon a time it was a very popular and active German Reformed Church. (My friend "Buffalo" Bill Hlavin sent me this pic during the week asking me to support his identification.) It's a nice photograph.

A little over a year ago I received the following communication:

Dear Sir,
I noted that in Vol. 3, Issue 6, May 7th, 2005 issue of your Vermilion Views you referenced Augusta Kuhlen.
Augusta Emilie Kuhlen is my great great grandmother. I have a picture of her family (husband and children) that was taken at Christmas time (several years after her death). I have other information regarding her funeral, which seems to have been according to family history, quite a large event in Vermilion.
I also have a few pieces of linen that belonged to Augusta that were passed down to me through my grandmother (from her hope chest).
I would love to know what other local information and history you have about Augusta. Someday I would like to visit Vermilion and to visit her gravesite at the Maple Grove cemetery.

Kind regards,
Susan Bloodgood Weaver

Well, I did reply to her communique - but I had/have very little information that would be of help to her. And she reciprocated with the following reply and photo:

Rich,
Thanks for writing back. I really appreciate your looking in to available information about Augusta. I will compile all the information I have about Augusta and her family into one document and send it to you in a few days. I enjoyed browsing your Vermilion Views website. I am attaching the picture that I spoke of in my first email.

This is a picture of Augusta's family several years after her death. Gerhard and Augusta had six children. Augusta died about two weeks after her youngest daughter was born. My great grandfather was John Kuhlen who is the seated gentlemen, glasses, left of center looking directly at the camera. Augusta's husband Gerhard is the eldest gentleman in the center of the picture. My grandmother's letters refer to him as him Reverend Kuhlen. Gerhard was left, upon the death of his dear wife with six very young children to raise. My understanding is that the family remained in Vermilion for several years after Augusta died as Gerhard was the minister at the church there. My grandmother, Dorothy Kuhlen is the baby girl looking to the left up at her mother. Dorothy was born in 1900. Her brother Earl, the little boy with the drum, was born in May of 1902. So I am dating this picture as Christmas time (The picture in the background says "Silent Night, Holy Night") of 1904. As you know, Augusta died May 26, 1879 in Vermilion, which would have been about twenty-five years before this picture was taken.

I was puzzeled some when I initially looked over this information because the name Kuhlen doesn't show up in any list I have pertaining to the local Evangelical and Reformed Church (on Grand Street) right in town. So it was likely the church at Joppa Road (the one pictured) that Rev. Kuhlen served. And I believe that someone in the vicinity has the records of the church that might be helpful to Ms. Weaver.

Unfortunately, these things take time to decipher, and a full year has passed since I first received this correspondence.(Ooops!)

MARY FRENCH SMITH: During the past week Jim Smith visited me and loaned me this photo along with some color slides of Vermilion that his father, Sterling, took. I could kick myself - but when I reproduced this particular photo for Jim (the original was about 2" square) I made a point of placing the names on the back of the reproduction as best I could read them on the original. But guess what? I didn't keep a copy of the names for myself.

I can easily spot Mary in the pic. She's the last little gal on the right. And I know that her sisters Phoebe and Warren Mehnert's mother (I can't take the name off the top of my head right now) are there. Also there is a cousin Esther(?) Pippert. And the man's name is Forest something.

Lastly, some surmise that the two less visible and unnamed children (one hiding between the gathering of people in the pic and the other off to the left in the background)in the picture are the French twins. One of which is Dudley.

In any case, I'll re-acquire the names and get this right by next week.

WEST SOUTH STREET LOOKING EAST : Ah! A highly ambiguous title to this nice photo. This is one of Sterling Smith's color slide photos (previously mentioned). I like these shots because they're unprofessional. One might wonder as to the reason for anyone to have taken it - which is anyone's guess - but I am surely glad that it was done. For these pix afford one a dimension of Vermilion's past that would certainly be lost were they not recorded.

This pic was taken in 1952 by Mr. Smith who noted on the slide that it was "in front of Darley's house". My personal description would be that it is about 40 yards to the west of Jefferson Street looking northeast down South Street. The house to the left is the duplex that still haunts that corner. And barely visible (beyond) is Don and Kathy Fischer's home on the northeast corner of South and Jefferson Streets.

It's a great shot of Vermilion's past - the type of photo that I know exists in many, many attics around town - just waiting to be discovered.

HISTORY SUNNYSIDE UP: I can't really call this new because it was writ some years ago. But I've had it hidden in the attic of my deranged brain for several years and decided that it would be fun to dust it off and place it in the sunlight. It is a short fictional history of Vermilion, Ohio called The Last Time I Saw Charlie. It was born from my amusement with various accounts of local history that I've heard and read during my life. Sometimes you wonder if those things could have been true or not.

I concluded that it didn't matter. In fact, I thought it would be fun to make up my own history. I mean tis all a matter of subjective view is it not?

Have Fun.

WHAT'S A FOOT:The Ohio Historical Society has recently sent me the proof for the text that will appear on the marker denoting the location of the Lake Shore Electric Bridge as it passed over the Vermilion River. The marker will be placed in the new Rotary Centennial Park by Vermilion's old water-tower.

After the text is approved it will be sent back to the OHS and then go to the Sewah Studios in Marietta.It will take about 2 1/2 months to cast. So I'm hoping that it will be ready to place in the park and be dedicated by Labor Day.

The OHS will pay $750.00 (less than half the cost) toward the total cost of the marker. The rest will have to come through/from the Vermilion Area Historical Society (VAAS).

To date the VAAS has received a donation of $25.00 toward the project. I'm very sure that there are others who would like to add their donation. Those interested can contact me (via email, etc) and I will let you know how to forward it to the cause.

Also, The Vermilion Area Archival Society 2006 Historic Calendar featuring Vermilion's fishing industry is always available from myself, Sandy Neiding and Brummer's Candy Shop. While noting that these are calendars - please also note that they are collectors' items. This means that they're good for 100 years. These are new calendars that feature Vermilion's fishing industry. Anyone interested in one of the calendars can also contact me. They cost $5.00. Shipping and handling for out-of-town mailing is about $1.35. There only a few left. So get on it folks!

Also note that there are (unfortunately) some mistakes on the calendar. The name of Sue Backus under the "Business and Corporate Sponsors" heading is spelled incorrectly. And the month of March is listed incorrectly as being "2005". The days of the actual month, however, are correct for 2006.

Keep an eye out here for more activities sponsored by the "Archival Society". One significant thing coming up in the near future will be another talk with Vermilion native Hank Fischer - plus many other things. So stay with us.

Please take the time to visit (or re-visit) the Hope Children's Home site linked below because there are some additions there that you might find interesting (now featuring the results of their annual USA Bi Continental Run). With all the bad things happening on the "dark continent" it's really nice to know that there are some places where the light does shine brightly. Please keep in mind that the needs of Hope Children's Home are on-going. Contributions to that home may be made to Larry Hohler in New York.

During the next year nearly all the recipes that appear here will be from local residents (past and present). Taken from community recipe booklets, and scanned using OCR technology they will be as currently and historically accurate as possible.

CLASS REUNION UPDATES: Here's some new items: Vermilion Class of l948 Reunion for Friday, August 25, 2006 at Vermilion Fish and Game - 6:00 p.m. For more information contact Carol Bechtel. They are looking for Richard Jenkins, Norma Czarnecki, Bob Thomas, William Judge, Robert Crampton, Rodney Gribble.

Bob Ferry, is heading up the VHS Class Reunion for 1987...20 years. (More on that at a later date).

Attention VHS Class of 1976. Your 30th Reunion is upon near! It will be on June 17th, 2006@the Vermilion Boat Club 7:30 pm to Midnight.Pass the word. You can call Janet@967-4915 with addresses of fellow classmates or Email:jantanze@aol.com. The mailing address is:VHS Class of 1976 PO Box #872 Vermilion, OH 44089. The Committee has been busy, busy and more busy!! They have been trying to find classmates whereabouts, and trying to confirm classmates who are deceased, (for memorial bricks) Please help as much as possible if you could. They are still looking for the following classmates: Linda Anders, Theresa Barnes, Debbie Bishop, Pam Campbell, Sharon Carrender, Mike Carrender, Robin Carte, Becky Cutlip, Pete Fisher, Sue Flage, Carolyn Griswold, Steve Green, Betty L Hardwick, Cynthia Losdon, David McFarland, Nancy Johnson, Jeff Jones, Theresa Mudrock, Doris Peters, Eddie Hunnell, Pam Roscoe, Bonnie & Bob Shank, Cindy Thomas, Mike McKnight, Jill Yousko

If something changes you'll see it here.

Some folks use this page as a portal to the Classes of '60 to '62 webpage I'm placing the link back here. But it would be a very wise move if folks involved with that page made a note of its URL and posted it in their notes as well as those contacting their classmates.

I was unaware of it but more than just a few folks do use this site as a link to their respective class sites - so - here's the VHS Class of 1959's site back for your convenience too: Remember that site is located at: Class of '59 and it'll be updated it as Roger (Boughton) receives enough new pictures and information from classmates to make it worth reading. So send him any information that you would like to share with other classmates and he'll put it up for all to see and view.

It is my understanding that some of these links are not working, or not working well. If so it is a technical problem belonging to the respective parties operating those webpages.

The Beat Goes On: The page is generated by the 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 bookmarks. 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.

Links to other sites on the Web

Vermilion Ohio Historic Pix
History of Linwood Park
Vermilion Visitor's Advisory (Satire)
Gore Orphanage History
The Lester Pelton Story
The Wreck of The Niles #152
The History of Crystal Beach
Vermilion Views Archives
Vermilion's Pioneer Woman; Charlotte Sturges
Cloudy; Vermilion's Ferryman
The History of Vermilion's Congregational Church
Dedication Sermon of Jotham W. Goodell, 1843
Hope Childrens Home Kenya
A Profile of Rich Tarrant

"If God didn't want us to eat animals, then why'd he make them so tasty?" ~ "Chalkboard" Bart's dad - Homer Simpson

Vol.4, Issue 10, May 27, 2006

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© 2005 Rich Tarrant