02/12/11 VIEWS DESKTOP - THE SHOP
VIEW FROM THE DESKTOP: A few weeks back Janet Ford - the Director of Vermilions Ritter Public Library stopped in (at the church kitchen where I work daily) asking me if the old files of The Vermilion News had been copyrighted by my family. It seems that the library had been contacted by the owners of a website called Newspaper Archive to see if the library could send them their microfilm of all the old issues of The News to be used on their website. The Newspaper Archive is available only to subscribers to the service (which I have been for some time now). Persons using the library would be able to access the site for free at the library - or any library where some agreement has been reached with the site owners. One of the great things about this archive is that its searchable. Consequently one does not have to go through the entire archive to find some specific name or subject. The downside of the search process is that its not as immediately easy as one might prefer. This has to do with the search crawler being able recognize the subject matter. Because it is accomplished using microfilm copies its not 100% accurate. Anyone who has worked with microfilm knows that the film may have imperfections that make some things barely legible. Nonetheless, it is an improvement for folks like myself who are constantly looking for historic information. During the past year Ive been using my own microfilm reader at home with archives that Ive purchased from Bowling Green State University. Despite the future availability of these file on-line I will continue. The largest reason for this is because I am learning the history as I go. Im not always looking for specific things. Im looking at everything as I move through the years. This is something I cant really do on-line or even at the library. But Im glad theyll be readily available for all interested parties. I dont know when the files will be available on-line. Id guess that itll take a few months for them to be copied. But itll sure be a great resource addition to our community.
Historically,
THE FLIER
DEAN ORTNER: There should still be a few folks about the area who remember Dean Ortner and his brothers. The boys grew up on Demman Road in the Wakeman / Birmingham, Ohio area. Their father, Andrew, and mother, Cora, were fruit farmers. According to the U.S. Census of 1928 there were five children in the family: Ferdinand F., Wells W., Andrew C., June C., and Dean J. - in that order.
The only two that I knew were Andy and Dean. I met them when my late brother-in-law Jerry (Howard) Emery flew out of their airport (i.e. Wakeman or Ortner's Airport) on Route #60 just south of Birmingham. That was back in the late 1950's. They were exciting people to be around. If they wanted to fly somewhere - like Cleveland or even to another state - for dinner they just hopped into one of their planes and went.
I attended at least on air show at the Ortner's and was truly impressed. Dean was a stunt pilot. It was the thrill of thrills for a youngster.
Both Dean and Andy lost their lives doing what (at least it always seemed to me) they loved to do. Dean was flying stunts in his SNJ-5 at the Shelby airfield near Mansfield on the afternoon of June 17, 1973 when he, reportedly, rolled his plane too low to the ground and crashed into a cornfield about a mile from the airport. It was likely something that he had done "a million" times. He was only 45 years old.
I don't have the details of the crash that later killed Andy. But it really wasn't too many years later. I believe he was killed while flying a commercial transport plane. The Ortner boys had a contract with the Ford Motor Company and flew some commercial flights for them.
With the death of the Ortner boys a great era of flying history was forever closed in our community...
PAINTING THE TOWN: Sometimes things are painted in pictures. And sometimes in stories. But however painted they are nonetheless as powerful...
INSIDE AGAIN: I'm really and truly not trying to bore ye to death with this photograph. But I like it. And it shows better hear than it does with the desktop snap that opens this week's edition of "VV".
I took 38 photographs inside and outside that day. Initially, I was touring the building with some insurance people. I would say more about that experience but methinks tis better that I hold my tongue for now. But no matter. I trudge onward.
The intention is to totally rehab the structure. And that will be done - eventually. First the roof; that which keeps the elements out. And then some of the other structural deficits. In reality none are insurmountable.
All things in good time. But an interesting looking place. Is it not?
AGAIN - ANOTHER NEW (NOW OLD) THING: Initially I said that "This will not take the place of the "Macabre" stuff all the time - but will supplement whilst I search for more macabre stories to tell." But methinks that it's carved out a niche for itself and the "Macabre stuff" with have to find another.
So stay tuned...
February 5, 1903 - Volume 6 - Number 36
AN AUTO=COACH ROUTE -------------------- A System Using Automobiles to be Estab- lished with Vermilion as a Main Objective Point. -------------------- WE WILL AT LAST HAVE A MUCH NEEDED OPENING FROM THE SOUTH.
For the past six months a party of gentlemen have been engaged in forming a company for the establishment of auto-coach lines through this section of the country. tuesday the company received its articles of incorporation from Arizona where the papers were filed. t The amount of capitalization is $25,000. The following gentlemen are officers and directors of the company: F.B. Whitmore, President; S.E. Miller, Vice President; Milo Moulton, Secretary; J.L. Brown. Treasurer; E.S. Prentice, R. Wortman, R.F. Quigley The scheme is not entirely new as already such lines are in operation in several sections of the country. The plan is to run auto-cars which somewhat resemble street cars, on the main roads through the country where there are no electric lines. In this vicinity the cars will be run from the south as shown on the map. The cars will be propelled by 18-horse power engines which are considered ample and will make regular trips, giving service similar to electric cars and the charges will be about the same. It is believed that this mode of travel will become very popular and that the mails may also be carried in this manner over the star routes. The parks will be the gainers through this new line as one of the main objects of the company is to give transportation facilities direct to these resorts where now a round-a-bout way must be taken. The electric and steam roads will also share in the patronage as these cars will enable passengers to reach their lines more readily. We hope the new company will be successful and this summer the auto-coaches will be making regular trips from Oberlin and other points south. The accompanying map illustrates the routes coutemplate[sic].
-------------------- Council Meeting.
The Villiage[sic] Council met in regular session Monday evening with all the councilmen Mayor and Clerk in their places. The session was the most lenthy [sic] held for some time. The bill of D.A. Poyer and another gentleman for damages to horse and buggy incured [sic] by driving off the bank on Water street, was discussed and finally allowed as it was clearly shown that the corporation was negligent and it was thought best to pay the bill of $38. Three petitions were also presented one by the citizens of the south end on State street praying for street lamps. This was referred to the lighting committee. Another petition asking for the withdrawal of their land from the corporation of the village. The property is situated west of the proposed stove works allotment. This petition This petition caused considerable excitement and discussion. The petitioners claimed that the tax was too heavy for them. They had applied to the board of equalization but without results so they concluded to withdraw from the corporation as they received no benefit. The petition was signed by Geo. Baumhart, Mary Kneisel, J.C. Kneisel, Wm. Akerman, B.O. Crosier, T.J. Crosier and N. Fischer. The third petition which was presented might possibly be the cause of the second. It was signed by over 150 taxpayers of the corporation asking for the privilege of voting on the waterworks question. The petition was accepted and the Clerk instructed to correspond with competent engineers concerning the matter and report at adjourned meeting. The sewer question was again the subject which filled up the balance of the meeting. A large grist of bills were ordered paid and the council adjourned until Monday evening Feb. 16, when the water-works questions will again be taken up. A large number of citizens were present.
--------------------
Thirty two children, seventeen boys and fifteen girls are being cared for at the Childrens Home in Sandusky.
-------------------- A Correction.
In last weeks issue we stated the Miss Pelton whose remains were brought here from California was the daughter of Austin Pelton. It should have been Allen Pelton.
-------------------- The Stove Works.
We are informed that plans are being drawn for the new stove works and that the bond and contract will soon be forwarded.
Work was resumed this afternoon on the electric sub-station here and the machinery will be installed as soon as it arrives. Old farmer Hopkins failed to arrive on account of sickness in the company. The L.S.E. is having quite a time obtaining permission of property owners to string their high tension wires to their sub-station here. One property owner has filled up the hole dug for a pole, as the company did not comply with his wishes. Mrs. Mary A. Kelsey of this place, who is in her eighty-fifth year, is at present engaged in finishing two quilts, biting the thread off with her teeth which are in a remarkable state of preservation, she having lost but two. The Epworth League will hold a Box Social at the M.E. Church Parlors on next Wednesday evening, Feb. 11. Miss Wellmes Sunday School Class gave a Hat Social at the home of H.C. Leidheiser last evening. In spite of the weather quite a crowd was present and a general good time was had. Receipts $5.10. Married - At the Catholic Parsonage at Huron, Tuesday Feb. 3, 1903, in the presence of a few near relatives and friends, Mr.William Moes of this place and Miss Anna Shultz of Cleveland, Rev. Father Horst officiating. The wedding dinner was served at the home of the grooms parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Moes. They expect to go to housekeeping at Lorain next week. Mrs. John Moes received word yesterday morning that her brother Henry Best of Old Fort, O. was dead. Last Friday evening the Paysen Fish House at Sandusky was totally destroyed by fire. The Davis boat house and other building had a narrow escape.
-------------------- Obituary.
Sarah Jane Pelton was born in Vermilion, Ohio, Oct. 10, 1831. She passed away in Oakland, California, Jan. 25, 1902. [VV Editor Note: Methinks she actually passed on Jan. 25, 1903.] She lived with her father and mother until both passed over the river. In the fifty-first year of her age she went to California to make her home with her only brother, Lester Pelton, and remained there until her decease. During the twenty years of her life there, she has crossed the continent three times - her last visit being in the spring of 1902 - not quite a year ago. She was, until a very few years ago, a member of the Congregational church of this place, as were also her father and mother. She was known as a person of strict integrity, honest and upright in character, a faithful daughter, a kind and loving sister, a firm friend and well wisher toward everyone. She leaves a host of friends who will long cherish the remembrance of her. The funeral services were held at the Congregational church Sunday morning. The sermon was preached by Rev. J.A. Kaley from the text If a man die shall he live again. She was buried Monday morning in Maple Grove cemetery.
-------------------- Mrs. John Haynes Dead.
The following concerning the death of Mrs. John Haynes, formerly Mary (Polly) Driscoll of this place, is taken from the Ft. Lupton, (Col.) Spirit, of Jan. 29. Mrs. Haynes leaves a husband and two grown sons. She was well known by the older residents of Vermilion and was married to Mr. Haynes at the home of Mrs. Lewis Wells. Far from the dear Colorado home, but with dear ones near by, Mrs. John Haynes departed this life at San Baradina, California, on Monday evening. Word was received Tuesday stating that they had started for Ft. Lupton and would probably arrive Friday evening. At the time we go to press they had not arrived in Denver, but were expected on the next train.
Hmmmmmm....
"Among those who went down with the ship was its captain, James Lawless."
REMEMBERING CAPT. FRED LAWLESS: Some folks (such as myself) wander through life taking things as they come. And some draw up plans for their lives and follow them precisely, like the notes of a Brahms sonata. And then there are people like Capt. Fred Lawless who seem know from childhood where they are going - and they just go there. Now and then, I suspect, such persons may even know exactly how their stories will end. The Synopsis: Although Capt. Lawless was not born in Vermilion, O. he got here as soon as he possibly could. He was only 16. It was 1855, and Vermilion - then the home port of old-time builders, owners, and skippers - was, for him, the most logical place to launch his career. Almost immediately after arriving he shipped out on the schooner Exchange. The vessel was owned by Capt. Alva Bradley; commanded by Capt . J. Grover. By the age of 29 he was master of his own schooner - the S.H. Kimball - also owned by Bradley. And for the most part of the next 32 years of his career he commanded various vessels of the Bradley fleet. There was a five year hiatus when he sailed as master of the Majestic owned by J. and T. Hurley of Detroit, Michigan. Now thats a fairly impressive career for a kid who - metaphorically speaking - jumped ship at the age of ten years and went to work delivering meat for a Canadian butcher at two bucks a month. The Skinny: Born in Old Niagara, Canada on November 2, 1839, he was the son of Irish immigrants - John and Mary (Graley). His father, who worked as a stationary engineer, was killed in a dock fire on the steamer Zimmerman in 1861. His mother died in 1870 in Alton, Illinois. James, who as previously mentioned, left home in 1849, eventually found passage from his berth as butchers delivery boy to the shipyards of one Lewis Shickluna. There he quickly and thoroughly absorbed all he possibly could about the shipbuilding trade before setting a course to Vermilion some five years aft. In 1863 the good Capitán took the hand of Miss Eliza Harris of Vermilion in marriage. The couple set-up housekeeping in the north part of town, and over the years had five children: Fred (who also became a sailor and master of his own vessel, but eventually quit the lakes and took up plumbing); Cora (who would marry a Vermilion banker named E.L. Coen); Miles (who worked as a cashier in the Erie County Bank); Bertie who lived only four years; and lastly a bright young lady they named Olive. And all was well. The End: On Friday, September 21,1900 the schooner John Martin was bound downstream near the entrance of the St. Clair river with a load of iron ore when it was hit amidships by the steel prow of an steamer headed upstream called the Yuma. An Associated Press reporter later wrote that the Martin sunk in thirty seconds carrying down five men and a woman. Among those who went down with the ship was its captain, James Lawless. A telegram to his family early the next morning officially confirmed their loss. George Kyle of Toledo, one of only two survivors aboard the Martin, was at the wheel when the accident took place. He told a reporter that he, ...saw the boat sheer toward [them] on the starboard side. I knew that we were to be struck, an shouted to Peterson [the other survivor]. We both ran along part of the rail and climbed up the mizzen mast. We shouted to the other men. Capt James Lawless stood as [if] spellbound. That was the last we saw of [him]. As I opined at the start of this story Capt. James Lawless appears to have been one of those rare individuals who seem to know from the very beginning of their lives exactly where theyre going - and without hesitation move toward that destination. And I cant help but wonder, as he stood aboard the Martin in that yesteryear watching the terrible prospect of the collision unfold before him, if he perceived it as being the final voyage of his mortal career; and understanding that - accepted it.
Ref: The Daily Herald - Delphos, Ohio, 9-22-1900; The Elyria Republican, 9-27-1900; The Vermilion News, 9-27-1900; Sandusky Daily Star, 10-12-1900; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 5/27/10; Written 5/23/10 @ 11:18 AM.
THE FIRE-LANDS: I found the following information re: the early inhabitants of our area to be extremely informative. Methinks you will also.
I am getting better at transcribing these passages so there are fewer mistakes. But I like to read as I go - and sometimes I fill in the blanks. So tread carefully this trail through yesteryear.
The following series will take thee to the south of Vermilion in the Clarksfield area. Methinks you'll find this history quite fascinating.
NEW HAVEN.
The time that has passed, since the pioneer first walked in the wilderness by the side of the Huron, is almost three score years and ten. Strange and startling scenes, in life dramas, have been enacted upon its brink, before and since then. The Indian, glorying in his wild freedom and holding undisputed possession of the forest, has here lain in wait for the deer to come and drink, has fought the bear and followed the stealthy panther. Human blood has flowed by the side of the stream. The white man came, and with hard labor rolled together the logs for a humble home. The prattle and the laughter of little children mingled with the musical babbling of the river. The sound of the ax was heard along the shore, and the crashing of falling timber shook the earth. The forest melted away before the march of the army of peace. The country was dotted with human habitations; a village grew up and became a busy mart. The church and school house appeared. Where once were no sounds but those of nature, there had come the hum of industry, the bustle of trade, a hurrying to and fro, the greetings of man with man, the activity impelled by varied human interests. The river was stopped that it might gather strength to turn the mill. There were births, marriages, deaths, the ever occurring joys and griefs of humanity,the change and mutation of life and time. The village arose and well nigh faded from existence again; houses rotted away; men who were babes when the the country was new, grew old and went down to their graves. In the midst of change only the river went on unchanged, like the poet's brook, for
Men may come and men may go; But I go on forever.
Were the fullfilment of the task possible,- it would be a pleasant duty to present to the reader of today, carefully trimmed outlines of the characters of those men and women, whose lives were passed in preparing the wilderness for the present generations; but we shall, however, present some of the facts of pioneer life, and strive to perpetuate, at least the names, of those who bore the brunt in the great struggle of subduing a new countrywho surmounted its obstacles and faced its dangers bravely. The history of New Haven has for several reasons a peculiar interest. It was the first township settled, within the territory at present consisting of Huron county. The village was the first one formed and the plat the first laid out within the present limits of the county. Two other villages have been developed one to a considerable size by a slow growth, since the star of New Haven's hope waned; the other, a small one, recently and quickly. In addition to these facts, the red-man enters prominently into the recital of the first settlers' experience, and Jonathan Chapman"Appleseed Johnny"occupies a large share of attention, because New Haven was more of a home for that strange philanthropist of the western forest, than any other he possessed after entering upon the life service that made him famous throughout the country.
SITUATION, STREAMS, SURFACE, FEATURES.
New Haven is township number one, range twentythree, and was generally so known until it received its name. It is bounded upon the north by Greenfield, on the east by Ripley, south by Plymouth township, (Richland county), and west by Richmond. The principal stream within its limits is the Huron river, which flows in a northerly and easterly direction through the eastern part of the township, and thence on to the lake. Almost one fourth of the township, section number four, the southwest quarter, was originally a wet prairie or marsh, which, until it had been improved by extensive and systematic drainage, was uninhabitable and untillable. It abounded, at an early day, in willow thickets, cranberries and rattlesnakes, of the kind commonly called "Saugers. " As the land was improved, the rattlesnakes and cranberries and marsh grass gave place, in a large measure, to the production of other and more useful articles, and now a large portion of the once wild waste is cultivated, and gives the farmer a rich reward for his labor in grass, grain and corn. The marsh feeds a small stream, known as Marsh run, which is a tributary to the Huron river. Stone appears at the surface in the southern part of the township, near Plymouth village, and has for many years been quite extensively quarried for use in the immediate vicinity. It is most commonly found in thin layers, more suitable for flagging than for building purposes. The surface of the township is generally level, but in some portions is slightly rolling. The soil in the north and eastern parts is a mixture of clay and sand, unexcelled for general agricultural purposes. In the southwest it is a black sandy loam. An unusually heavy growth of timber originally covered this territory. The river forms a distinct dividing line between the oak and beech lands. The beech trees are still abundant upon the east side, and oak. hickory, ash, maple and other iiard timber upon the west.
ABORIGINAI REMAINS.
Early settlers speak of the remains of an old fortification, plainly visible before the plowshare had...
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
FINDING H.S. MILLER & SOME WISDOM: When I was young - and knew everything - I would have looked at the photograph accompanying these words and immediately said, It wasnt taken in Vermilion. But then something odd happened. Years passed, I got older, and discovered that I didnt know much about anything - let alone a photo such as it. It was an epiphany of comeuppance; and, I found, one that is both justly earned and deserved. But setting all that aside, I do give myself some credit for not rejecting everything I dont immediately recognize - including this photo - entirely, and subsequently deleting all from my computer. Thats not because Ive any hunch about them being relevant to my field of interest though. Its really because I just like old photographs. This particular item is a scanned reproduction of a post-card with a postal stamp date of April 5, 1907. Because general information pertaining to digital photo copies can be easily found using tools found on most computers I can tell you that Ive had a copy of this photo for nearly six years. More precisely, Ive had it since 10:47 PM, E.S.T., October 27, 2004. Every now and then Id come across it while looking for something else; and Id stop and wonder where it might have been. It looks like it might have been a nice place. And Mr. H.S. Miller (assuming that it is he on the walk outside the restaurant) appears to be proud of his enterprise. But the message on the card is somewhat difficult to decipher. It appears to read something like: To Sir and Comrade - dont forget it is nearing Decoration and we need the wind - F C & Z - H.S. Miller... Although I didnt think much about the photo when I originally saw it I filed it away in the dusty recesses of my memory until last Saturday. Using a portable microfilm reader I was browsing through a reel of film of The Vermilion News containing an issue from May 18, 1899 when I cam across the following article: While J. Buster was unloading ice from the Peoples Ice Co. wagon, last Saturday behind H.S. Millers saloon, the horse became frightened at a piece of loose paper and ran away. It was caught in front of C. Deckers coal office. No damage was done, except a cut on the horses leg. According to the News piece Millers enterprise would - in 1907 - have been located somewhere along Division / Main Street between Liberty Avenue and the railroad. It may have been one of the several businesses that located in the shops behind the newly built (c. 1892) Pelton-McGraw market on the southwest corner of the downtown business block. Searching further into the person whom I only knew as H.S. Miller I discovered that his name was Henry; and that he was born in Vermilion in 1843 of German born parents. His fathers name was John; and his mothers name was Ester (Keesker). Early in his marriage to his wife Gertrude the family lived in Berlin Township. Together they had eight children. By the time the post-card was dated Mr. Miller would have been nearing his 64th year. And by 1910, after setting aside a tidy sum of money from his years as an entrepreneur, he and Gertrude had retired to a nice home on N. Washington Street in Vermilion and were about raising but one more child; a granddaughter named Marion H. Krapp. Henry died on the 23rd Day of May in 1911. Im glad that when I was younger that I didnt (for whatever reason) destroy this photograph of a yesteryear. I guess it may be said that in our younger years some of us may tend to be more impulsive / naive. But given some time, and if were fortunate enough, that can change. Perhaps we dont get get any smarter. We just get a little bit wiser. Ref: The Vermilion News, 5-18-1899; U.S. Census, 1889, 1910; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 5/06/10; Written 5/02/10 @ 11:08 AM.
CAMPERS COMPLAINTS
These are actual comments left on Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips: "A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call." "Escalators would help on steep uphill sections." "Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness." "Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands." "Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals." "All the mile markers are missing this year." "Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse." "Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill." "Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests." "Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter." "Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them." "The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals." "Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights." "Need more signs to keep area pristine." "A McDonald's would be nice at the trailhead." "The places where trails do not exist are not well marked." "Too many rocks in the mountains."
PODCAST #218:This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #218 takes ye into the "backroom" (i.e. the file manager) of Vermilion Views and lets thee see what I see whilst I compose each edition.
Again. Aside from that I'm still trying to acquire some mastery of a new bit of software; that which allows me to made a video without a camera.
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.
Also, please note that all the video (MP4) podcasts (when used) are done in the "Quicktime MP4" format. If you don't have "Quicktime" it's easy to find and free to download.
NOTE NOTE:Past podcasts are not available in the on-line archive. They just take up too much disk space. But if one really, really, really wants to acquire a copy of a past cast it can be had by contacting me and I will place it on a disc and send it to ye for a minimal fee.
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'".
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
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
Vol.8, Issue 49, February 19, 2011
© 2011 Rich Tarrant