FIREMEN CLOWNS @ THE OOC
FROM MY DESTOP TO YOURS: Well, we’re getting some things done at the print shop. Our friend, George Spreng, sanded and put oil primer on the big porch supports at the front of the place. He did a professional job. And my wife Georgi and I scraped and put a coat of latex primer on parts of the exterior on the rest of the building. (The latex primer is temporary. We used it just to coat bare wood for the season.)
Georgi also covered some of the inside of some of the windows in the place with shrink-wrap, and installed some additional curtains and shades. For years the windows have been covered with Styrofoam panels. That was ok – but we need some additional light in the pressroom – ergo the shrink-wrap and shades.
Slowly, but surely…
SYNCOPATION: This week I’m using an old Paul Whiteman hit from 1925 (“Charleston”) for a bit of background music. I was smitten with the “Camelwalk” by Bob Deikman piece I used last week so I went looking for musical hits from the same era and the “Charleston” was it.
I’m taken by the syncopation in the music of the era. I try to imagine how these musicians / music arrangers heard this music in their heads as they arranged these things. Were their imaginations fired by watching some of the silent movies wherein everything seemed somewhat fast and jerky? Or was it something else? I still can’t imagine a crowded ballroom floor such as the one at Crystal Beach here in Vermilion with people jumping around to this music.
I suppose a hundred years from now someone will wonder how many of us responded to rap music: “phttt, ta-phitt, ta-phish, phish, phish.”
Historically,
ROADSIDE PARK AT V.O.L.
THINGS DISAPPEAR YA KNOW: OK, this isn't a human face. But it once was a familiar place. I don't know exactly when it disappeared. It wasn't was too long ago. The little rest stop was located on the southwest corner of Highbridge and Lake (Route #6) Road just east of the Vermilion-On-The-Lake rail overpass. It was a tidy little place. I don't think there were any rest-rooms at the stop. But there was a little store next door. Perhaps they allowed weary travelers to use their facilities.
There used to be a numnber of rest stops like this around Ohio. I recall that there was one along State Route #133 in Birmingham near the Vermilion River. And there was another along Route #60 north of New London. Today there are a few comparable stops along the interstates. But none as peaceful nor quaint.
"...few people know that he was one of the most famous archers in our nation."
A MAN OF MANY FACE(T)S: Leonard K. Osberg was a man of many faces. He was a man who would be mayor of the village of Vermillion during the 1940s. He was a man with a great voice who sang the national anthem at town gatherings. He was a man who wrote a weekly column for The Vermillion News in the 1930s called “Strolling Along with Zeke” wherein he reflected that, “Life is made up of actions and memories. As the milestones of the years pass, life takes more to its memories and loses some of its action. Age has rewards, its blessings - it’s curses - it’s memories.”
Many people knew Mr. Osberg and his family. But few people know that he was one of the most famous archers in our nation. Osberg lived with Mr. Arthur Young, a world-famous big game hunter, for two years, to learn the sport. He recounted the fact that “arrows kill faster than does a bullet because an arrowhead cuts like a butcher knife, while a bullet initially shocks the animal, and they have some capacity to get up and run before dying”.
In the 30s there were two types of archery; target and open shooting. Target shooting is obvious. One stands on a flat piece of land, and at a certain distance, shoots at a target of concentric circles. In open shooting - offhand or Indian style shooting - one just picks his ground and shoots. This is the type of shooting used in hunting.
Contrary to common belief native North Americans were not the experts at archery they are portrayed as in the movies, etc. They were more adept at stalking their prey (hunting) so closely that Osberg said, “they could dispatch (their prey) with a stick.”
Before the discovery of gunpowder and the domestication of animals it has been estimated that bow and arrow was the primary instrument used to acquire food. In war, Osberg indicated, it was usually the Army with the most prolific proficient archers that carried the day.
To show how proficient in deadly one of these archers was Osberg recounts a story about a Scotland king who was warming his bottom by the fire. “It was bitterly cold and he was bending over about half way down with his back to the source of the heat. An enemy sharpshooter noticed the excellent target offered by the Scottish king and picked from his quiver a fine, straight, arrow and what the Indians called “whistling death” entered the His Majesty’s bottom came out of his mouth”.
One hopes that this manner of death did not appear in the king’s tombstone.
Mr. Osberg used a 5-foot Osage-orange bow. Contemporary archers do not use rawhide string in their bowls but use many strands of Irish linen that are glued together with a gum. The strain, when taut, has a 300 pound tension and when pulled takes a force of 62 pounds to pull back the string. His wife’s instrument (she was also adept at the sport) had the pull of about 30 pounds.
One look at Osberg and one sees a man of great strength and good looks. I have been told, numerous times that his wife was one of the most beautiful women they’ve ever seen. And everyone who told me that fact was a woman. Thus, do I respect the source of that information.
I also know Nadine (Osberg) Ferguson lives in Elberta. When I first saw this picture I was reminded of Nadine. I am also told that Nadine possessed the beauty of her mother, too. The picture was taken on the south side of the old Vermilion news. Much of the information is taken from the September 14, 1933 edition of The Vermillion News.
Lastly as there is another quote from the man who would be mayor: “When life’s race is nearly run and one sits and gazes back through the years, piece of mind beyond human expression must come with the knowledge that amongst your life souvenirs can be found the memory of your having been a toiler in the “vineyard of human hearts.” Memories of such a life is souvenir enough.”
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 29, 1903 - Vol VII. No. 22.
Mrs. Reed of Sandusky, better known to Vermilion people as Mrs. Austria Gibson, was shot and killed by Louis Smith at three o’clock this morning. Mrs. Reed was a sister of Mrs. M.A. Backus, Mrs. Goldsmith and Alonzo Pelton of this place, and an aunt of Mrs. Smith whom she was visiting.
She arrived at the Smith home only last evening. At an early hour this morning she got up and dressed and went out doors. Upon returning she was shot by Mr. Smith who mistook her for a burglar. It is said that Mrs. Smith was awakened by a noise and aroused her husband who took his sot un and went to investigate. He called out but receiving no reply fired both barrels. The first shot missed its mark but the second charge took effect in Mrs. Reed’s breast tearing her terribly. The alarm was given at once and the doctor and coroner summoned.
Mrs. Reed’s husband and sons were notified and came to Vermilion as soon as possible.
The scene of the tragedy is about three miles southwest of town. The body was brought Englebry’s undertaking rooms about noon. Mrs. Reed was about sixty years of age.
Mrs. and Mrs. Smith are both prostrated by the shock.
Flinch cards at Nuhn & Trinter’s.
Vermilion Judges - E.B. Welch R., C.L. Phelps R., Martin E. Trinter D., (presiding) John N. Englebry D.
Clerks - A.J. Giddings R., Charles A. Trinter D.
Paper napkins at the News Office.
Mrs. Nelson Parsons died at her home last evening at about seven o’clock. Her many friends and relatives mourn the death of a most estimable woman.
Go to Nuhn & Trinter’s for pure drugs and chemicals, purity guaranteed.
For Sale - The Wells residence, nequire [sic] of Mrs. Lewis Wells.
For Sale - A good soft coal burner. Enquire of Mrs. Helen Johnson or at the News Office.
Flinch Decks at Baumhart’s.
Oscar Maynard has opened up a repair shop in Wahl’s building.
Consuella Elizabeth little child of Capt. Henry Leidheiser was baptised Sunday at the home of its parents, Rev. Klein officiating. The little one received a ring from her Godmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Leidheiser. only the immediaie [sic] relatives were present. A find supper was served.
The first snow of the season was seen here Friday.
First snow storm of the season Oct. 23. Yet there had not previously been frost enough to kill tender vegetation.
The funeral of Arthur Smith on Thursday P.M. was largely attended and the floral offerings were numerous and beautiful. Rev. Smith of Wakeman conducted the services at the home and church, assisted by the K.O. T.M. and the Derby Quartette. Rev. Smith’s remarks were both touching and eloquent and the services at the grave by the K.O.T.M. were conducted in a dignified and impressive manner. The invalid wife has been prostrated by grief. The benefits of fraternalism are again here illustrated, as Mrs. Smith will receive $1000 to aid her in her helplessness. - N. De Plum.
Christopher Fox of Castalia who has been serving four months sentence in jail for the theft of about a bushel of grain, was released Thursday. This ends a case that attracted much attention and peculiar features. Fox is of a fine family and has property. The taking of the grain was generally believed to be no more than a practical joke with a bit of spite in it but the legal penalty could not well be evaded.
Sheriff Foster took to Toledo hospital Helen Lynn of Vermilion adjudged insane.
In the divorce of Jennie Pelton against J.R. Pelton a general denial was filed as answer.
Norman Dawes charged with horse stealing, came into court and pleaded guilty.
Capt. Henry Peterson of the U.S. steamer Hawk has tied her up for the winter at the Smith Bros. dock and left for Erie Friday to take charge of the U.S. steamer Michigan relieving Capt. Doan, who will take a short vacation.
The consequence of having no lights on the streets Sunday night. Mrs. S. Ennis was run over by a horse and buggy and severely injured.
Mayor Williams was a Toledo visitor Tuesday.
The members of the G.A.R. Post of our village will attend the service at the Congregational Church next Sunday morning as a mark of honor to their departing comrade, the Pastor of the church.
G.A. Ballie, after twenty years loyal service with Berlin Hts. Banking Co., has resigned as vice president and director, and is taking a much needed and well earned rest from business duties and cares. - Berlin Heights Budget.
Hmmmmmm....
THE LINOTYPE @ THE NEWS
STATE OF THE ART:[Note: This is a repeat of an article which appeared in “VV” last February. At the time I didn’t have a good photograph of one of the linotypes at The News. Now that I have one I thought I’d share it and the article with readers once again.]Most persons who read these words probably don’t care how they get written but I’m going to tell you anyway. I do all my writing with an Apple Macintosh G5 (computer). This baby can do virtually everything except cook breakfast. And that’s actually not much of a exaggeration. It quite literally sings. It is state of the art.
Long ago (89 years back to be precise) my grandparents, Bessie and Pearl Roscoe, purchased a machine that would make their fast growing printing business “sing”. It was called a Linotype. At the time it too was a “state of the art” device. The manufacturers name for the appliance was the; Model 15, Quick Change, Two Letter Mergenthaller Linotype.
This wonderful apparatus was the brainchild of a German-American clockmaker named Ottomar Mergenthaller. This instrument, when married to the new Stonemetz 2 revolution printing press that had been installed in The News print shop two years earlier, and the telegraph, allowed the Roscoes to place their newspaper with “the very latest news of the world” on Vermilion doorsteps almost before the ink had dried.
Originally all the type was set by hand. Then in 1906 they employed a machine known as a Simplex, or Unitype, to set type for the publication. This process required the services of two operators and also used regular type. In 1910 they replaced it with an American Typograph machine. This set matrices or molds of letters by pressing on keys, and then by turning a crank (or throwing a clutch) fashioned a line of type made of melted metal. The problem with this mechanism was that it could only produce letters of one size, and lines only the width of a column in the newspaper.
The Mergenthaller invention produced lines of type, not only for the body of the paper, but could also produce large sized headings for headlines and advertising matter. The “Quick Change” mention in the name refers to the operator’s ability to change from one line size and/or type size to another in a short space of time. The implement also produced bold letter type in the same line, and could make rules and borders. These seeming mundane capabilities made the printing of news, advertising, and job printing much more effective and efficient.
With the Linotype the lines were formed by the assembly of small brass matrices as an operator pressed keys similar to those on a typewriter. The lines were then sent forward to a casting mechanism by pressing a lever at the side of the keyboard. The lines were automatically spaced, and cast into a line of type made of melted lead. The matrices were then returned to their proper channels and were ready to be used again.
These mechanical marvels stand over 6 feet high and probably occupy an area of some 36 square feet. When the Roscoes’ purchased their first linotype there were about 33 thousand of them in existence world-wide. They proved to be so valuable throughout the industry that they were actively used until the 1960’s when offset printing made them obsolete. Now only a few of them exist in museum environments.
My Macintosh G5 (computer) occupies an area of less than 3 square feet. It can do what the Mergenthaller Linotype once did, plus a great number of other things (except cook breakfast), with lightning speed and is a great deal more accurate. But the truth be known - it is less than a year old and already obsolete.
Christina's invention is designed to simultaneously control pressure and moisture, the two biggest factors leading to pressure sores in wheelchair users. It incorporates adjustable interlacing straps of a material that allows free flow of air for a cooler, dryer, and more comfortable experience for the user
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.
There are at present three good stores—those of C. C. Green & Son, S. W. Curtiss & Son, and L. Lyons.
The first mill, of which any information is given, was a very primitive one, which was in existence in 1825, and was the property of J. N. Pickard. It was a simple but ingeniously constructed substitute for the grinding apparatus in common use at that time in older settlements. Instead of the nether millstone of proverbial hardness, there was a large and solid oak stump, so hollowed out on top as to contain a half-bushel or more of corn. Suspended over this from a spring pole there was a heavy wooden pestle with which the miller, by main strength, crushed the corn that his few neighbors brought him to be converted into coarse meal. Whenever one of the old settlers became too fastidious to live upon cracked corn, he had to go a considerable distance to obtain finer meal or flour. They often went to the Cold Creek mill, and others at an equally great distance.
In 1838, however, the people were supplied with good flour and other mill products at home. During that year a large mill was built upon the Vermillion river near the center by Stephen Pomeroy and Reuben Fox, at an expense of nearly ten thousand dollars, and for a number of years these men made flour for the eastern market as well as for home consumption, and had the reputation of manufacturing an excellent article. They did a large business, but their enterprise was not a very profitable one, because of the constant outlay necessary to repair and keep in good condition the dam and race, which were frequently injured by floods. This mill passed into the hands of Belden Scott, then became the property of Ira Scott, after that of Strong & Graves, and was bought from them by H. F. Palmer, who in turn sold it to Mr. Stevens. The present proprietor is H. F. Crow, who rents the mill to Ford & Summerton, who operate it.
A sawmill was built as early as 1830 by the Palmers—William, Rundel and Samuel—near the center, and a few years later Seeley, Lyon and Amos built one upon the river about two miles north of the center. Large quantities of lumber were turned out by these two mills for from five to seven dollars per thousand feet. Both of these mills were abandoned many years ago. The only saw mill in the township at present is one a few rods south of the center of Clinton village, which was built in 1856 by R. S. Miles, its present owner. It was operated successively by Schuyler Marshall, D. D. Wood and D. Palmer. The power is steam.
Besides the flouring and sawmills above spoken of, the manufacturing interests of Fitchville are unimportant. The people look back with regret to the time when, besides the mills, there was an establishment for carding wool and dressing cloth, an extensive tannery, and some other industrial concerns. The town now has a cabinet making shop, run by John Abbott, a wagon shop, by Henry Freeman, the ashery, built by J. C. Curtiss and now owned by Daniel Sheldon, and a cheese factory—last, but not least. This is the property of E. L. Tucker. The building, which stands by the side of the flouring mill, was built by him in 1807. The factory was in operation two years, and then work was suspended for five years. In 1875, the manufacture of cheese and butter was again commenced, and since then has been successfully carried on. Four hundred and fifty to five hundred cows are milked for this factory during each season, lasting from the first of April to the first of December, and about one hundred thousand pounds of cheese is manufactured each year. Besides this, about twenty thousand pounds of butter is made annually. The products of the factory are principally sold in Cincinnati.
The principal cemetery of Fitchville, which occupies the summit and slope of a gently rising hill, upon the Norwalk road, in the north part of Clinton incorporation, was laid out about 1826, or the following year. Alvah Palmer, who died in 1827, was the first person buried there, and Louisa Green the second. The land was owned by Abraham Mead, and was bought by the township. This burial place, where rest many of those pioneers and early settlers of Fitchville who have passed over to the "silent majority," includes about three acres of land. Another cemetery, first used as a private burial place, is upon the McKillip farm—lot thirty-seven, section three. It was deeded to the township by Austin Ward. One of the earliest burials was in lot nine, section two, where there is now a small burying ground. Dr. Pickard's remains were interred there about the year 1825.
Before the present cemetery upon the Norwalk road was set apart for use, a number of burials were made in a little inclosure at the junction of the Norwalk road with the north and south road, in what afterwards became Clinton. When the village had commenced to grow, the remains interred here were removed to the larger cemetery then established.
Before the people of Fitchville had a post office of their own, they were obliged to go to Norwalk for their mail matter. About the year 1828 the first post office was established in the township, and Rundel Palmer commissioned as postmaster. He kept the office in his dwelling house. The present postmaster is S. W. Curtiss. A post office was established at the north settlement, upon the Norwalk road, about the year 1837, and maintained for a few years. Henry Morgan was postmaster. The first mail that was carried through Fitchville was from some point east to Tiffin.
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
A SCRAP: I found this artifact while sweeping the floor under the "big press" at the News print shop. I wish the whole thing had been there. It's a small piece of an Okagi restaurant menu.
Unlike most current restaurants Okagi's menus I believe Okagi's menus changed with some frequency. Note at the top that it begins to read "Today's Special - Weiners-Sau...". I do wish that I could find one whole menu. However, there's enough on this scrap to give one a general idea of the range of food served at the famed eatery.
Hopefully, I'll happen upon a whole menu someday.
1. CEO -- Chief Embezzlement Officer.
2. CFO -- Corporate Fraud Officer.
3. BULL MARKET -- A random market movement causing an investor to mistake himself for a financial genius.
4. BEAR MARKET -- A 6 to 18-month period when the kids get no allowance the wife gets no jewelry, and the husband gets no sex.
5. VALUE INVESTING -- The art of buying low and selling lower.
6. P/E RATIO -- The percentage of investors wetting their pants as the market keeps crashing.
7. BROKER -- What my broker has made me.
8. STANDARD & POOR -- Your life in a nutshell.
9. STOCK ANALYST -- Idiot who just downgraded your stock.
10. STOCK SPLIT -- When your ex-wife and her lawyer split your assets equally between themselves.
11. FINANCIAL PLANNER -- A guy whose phone has been disconnected.
12. MARKET CORRECTION -- The day after you buy stocks.
13. CASH FLOW -- The movement your money makes as it disappears down the toilet.
14. YAHOO -- What you yell after selling it to some poor sucker for $240 per share.
15. WINDOWS -- What you jump out of when you're the sucker who bought Yahoo @ $240 per share.
16. INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR -- Last year investor who's now locked up in a nuthouse.
17. PROFIT -- An archaic word no longer in use.
PODCAST #0:The Vermilion Views Podcasts are suspended until I acquire time to better develop them.
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
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
Vol.9, Issue 35, November 12, 2011
© 2011 Rich Tarrant