"MAURER'S BARN"
FROM MY DESTOP TO YOURS: Zowie! I used most of the last week working on my book. I was in a sweat because I was going to the publishing company on Monday morning. Well, I finished (or almost finished) by then, and drove to Ashland to talk with the Account Rep. Once back home I added a few pages, and went on-line to obtain the copyright. The copyright process isn’t difficult, but like most government things 'twas tedious. It took me until early evening to figure out how to compress a PDF copy of the tome to forward to the copyright office. Once the copyright office receives the proper fee and a copy of the book the copyright is good. Acquiring the official numbers will take a bit longer. But they're not requisite right now. The next day I was reviewing the compressed file and discovered that the pix were somewhat blurry. I don't believe it matters too awful much for the copyright office - but I intended to send the same file to the publisher. And it certainly would not do. Consequently, I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to make a new filter on my computer that would compress the file without distortion. I didn't have much luck. After searching the net I finally found some PDF compression software that works just fine. The compressed PDF files of the book are now adequate. I am hoping that the book will be ready by June. And now I can get back to work, stop running a full speed, sit down and read the comics in the newspaper, and, just maybe, mow the lawn.
I finished. Put everything on 2 CDs, signed the contract, and sent everything to the publisher. I'll mow the lawn Monday. (After I read the funnies.)
I just want to mention that what appears in "VV" today is just part of the story. There's more. It just won't appear until sometime this summer. That's because I follow the stories as they unfolded in The Vermilion News (right now that's 1904) as I transcribe them from the microfilm files for the "Briefs" section of the page.
Historically,
ON OHIO STREET
DAPPER GEORGE: This is a wonderful snap of a very dapper looking George Roberts - the "Sinclair Guy" - sitting on the porch of their Ohio Street with his beautiful baby daughter Leslie. Folks who've lived around Vermilion for some years will recall when the Roberts' family lived in the little house on the north side of the street. It was sandwiched between the Congregational Church's parsonage and the Bogart home (when I was young). In this pic little Leslie looks like she's about to say something. It's a very intriguing photo.
"Mr. Howard from the Novelty Stove works of Savannah, Mo. came forward with a proposition - sans rash promises..."
SEEDS OF A YESTERYEAR: From The Vermilion News - December 18, 1902 - "The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce met Friday evening. A constitution was adopted and other business transacted. A plat of 40 acres has been secured which will be offered; 10 acres for a site and the balance to be divided into lots and sold any industry which will locate." All the acreage lay between the L.C. & M. S. [Conrail) and the Nickel plate railroads, at a point where the electric crossed the wagon [W. Lake] road at the west end of the village.
Though no "official" announcement had been made it was reported that a man named W.G. Jackson, president of a pottery company, had visited and inspected the 10 acre site. Thirty acres had been divided into 140 lots, and the lots quickly offered for sale at $200 a piece promising that if they were sold within a reasonable period it would mean that "the pottery is a sure thing". Unfortunately, the only "sure thing" in life is death. Taxes being, of course, negotiable.
So - no matter that The News later reported "The pottery concern has agreed to make a contract with the Chamber of Commerce to erect and equip buildings to cost not less than $85,000 and be a permanent thing." And no matter that most of the aforementioned lots were sold in short order, and the Chamber, the Editor of The News, and the people of Vermilion anxiously anticipated the signing of the contract to seal the deal. By the end of January, 1903 the Chamber was forced to abandon the "Pottery Project" because in the end "no satisfactory terms could be made with the company".
In the meantime The News ran an editorial suggesting that one of the obstacles with which the Chamber of Commerce had to contend with in their attempt to bring more industry to the town was, of all things, water. The editor referred to it as a "rather queer situation. We have water to drink and wash in, but when it comes to a larger supply, we are compelled to acknowledge that there is none." And he further observes that, "in case of fire in the business portion of town the hydrant in the [Exchange] park may be brought into use, but the stranger asks, 'Why is this the only attempt made to utilize this exhaustless supply?'" It was a timely editorial and and an extremely valid question. If Vermilion was going to move forward into the new century and attract industry a good supply of water would be necessary.
As fate would have it almost as soon as everyone had abandoned all hope for the pottery a Mr. Howard from the Novelty Stove works of Savannah, Mo. came forward with a proposition - sans rash promises - for locating a stove plant on eight acres of the land. The company agreed to give bond for $11 thousand, and start work on their buildings as soon as a contract was signed. The buildings would cost no less than $10 thousand and would be completed by July 1st of 1903. The plant would employ at least 50 men, and have a payroll of $400. Most - but not all - of the townsfolk were jubilant. Early in March a deal between the Howard Stove & Mfg. Co. was consummated. Soon after ground was broken for the new factory, and the Howard Company’s latest stoves were being displayed at the town hall.
Election results in the April 2, 1903 edition of The News showed that H. R. Williams (D) won the Mayor's office by 84 votes, and John Delker (R) was retained as town marshal by 14 votes. But more importantly, the mandate for the issuance of bonds for a new Water Works - total completion costs for the plant being a whopping $35 thousand - passed. 186 votes for it - 85 against. And Vermilion was on its way into the new century.
It looked to be a good year for the town. Down on Liberty street the first permanent electric lights were turned on at the Lake Shore Power Station. The presses and other machinery of The Vermilion News in the Wells building were removed from the second floor to the north room of the first floor without missing an issue. The first annual meeting of the stockholders of The Vermilion Telephone Company was held and well attended. And Vermilion boasted of having a library. Though very small - folks could become a library member for $1 per year and acquire books at Penning’s News Stand. All these things and more were but mere seeds in our community of a yesteryear. The soil in which they were planted was fertile.
LESTER'S WHEEL PAGE 5:
THE PRESSROOM
SHOPTALK: A reporter from the Sandusky paper came by this week for a story at the VERMILION NEWS PRINT SHOP. The piece appeared in the 03/30/12 edition of their newspaper. It is the best written of all the pieces done by the dailies on the subject.
Also, a group of men and women from the Abbe Road Baptist church in Elyria were given a tour of the shop. It's a nice outing for small groups. I don't expect that many children would appreciate the concept - but people over the age of fifty certainly do.
CLOSER INSPECTION: I know it may be obvious to many people - but the more I'm around the print shop museum the more things I discover and begin to understand.
I was studying a photograph of the first newspaper press in the building (made the the Taylor Company) and began to notice how the equipment had been situated in 1905 etc. as well as how the machines were powered, and how the room was lighted. When I started looking closer at the woodwork I found the places where the oil lamps were hung on the walls, and where the straps that provided movement to the presses had been attached (I assume) to a "cam-like" rod that ran above them from a gasoline engine at the back of the shop. The more one looks the more one finds.
POST OFFICE BOX: Please note that the MUSEUM has a post office box now. Now we won’t have to use our home address, nor the one at the shop for mail.
MEMBERSHIPS: Memberships to the VERMILION NEWS PRINT SHOP MUSEUM are now available. Funds generated will go toward the aforementioned renovations and maintenance of the shop.
If you would like to become a member the VNPSM you can send a check or money order to:
Vermilion Print Shop Museum P.O. Box 792 Vermilion, Ohio 44089
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:Take the time to visit us on Facebook. Click on the badge below and stop in. We'll keep adding pix as we go along. If you're in the area come on in. I try to be there in the a.m. If you see a Chevy Silverado out front with the plate "MRCOOKR" stop by and see what's cooking.
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...
Vol. VII. No. 42. – March 24, 1904.
An answer was file with County clerk Hertlein Friday in the case of Lizzie Worden vs. the Modern Woodmen of America. Action was brought to recover the amount of insurance held by the plaintiff's son, Fred C. Worden. The answer admits that the late son of the plaintiff held a policy but that he was engaged in an occupation enumerated in the by-laws of the society as not coming under the protection of the society, that of railroad brakeman, whose duties were to couple cars not provided with air brakes. The answer alleges that he met his death by being caught between two cars while engaged in his duties as railroad brakeman, Benjamine Smith of Mankato, Minn. Is council for defence [sic].
A demurrer was filed with County Clerk Hertlein Friday by the defendant in the case of James Brooks vs. H.R. Williams, et al. [VV Ed. Note: The word "demurrer" means an objection that an opponents point is irrelevant or invalid, while granting the factual basis of the point.
The following cases have been set for Tuesday, Mar. 29:
Geo. Fischer vs. Village of Vermilion et al. injunction and equitable relief.
Jay O. Drake vs. Berlin Heights Creamery Co. Receiver.
Daniel v. King vs. Larma V. King, et al Partition.
Postmaster Kane gives out the information that the new R.F.D. Route No. 1, will be started April 15th, as such has been the notice sent him from the department.
This will be good news to those living along that route. They can now purchase the mail boxes [sic] and put them in place and "wait for the wagon." Route No. 2 will probably be formed and started as soon as No. 1 is in full working order.
Late last fall work was commenced on this route and the attention of Congressmen [sic] Jackson called to it. He immediately took the matter up and had it hustled through. Mr. Jackson seems to be very successful in R.F.D. matters.
Died – At her home in Florence Monday afternoon, March 21. Mrs. Georgia Durand, nee Babcock wife of Capt. Geo. Durand, Funeral services were held in Florence Wednesday at 10 o’clock. Mrs. Durand leaves a husband and two young daughters. She was about 43 years of age. Her death brings to mind the death of Perry Durand, an only son, by drowning, about three years ago.
The prospects are that Vermilion will experience a house famine this spring. Already a number of families are seeking to make their homes here but cannot be comfortably located. What is needed in vermilion now is a number of five or six room houses that will rent for less than $10. Per month, our double houses might be constructed. They would soon be occupied. The town is growing – help it to grow.
We have been informed by John Moes, one of our largest fruit growers, that he will have a fair crop of peaches this year. One of the advantages of a lighter crop is, the fruit will be more perfect. We would like to hear from others who are extensively interested in the business.
A $10,000 Carnegie Library building will be erected in North Amherst in the near future, with the proviso that the village and township Boards of Education endorsed by councils agree to support a free public library at cost of not less than $1,000 and provide a site.
Don’t’ expect a big crop of straw hats this season. Nine-tenths of such hats sold in this country are made in Baltimore and are shipped out about March 1st. The big fire came just in time to destroy the finished stock and now there is not time for putting in machinery and duplicating the goods for this year’s trade. [VV Ed. Note: The Great Baltimore Fire raged in Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday, February 7, and Monday, February 8, 1904. 1,231 firefighters were required to bring the blaze under control. It destroyed a major part of central Baltimore, including over 1,500 buildings covering an area of some 140 acres.]
Chas. Reed died at his home in Huron yesterday. He was 55 years old and well known here.
It is reported in a dispatch from Painsville [sic] that the yacht Idler was sunk in 21 ft. of water yesterday when the ice jam in the rive at that place went into the lake.
The Milan School building was damaged to the extent of $300 or $400 Monday by the explosion of the heater boiler. Some repairs had been made and it is supposed that the water was left turned off unknown to the janitor, who built a fire under the boiler. Gas formed causing it to explode, tearing out the floor in the room above. Fortunately no one was in the building at the time.
Mr. Elmer Minkler who has been caring for his father who is quite sick, returned to his home in Lorain Sunday.
Mrs. And Mrs. Alvin Minkler of this place who has been sick for some time are not any better at this writing.
We are pleased to say that Mrs. B.F. Reighley of this place who has been quite sick for the past two weeks is improving.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Baker and son Norris spent Sunday with Mr. M.D. Slocum and family.
Last evening Mr. Daniel Lynn Greenhoe and Miss Anna Hinz drove to the Reformed Parsonage and were made one for life. After signifying their willingness to enter this union, their pastor pronounced them man and wife.
May their sea of life have only enough storms to ensure their safe entry into the eternal haven.
“Two souls with but one single thought; two hearts that beat as one.”
Married – Thursday, Jan, 17th, 1904, at the home of the bride's parents Mr. Will Nieding to Miss Martha Betz. A minister fro North Amherst officiating. Only the immediate relatives and friends were present. Miss Annie Kuhl was bride's maid and Mr. Conrad Betz best man. Mr. Nieding is a prosperous young farmer residing east of Vermilion, and his bride is a charming young lady who lived near Brownhelm Center, where she has won a host of friends.
After the ceremony a bountiful supper was served.
The couple received many useful and beautiful presents of which the following are mentioned:
A feather bed and pillows, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nieding; bed room set, Mrs. Elizabeth Bets; carpet sweeper, Mrs. Henry Kuhl; silver knives and forks, Mr. and Mrs. John Nieding; set of chairs, Mrs. Will Leidheiser and Mrs. Henry Liedheiser; silver table spoons Mr. and Mrs. Bowers; bedspread, tablecloth and berry and fruit set, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Nieding; sofa pillow, Christina and Carl Nieding; bedspread, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nieding; water set, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Nieding; tablecloth, Mr. David Nieding; silver teaspoons, Mr. and Mrs. John Betz; bedspread, Mrs. Charles Bets; coffee and tea pot, Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Peck; fruit picture, Hannah West; silver butter dish and teaspoon holder, Miss Alice Betz; lamp, Mr. Ezra Betz; pair of towels and carnation vase, Miss Edna Baus; pair of pillow shams and dresser scarf, Mrs. Vern Marsh; four creamery pieces, Conrad Betz; water set, Miss Anna Kuhl. [sic]
The writer wishes the happy couple a long and prosperous journey through life.
Eugene Leosch, prominent in Erie fishing circles, was in town yesterday.
Rev. Chas. Balson will preach at the M.E. Church, Sunday evening. All are cordially invited.
Lee Bottomley has accepted a position at the Lorain Flour Mill.
Go to C. Schwensen for Pies, cakes and bread.
E.T. Bottomley spent the first of the week with Swanton friends.
Miss Nora Conry of near Florence is very ill from typhoid pneumonia.
Earle H. Yarick who is attending Ohio State University at Columbus, is sick with measles, and his aunt, Miss Lydia Heyman of Huron, left last night for Columbus to nurse him. – Saturday Budget.
Capt. W.H. Blattner has resigned his position with the Gilchrists and will take out the new steamer Unbria for Henry A. Hawgood of Cleveland. The boat will be ready at the opening of Navigation.
Arthur L. La Vayea, who has spent his summer vacations here, died at his home at Eagle Cliff Friday. [VV Ed. Note: As best I can determine Eagle Cliff was in the eastern portion of the state near Ashtabula. Viewers may have a better idea of its location.]
Birmingham has a new doctor.
Former friends of Helen Truscott will be pleased to welcome her back to Birmingham. She is going to live at her old home, the Starr Place.
Have you heard the little Peepers? Next to the song of the robin the song of the little Peepers is the most welcome.
Mr. Harris of Brownhelm s moving on to the Wood place east of town.
Quite a number of former residents of Birmingham were in town Sunday to attend the funeral of David Ennis. The deceased was an old Soldier having enlisted with the Three Months men and reenlisted on the next call for men for 3 years or during the war. He was in a number of battles and was severely wounded. Mr. Ennis has been sick nearly all winter.
Rev. Smith of Wakeman assisted by the pastor of the M.E. Church of this place conducted the funeral services. The Grand Army Post of Elyria also officiated.
The steamer R.E. Schuck, which is owned by the Gilchrist Transportation company, has been named the C.C. Hand. The old Gilchrist has been named the Vermillion.
Hmmmmmm....
"Folks who’ve lived in Vermilion for any amount of time will likely remember Louise."
REMEBERING LOUISE: If you ever find yourself at a loss for something to do on the second Monday of the month, and you're interested in local history, check the papers. If the Vermilion Area Archival Society is having a meeting - attend. You'll not be disappointed. During last Monday’s (5/09/11) meeting Vermilionite Mary Louise "Tootie" Reisinger and her nephew Bruce Eldridge shared their memories of Tootie's mother Louise Giddings.
Folks who’ve lived in Vermilion for any amount of time will likely remember Louise. I certainly do. She wrote a column, "Letters From Louise" for the Vermilion Photojournal for 17 years (1967-1984). That column so impressed me that I was moved to write a short (fictional) history of Vermilion during my college years. Her letters - to say the very least - were, as was she, exceptionally entertaining.
Her birth name was Mary Louise Baumhart. Born September 26, 1893 in Pennsylvania she was one of three girls born to Henry and Eliza (Horton) Baumhart (PJ 8/12/10). She grew up in Cleveland; graduated from Cleveland West High School and the Cleveland School of Music. She was an extremely gifted pianist, and played professionally all across northern Ohio. She married three times: first to Harry G. Chandler; then Conrad Nuhn; and lastly to Arthur Giddings. She had four children with her first husband; Alice (Becker), Marjorie (Eldridge), her namesake "Tootie" (Reisinger), and Harry.
During the first part of the VAAS meeting Tootie quipped that her mother "married Harry Chandler, my father, from Norwalk and had four children. That marriage was for love, and as she (Louise) put it 'the neighbors got the love, and all she got was a bunch of kids'". After her third husband passed on Tootie suggested that her mother consider dating a local farmer whose wife had also died. Louise responded by saying, "My God. I got you three houses and now you want a farm." Those quotes are classic Louise. Bold, humorous, and totally unexpected.
Louise didn't drive. Until she was well into her eighties she walked about town in high heels, dressed to the nines. Tootie said that on occasion she’d take a bus to Cleveland. Her mother told her that, "People talked about something besides what they had for supper and how they cooked it." Yet, setting her wry observation of small town life aside she often visited friends and elderly folks around town with a plate of cupcakes, and some kind words.
Tootie recalled that her children loved to stay overnight with their grandmother. "When she asked what they wanted for breakfast they’d say 'Ice cream and chocolate sauce and nuts'- So she’d give them money to go to Harts (Drug Store) and buy ice cream, chocolate sauce, and nuts. She also took them to stay at the Statler Hotel in Cleveland because she apparently thought they should experience the big city. Tootie said, "She loved Vermilion, but she loved the city."
Grandson Bruce Eldridge recalled a time when Vermilion physician Dr. Halley told him, barely containing his laughter, that Louise had come into his office saying, "Dr. Halley, don’t even bother to examine me. I’m too far gone. Just send me to Fisher’s(funeral home)." Bruce also recalled that she'd told the funeral director Ed Fisher, "I don’t want an expensive funeral. Just put me in a plastic bag."
When Bruce was in college he got a substitute mail carrier position at the post office during Christmas break. Coincidentally, he was the carrier to his grandmother’s house near the Main street beach. Because it was his Grandma he just had to visit with her for some time before he finished the route. This meant that there was a delay in delivery that day. The next day he told his grandmother he couldn't visit because people wanted their mail on time. Louise asked him why and he explained her that people wanted their mail at a certain time. She responded by saying, "Well you tell Mrs. So and So that your grandmother is running a house of ill repute for young men."
Louise passed into the next life on the fifth day of March in 1987 at the age of 93 years. At her funeral Vermilion’s Reverend Louis Bertoni remarked that she was one of the most interesting people he had ever met. He also said that he met her on the street one day and she told him who she wanted to meet when she got to heaven; Winston Churchill and Nelson Rockefeller. According to grandson Bruce she did had some second thoughts about the afterlife, once remarking to him that, "I do not want to go to heaven if I know I think who is going to be there." Implying that many of those who thought themselves qualified would be very boring.
Tootie said that there was laughter at Louise’s funeral and that her mother "would have loved it". She also said "I hope she’s in heaven. But wherever she is I’m sure she’s entertaining the crowd. She told me she’d come back and tell me what happens. But I haven’t heard from her yet."
Well, I don’t know about that. Nearly 25 "yesteryears" have passed since her death. Louise is still very much in our thoughts; and, if you will, entertaining the crowd. Mary Louise Baumhart-Chandler-Nuhn-Giddings is without a doubt one of the most memorable women to have ever lived in Vermilion, O. So, Louise; thanks for the memories.
Henry Bessemer produced his first invention at the age of seventeen--embossed stamps for use on title deeds. At that time, the British government was losing thousands of pounds in revenue each year through the illegal reuse of title stamps. Bessemer's invention made the crime impossible and earned him his first job.
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.
…Eliphalet W. Day was clerk of the election. Ransom B. Ellsworth was elected justice of the peace; Philip Moffitt, Spencer Baker and Ransom B. Ellsworth, trustees; Eleazer Jones, clerk; Spencer Baker, constable. The township officers elected in 1878, are as follows: Wilbur Huson, clerk: Leonard Carpenter, P. L. Mitchell, T. W. Place, trustees; J. G. Oates, assessor; David Johnson, treasurer; L. D. Allen, J. G. Oates, justices of the peace; M. A. Tattle, John Snyder, Jr., constables: B. T. Day, Edgar Burrows, Samuel L. Harvey, J. Q. Woodworth, Isaiah Cline, C. McKellogg, H. H. McKibben, W. R. Smith, Emmet Hinkley, school board.
The surface of the township is quite level, except in the northwest portion where there are ridges and curiously formed hills. The soil throughout is rich, and there is no waste land. The whole township was originally covered with an unusually heavy growth of timber—maple, beech, whitewood and black walnut, the last two varieties being found in great quantity. Black walnut was so common that it was used m large quantity for fence rails by the earliest settlers. Many of these old rails have since been worked up into furniture and house finishing material. The principal stream in the township is a tributary of the Huron river, and flows westward through sections one and four, thence northward through section three into Bronson. Fords creek runs through the southwest corner of the township, and empties into the Huron river in Greenfield township. There is a sandstone formation underlying the whole township, and it occasionally crops out in such a manner as to be available for use. There are stone quarries in the first, second and third sections, but none of them are worked upon an extensive scale. Upon the farm of Clark Berry there is a salt well. Some of the early settlers took water from a spring at this place, and boiled it down, securing a small quantity of salt. The Grovers afterward bored a well here, but lost their drill in the hole, and abandoned the enterprise.
The center road, north and south, was, as originally cut through the forest, the Harrison road. It was made by the General's troops; and subsequently was straightened and improved. In 1825, when the new State road was laid out eleven miles through Fairfield and portions of Ripley and Bronson, the residents of this township gave material assistance to the enterprise. Benjamin Lee, Jonathan Kingsbury, R. M. Cherry, William Cherry, Silas Adams, Eleazer Jones, Samson Baker, William Greenfield, Clark Berry and Samuel Foote, gave their services. The road cost one hundred dollars per mile. The west, or ridge road, was laid out at an early day.
The earliest religious organization in Fairfield was a Methodist class, formed in 1822. It had less than half a dozen members. From this small beginning has grown, by a stead}' but slow advancement, a strong church, numbering, in 1879, one hundred and and [sic] five members. At one time every professor of religion in the town was a member of this church. Its old members were untiring in their exertions to increase the strength of the society, and those whom they brought into the church, maintained the same high standard of zealous activity. A house of worship was built, which cost one thousand six hundred dollars. Many revivals have been had, and the Christian spirit of the church has never been suffered to abate. The present organization is as follows: Rev. E. J. V. Boothe, Rev. H. B. Palmer, Rev. J. T. Kellam, superannuated, ministers; Theodore Boughton, J. H. Curtiss, C. H. Chapman, Amos Curtiss, J. W. Felton and Hiram Tooker, class leaders; C. H. Chapman, Theodore Boughton and W. H. Pinckney, stewards; M. M. Hester, recording steward; A. C. Taylor, Oliver Ganung, Jonathan Heustis, E. R. Cherry, C. H. Chapman, Theodore Boughton, J. H. Curtiss, trustees: 0. L. Calvin, Sunday school superintendent. The house of worship of this society was built in 1844.
was organized January 1, 1832. Upon that day there assembled at Samuel Foote’s, the following persons, who became the constituent members of the church: Henry Terry, Jacob Hicks, Frederick Hicks, William Baker, Selden Jones, George T. Foote, Eben Guthrie, Samuel Foote, Epanetus Starr, Jeremiah Kingsbury, Sally Kingsbury, Roxanna Terry. Lois Hoyt. Rebecca Jones, Eliza Hicks, Rachel Hicks. Elizabeth Summerlain, Cemantha Baker, Sally Berdick, Eliza Foote, Huldah Starr, Avis Beam, Leah Baker, Esther Foote and Mrs. Lovell—twenty-five in all. Soon after its organization, the church was divided, a number of its members living in Bronson, and desiring to form a church of their own in that township. A conference was also formed at New Haven, which withdrew some from the Fairfield church. Notwithstanding these adverse circumstances, the church, after an existence of twenty-five years, had a membership of two hundred and forty persons. About 1860, the church began to decline and suffered the loss of many members A good church edifice was built upon a valuable lot, and kept in excellent repair. The church has always been characterized for its liberality and has probably spent more money for its own expenses and for charity, than any other in the town. It has now, one hundred and seventy-six members. Its pastor is Rev. T. J. Siegfried. B. H. Hinkley, R. Whitney, deacons; Miss Hattie Brown, Sunday school superintendent; A. D. Stotts, P. L. Mitchell, R. McDon…
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
NOTEWORTHY ARTICLE:This is a clipping from the Sandusky paper from October 20, 1958. The accident, and the clipping are relevant historically because this particular incident is that which motivated people in our community to push for a hospital that would be closer to town. After this mishap Miles pushed very hard to have a hospital built in Vermilion. While that did not, as a matter of course, materialize - very soon thereafter the Lorain Community Hospital was built. It was a bad thing that brought something good to Vermilion.
* A 1950 anti-obscenity law in Irondale, Ala., prohibited any showing of anyone nude or "in a substantially nude state" except a babe in arms.
* Anniston: You may not wear blue jeans down Noble Street.
* An ordinance in Linden, Ala., provided that all women of "uncertain chastity" had to be off the streets by 9 p.m.
* Bear wrestling matches are prohibited.
* Boogers may not be flicked into the wind.
* Children of incestuous couples are deemed legitimate.
* Dominoes may not be played on Sunday.
* Hunting is not allowed on Sunday.
* Incestuous marriages are legal.
* It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
* It is illegal to impersonate a person of the clergy.
* It is illegal to maim oneself to escape duty.
* It is illegal to stab yourself to gain someone's pity.
* It is illegal to wear a fake moustache that causes laughter in church.
* It is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street if you have a lantern attached to the front of your automobile.
* It is legal to drive the wrong way on a one way street if you have a lantern on the front of your car.
* It is unlawful to wear women's pumps with sharp, high heels.
* It's against the law for a man to seduce "a chaste woman by means of temptation, deception, arts, flattery or a promise of marriage."
* It's illegal to play dominoes on Sunday.
ZIP AGAIN THIS WEEK: This week no podcast again. I continue to think about this section of Views - looking for a better way to present these videos.
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.
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.10, Issue 03 - March 31, 2012
© 2012 Rich Tarrant