DESKTOP - 10/15/11 - THE VERMILION FLEET c.1912
FROM MY DESTOP TO YOURS: Well here I am splitting my time putting together “VV” between the office in the print shop in Grand Street and home on Oakwood Drive. Perhaps “juggling” would be a better term - because this change in my life puts me a little off balance. I’m not used to having all this time to do as I choose.
I have my microfilm reader at the shop now. It’s a great deal more convenient that having it at home. I don’t have as much room there. But the light is better there because I’m used to working in relative darkness. I can see the screen(s) better. (And I’m back where it started.)
Below is a nice pic of the small platen press - the oldest press - in the building. It’ll be interesting to see how it cleans up. The press is not terribly rare. It’s an old Chandler and Price Co. 8” x 12” (est. 1881) machine that was made in Cleveland, O. It was probably manufactured around 1906. These are trusty old letter presses that can still be useful.
FOR THE CIA GUY: Larry Howell came in all excited the other day. His cousin, Ronnie Eppler, had loaned him a snapshot of Morris “Jib /Gib” Snider. (Now matter how you spell it it sounds the same.) Late Vermilion historian George Wakefield refers to him as “Giblets” in one of his books. I assume he knew what he was talking about.
I’ve read and heard several accounts of Mr. Snider. By and large he is portrayed by those who knew him as a lovable comic character who was a skilled sailor and fisherman whose love for spirits had little to nothing to do with religious matters. And so be it. But who remembers many teetotalers with a perfect church attendance records?
Earlier in the week Larry had brought in a pic of Gib’s house on Jackson street. It was taken after the tornado of 1943. The house was located on the east side of Jackson street south of Center street. Today it would be about halfway down the block from Center. I doubt that it still stands. I’ll have both pix for you in the future thanks to Larry and Ron.
RNT ONLINE: I’m also online at the print shop. Thursday my brother, Albert, let me install a wireless router on his computer (Al lives in the apartment over the shop) so I’m ready for business.
One of my first emails was to a few “Viewers” along with a pic of the VHS Band that was taken in 1958. Thanks to several folks - like Sandy Neiding and Bill Hlavin I have the date right (now). I guess I hate to admit it – but that was a long time ago. It just doesn’t seem that long ago (to me). Gosh, they were a “good-look’n” bunch. Where’d all that time go?
Historically,
AT WORK
MARGIE: When I knew her back in the 1950s she was Margie Tomusko. Today her last name is Zelenak. She worked for my parents as a linotype operator at The Vermilion News.
To the best of my knowledge (which ain't great) Margie always lived in Axtel, Ohio - south of town. She still lives there - near the corner of Route #60 and Mason Road.
A year or two back I saw her at a local restaurant at her high school class reunion (1944). She asked me if I remembered her. I, very honestly, told her that I could never forget her. And that's the truth. Everytime I hear that song "Margie" I think of her. "Margie I'm always thinking of you..."
This snap was probably taken somewhere around 1954. It's also a good shot of the linotype machine at work. It was an extremely valuable piece of newspaper equipment.
"As the great war gained momentum it became more and more evident that while much of the world remained in the 19th century the 20th century had arrived.
THE WAR TO END ALL WARS: On 11 November, 1918 at exactly 11 AM the armistice ending that which many consider to be “the war to end all wars” went into effect. Those who know the brutal sounds of war may understand what an uneasy pall must’ve settled over Europe when the incessant shelling and gunfire stopped. Was it truly the end of the war begun in 1914, or was it to be temporary like the rare Christmas truce of that same year when all sides set their arms aside to spend some time in human fellowship?
Four years had passed since that temporary lull in became the world’s first truly global conflict and embroiling some 30 countries across five continents; and where an estimated 10 million men lost their lives on the battlefield. 20 million soldiers had been wounded. Never before had mankind witnessed a war of such magnitude. As the great war gained momentum it became more and more evident that while much of the world remained in the 19th century the 20th century had arrived.
In the midst of the conflict shall calvary men still rode on horseback regaled in plumed helmets, brightly colored uniforms, and brandishing sabers as they had when Wellington and Napoleon met on the battlefields of Waterloo. Yet overhead airplanes droned; at the battlefronts heavily armored tanks roared; and beneath the rolling sea sleek submarines probably shipping lanes. The clash of the old and new centuries might have been almost comical were it not for the fact that, almost overnight, the empires that had taken centuries to build completely disappeared. And from the ashes of this behemoth body of destruction a new world power emerged; The United States of America.
The cost of our nation in terms of battle deaths and non-mortal wounded was substantial. 53,402 soldiers had been killed, and over 200,000 others wounded. Nearly $19 billion was needed to finance our part in this conflict. The cost of peace was, in short, enormous.
And when it was all over the tiny hamlet of Vermilion, Ohio had lost four of her sons in the war. George Fesizli and Archie Burch were both killed in action toward the very end of the conflict in 1918. James Hall Friday was consumed by influenza, and Ralph Quackenboss was lost to pneumonia. Another local boy, Alan Darby, was reported lost in action. After six months came a letter saying he had been located. The postmaster, understanding the import of the letter, personally delivered it to Darby’s mother who was working in the Red Cross rooms on the second floor of the Fischer building. The village reeled in jubilation. Church bells sounded and the GAR band played in both the celebration and mourning. The sacrifices of the nation and our little town had been severe, but our nation had persevered and peace was won. The future was before us.
It was (as was said) “the war to end all wars.” Peace settled upon our world, our nation, and our little town. But it was not to last. Just 23 years later another dark cloud swept over the world and we were again at war.
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...
October 1, 1903 - Vol VII. No. 18.
August H. Feback, of Birmingham, an old soldier, came to Norwalk this morning on an early Cleveland & South Western car on his way to Sandusky. He had on his person a long black pocketbook, containing $250, in $20, $10, $5, and $1 bills. He reports to Chief of Police Remington that when he took the Sandusky car he found his pocketbook missing. He had, besides the money in his pocketbook, two of last spring’s tax receipts and also a receipt for $10 from the firm of King & Co. of Sandusky.
Mr. Feback told Chief of Police Remington that he was sure he had his pocketbook and money in his inside coat pocket, when he left home, as his daughter carefully placed it here for him. In getting off the green car at Norwalk this morning he says he fell and it is possible the book dropped out of his pocket onto the pavement. If anyone has found the book and money he will be liberally rewarded by leaving it with Chief of Police Remington.
Quite a number from this end of the county attended the Republican rally at Berlin Heights, Tuesday afternoon. A large crowd was assembled in the park and listened to speeches by the gentlemen above mentioned.
They were all good talkers and presented argument from the Republican stand point in an able manner.
The Lorain County Grand Jury has failed to find an indictment in the Reichlin case, upon which a week has been spent. As to the murderer nothing new was developed and it is as deep a mystery as before.
Geo. Burns of Norwalk has entered suit for damages in the common pleas court at that place for damages from the C.&S.W. Railway of $15000 [sic]. Burns was injured in an accident od [sic] that road at Henrietta in February last.
The ice cream social and dance given in the West Vermilion Grange hall was largely attended and all had a fine time. A large load of eight couples of the Shore Road near Ruggles Beach came on a four-horse hay rack. The west and constable had charge of the evening and will again attend in two weeks. So don’t fail to come.
Albert Gegenheimer, who has been in tne [sic] hospital at Lorain, the result of an electric car accident, returned to his home here Monday.
The Canadian Colored Concert Co., will appear in the Town Hall under the auspices of the Novelty Society of the M.E. Church on Monday evening Oct. 5th. Those who fail to hear them will evidently miss a rare opportunity.
Meadow Queen Perfume is very fine - buy it at Baumhart’s.
The German Reformed parsonage was destroyed by fire at an early hour last Wednesday morning. The house was at Mitiwanga and near the street car line. There had been no fire in the house except a gasoline stove which was extinguished before Rev. Rhinehart and family left for Cleveland Tuesday and the origin is a mystery.
The cottage was completed in July and cost $1,300. Insurance $1,000. The contents was insure for about $500.
The American Shipbuilding company will extend its drydock sixty feet. This will make its length over all, 615 feet. Work on the excavation has been commenced and the pling has been ordered. The work will be rushed as rapidly as possible and when completed it will be the largest drydock on the Great Lakes. The object for the extension was to have a sufficiently large drydock to take care of the new 500 foot ship which will be built at the local yards. - Lorain Daily News.
C.C. Baumhart is laying out lots and grading streets and setting out trees on his Lake View farm.
Mr. Moes is getting a good price for peaches this year has nearly 5000 trees set out.
The Josephine Everett’s private car, carrying Senator Hanna and Candidates Herrick and Harding and party, struck the derailing switch at Ceylon and jumped the track Tuesday afternoon. Aside from a general shaking up, the passengers escaped injury.
Council meeting Monday evening.
Rural Free Delivery out of Vermilion is again on the move.
California Hams 11c at Stevens Market. Read adv.
Miss Mary Baxtine expects to attend the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin.
C.E. Harris has employed Albert Gegenheimer as pharmacist. All perscriptions[sic] quickly filled.
Capt. Howard and family will occupy the second story of the Wells building, which has recently been fitted up for living rooms.
The Reformed Church will have their German services in the afternoon next Sunday. Rev. Balson will preach in the English language in the evening. You will recive a cordial welcome.
The following officers were elected at the last meeting of the Sorosis: Pres.-Mrs. Kane Sec. - Mrs. Childs Treas. - Mrs. Kaley Cor. Sec. - Mrs. Naegele. Executive Com. - Mesdames Delker, Beeckel, L. Thompson and A.M. Thompson.
Mr. Andrews has again clipped the lawn for the last time the season. New chairs have been placed in Room No. 5 for student sitting at Book keeping tables.
Two car-loads of coal have been placed in basement of building. A coal strike would not effect us much this year.
A large number of children enjoyed the free boat ride by invitation of Mr. Foster.
The boys are organized a football team. Several invitations to play from outside teams have been received.
A social will be given at the home of Dr. Quigley tomorrow (Friday) evening.
P. Hart and family are entertaining friends of Springfield, O.
Mrs. Fred Coen and children have returned to their Cleveland home.
Miss Ethel Brooks found a knit robe for a baqy [sic] cab. owner may have same by calling at her home.
Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Simons are enjoying their vacation by a trip westward. They expect to spend a few days in Chicago, Ill., and Central City, Ia., after which they will visit relatives in Southern Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Driver of Florence are assisting with the store and household duties during their absence.
Albert Gegenheimer, who was so seriously injured in a wreck on the Electric road a few weeks ago is now able to be around and has accepted a position as pharmacist at C.E. Harris’s Drug Store.
Hmmmmmm....
“And we ran down the street, by the river, by the beach, and by the creek."
TOMMY DALE: [NOTE: THIS PIECE WAS WRITTEN 9 YEARS AGO.] I did not intend to do this article. I intended to do another for this week but was sidetracked. My close friend, Tommy Dale Boone, fell suddenly ill at home and died. Brought me to tears.
Tom and I were forever friends. I hope everybody, everywhere, has a friend like mine.
Here you see us on a bright summer day in front of what then was then the newsstand (now Berks) on Liberty Street just west of the old Hart’s Drugstore.
I am the toe-head with a toy airplane in my hand. My friend Tom is next me. What a day. What a place.
And we ran down the street, by the river, by the beach, and by the creek. We hollered, and whooped. We sang, and we sat silent in the shade of the woods watching the creek flow by.
What a very good time.
What a life. Tom and I were steadfast friends. He went his way. I went mine. But we were always, always together. We were never too far apart. He help me when he could, and I tried to help him, when I could.
Several weeks ago I fractured my kneecap. Tom had been coming to my house from his home in Rocky River almost every Saturday for the last two years. I told Tom about a big food drive the local post office was doing for our local food pantry. He made a big point of telling me he would be there to help.
He was.
And there he was on that day. Carting and sorting the food. I couldn’t do anything with my bum leg. I just watched.
At one point in time time got hit leg by a runaway can and was bruised. I told him to sit for a while. He did.
I was winding up what I was doing the church kitchen and decided I had to go home because my leg was killing me. Tom came to me and said he was going home because of his leg.
I agreed, and told him I didn’t want him to end up like me - pointing at the cast on my leg.
As he left, he turned to me and waved goodbye.
That’s a last time I saw him alive. I’m so very sorry. My best friend is gone - but for a picture on a wonderful sunny day in Vermilion when we were boys. Ladies and gentlemen cherish your lives, your relatives, and your friends. Life is fleeting.
Janet and Benjamin Song have developed a simple test which can potentially revolutionize cancer screening, early detection, and disease management of cancer. It is known that the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. The goal of their research was to develop a urine test for cancer screening. Previous studies have demonstrated that human urine contains circulation-derived low MW DNA (150-250 bp) that can be used to detect cancer-associated genetic alterations and that many current cancer biomarkers have low sensitivities and specificities. They hypothesized that the use of low MW urine DNA would enhance the sensitivity and specificity of a urine cancer screening test. They have created a novel method to prepare circulation-derived urine DNA for genetic testing for higher sensitivity and specificity, and real-time PCR-based assays for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC)-associated genetic and epigenetic DNA biomarkers in urine. Their work during the past three years is still in progress to continue to further develop this urine test for clinical use.
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 townships south of Vermilion. Methinks you'll find this history quite fascinating.
...and Arthur. The project was to come by boat, and the family set about making one in the spring of 1820, at Paris, Oneida county. New York. When completed, this boat was mounted upon wheels and hauled to Wood creek, a distance of fifteen miles. From thence it was worked down stream to Oneida lake, where the passengers and crew went on board. The party consisted of Jotham W. Curtiss, his son Hiram A., with his wife and one child, about a year old, Joseph C. Curtiss and three young men, whose point of destination was Geauga county. The boat was plentifully laden with provisions, and the trip proved a very pleasant one. It was made by carrying the boat around the rapids in the Oswego river, and around the falls and rapids of Niagara. It was less fatiguing, but not less dangerous, than the land trip •would have been. After stopping at the mouth of Grand river to allow the three men to disembark, the boat ran into the mouth of the Huron. After Hiram A. Curtiss and family had landed, the boat was sailed to Detroit and back to Sandusky City, where it was sold, and ultimately went into the hands of the United States revenue collector, by whom it was used.
Jotham W. Curtiss bought land in Fitchville, and intended to settle here, but he returned east, and died in Madison county. New York. His son, Hiram A., and wife, Catharine (Nesel), located in Fichville, upon lots twenty-five and twenty-six, section two. Jotham went west, and died there. He was for a long time unheard of, but was met in the Rocky mountains by the exploring party of which John C. Fremont was the head, and is spoken of in that officer's report. Joseph C. Curtiss bought land in Fitchville,— twenty-four and twenty-eight, section two—at an early day, but located in Norwalk, where he remained until 1832, when he became a merchant in Fitchville, and took up his residence in the village. He is now dead. He married Lucina Ward, of New York State. Lyman married Harriet Heil. Arthur W. took up lot eighteen, in section three, but went west about twenty years ago. He married Lucia Russell. There were three daughters in this family: Rhoda, (Mrs. Calvin Parker,) Arvilla, (Mrs. L. Knopp.) and Sophronia, (Mrs, Chauncey Crane). All three are dead, as are also all of the brothers, except Arthur. The descendants of Hiram A. Curtiss and wife are: Jotham, Eliza (Mrs. R. Knowlton,) Susan (Mrs. C. Maiz,) all dead; Hiram A. (living in Iowa), Henry, (in Wisconsin), Lucina, (Mrs. Johnson, in Richland county), Frank (Mrs. Smith, in Kansas), and a daughter, Amelia (in Fairfield), by Mr. Curtiss' second wife—Mary Carpenter. Joseph C. Curtiss' descendants are: Mary Jane and J. C, both dead; S. W., living in Fitchville, and carrying on business at his father's old store; Lyman, deceased; Dwight A. (in Toledo), and Jane (in New York State), a west part of Clinton incorporation. Mr. Washburne died in 1853, and his widow is still living. Their children were: Adelia, (Mrs. J. Phillips) in Illinois: Nancy (Mrs. E. Baker), in Kansas: James, in Michigan; Sarah Jane (Mrs. Dr. Skellinger), of New Lon- don: and Elijah, living upon the farm adjoining the old homestead. Two brothers of Mr. Washburne’s. Walter and Robert, came into the county sometime after his arrival.
Daniel and Austin Ward came from New York State in 1820, or the following year. The first named settled upon lot seven, in section four, and remained in the township but a few years, Austin Ward took up lot seventeen in section three, and he and his wife, Zetta Green, reared a large family of children. He was noted for his liberality to the poor. Instances are related of his refusal to sell hay or grain, when a good price was offered, because he thought that some poor families would be in need of the same and unable to procure elsewhere.
John and Lewis Barnes settled in 1820 or "21, respectively upon lots seventeen and twenty-one in section one. They were from Vermont. John died in Ruggles. He had a family of nine children, of whom three — Mrs. Ruth Reynolds, James and Cyrus are living in Fitchville. Lewis also had a large family Nelson and Hiram are living in the township, and Seymore and Sarah (Mrs. G. Mead) are in Greenwich. Their father died in 1858.
Henry Hickok, who located upon lot nine, section four, was the first blacksmith in the township. He came from New York State, in 1822. He died about 1830, leaving quite a family, of whom William and Phebe (Mrs. B, Sherwood) are resident in the township.
Henry Morgan came into the township in 1824, from Sunkerfield, New York, and his wife, Phebe, is still living, Morgan took up lot thirty-five in section three, lived there five or six years, and then bought a new farm, upon which he soon after died, Ebenezer Green, of Cayuga county. New York, came in the same year as Morgan, and settled upon lot thirty-five, section three, Allen Johnson of Greene county, the same State, came in and located upon lot thirty-seven, section three, bringing with him, his wife and a large family of children, all of whom were sick the first season. Four or five years after his arrival, Johnson went to Peru township, but returned to Fitchville, and died in the township, some years later.
Joseph Barker arrived in Fitchville in 1824, after stopping two years in Geauga county and a short time in Sandusky City, He was originally from Connecticut, but removed to Ohio from New York. His wife was Charlotte Hadley. The pair had a large family of children, of whom six are now living. viz : Nelson, in Ripley : Joseph, Laura (Mrs. L. White), and Sarah (Mrs. Bush), in Michigan; Julia Ann (Mrs. H. Arnert), in Fitchville; and Eliza (Mrs. E. Knopp). in Fairfield. The Barker family settled upon lot twenty-seven in section four. A brother of Joseph Barker lots daughter by Mr. Curtiss' second wife, Mrs. Allen. Joseph Washburne and his wife Sally (Tomkins), came from Ulster county. New York, in 1820, and located upon the land which is included in the south—James—came about the same time.
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
TRIPPING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC WITH BIZ: This must have been one of the very last Police Balls (no pun intended) at Crystal Beach. Two bucks and all the "Round and Square" dancing one could handle. Ah, but the place was so nice. Not too many years after this activity the place was razed. It's one of those places of yesteryear that really should not have been destroyed. At one time some folks wanted to make it into a local Playhouse.
But, alas, that was not to be. And this little raffle ticket is among the few items of that era left - except for the memories...
A University of Alabama football player was visiting a Yankee relative in Boston over the holidays. He went to a large party and met a pretty co-ed. He was attempting to start up a conversation with the line, "Where does y'all go to school?"
The coed, of course, was not overly impressed with his grammar or southern drawl, but did answer his question.
"Yale," she replied.
The UA student took a big, deep breath and shouted, "WHERE DOES Y'ALL GO TO SCHOOL!?”
PODCAST #0:The Vermilion Views Podcasts are suspended until I acquire time to better develop them.P>
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 and MOV) podcasts (when used) are done in the "Quicktime MP4 / MOV" formats. If you don't have a "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
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Vol.9, Issue 31, October 15, 2011
© 2011 Rich Tarrant