SUBTLE SUGGESTION c.1953
FROM MY DESTOP TO YOURS: Was a time when Vermilion’s comfort station wasn’t being used as a comfort station anymore and some folks weren’t happy about it. Ergo; the outhouse in the park appeared. I don’t believe the demonstration was then successful. But today the comfort station – after a tour of duty as a police station and chamber of commerce office – is back. The park really looks a great deal better today than it did back then. (The pic was probably from the late 1950s.)
REITERATING LAST WEEK (AND THEN SOME): Last week I made mentioned the names of three Vermilion men who lost their lives during the American Civil War – Eugene Frankenberg, John Riblet, and Henry Delker. While I know a good deal about Major Henry Delker I knew nearly nothing about Frankenberg and Riblet. A few days later several “Viewers” responded with information about both.
From Bill Brandon on 01/08/12: “…The Kane Family moved to Amherst Ohio from the Isle of Man in 1840. Edgar and Eugene were the first children born to William Kane. Edgar served in the Civil War and after the war he got a Job in a Grocery owned by Orange Leonard in Vermilion. Orange Leonard was the first son of Sophia Leonard and who later married Josiah Pelton and she became known as Sophia Pelton. Sarah Jones was living with Orange Leonard. Sarah was the daughter of Eliza Leonard who died. So Edgar met Sarah Jones in the Grocery and they married and built a house on the corner of Decatur and Lake road. (The house appeared in your publication as a "then and now photo" with the curved glass windows and porch.) Edgar also appeared with the Civil War veterans at F.W. Wakefield house.
Robert Kane … became treasurer of Wakefield Brass. His daughter was my grandma. Also his son Bill Kane – married Polly Line – Bill worked for a US Steel ore boat and later Lyman boats but he built a house on the Line property… Polly’s mother Nellie Line owned 40 acres and she sold the property to the Kyles for the Car Dealership… George Wakefield also built a house on the lake next to Bill Kane’s property…”
Now (if I understand this correctly) Edgar Kane’s mother was stepsister to Eugene’s mother. “Anyway,” Bill wrote, “the sad story of Eugene is that he did not want to serve in the army and ran away...he was caught in Port Clinton and mustered out to Mississippi and caught...and we (Bill’s family) have his death notice from Andersonville....Edgar Kane married his step sister...Sarah Leonard”
THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS: Eugene Frankenberg was only 20 when he entered the service and he never reached 21. He was captured in June of 1864 and died a terrible death (diarrhea as a result of starvation) at Andersonville that September.
“Viewer” Richard Lemmers added: ”Private Eugene Frankenberg died as a POW at Andersonville on September 28, 1864. He was a member of Co. G, 72nd Ohio. There is a pension record showing he left a widow.”
JOHN RIBLET: Richard Lemmers also provided me with the following information about Vermilion’s John Riblet: ” There is no listing of a "Major" Riblet but Private John Riblet served in Co. I, 100th Ohio, and the date on which his widow received a pension was February 6, 1865. Pvt. John Riblet was KIA at the Battle of Utoy Creek, Georgia, August 6, 1864, according to the Official Roster of Ohio Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion (Civil War). Utoy Creek was part of the Atlanta Campaign.”
CAPTAIN HENRY DELKER: was born in Baden, Germany on the 4th day of July in 1836. He passed from life (as near as I can tell) at exactly 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 1890 in Vermilion, Ohio. He was a belated casualty of the American Civil War.
Coming to America with his family when he was 10 years old he forfeited an opportunity to remain in Germany with an uncle from whom he would have inherited great fortune. The family settled in Amherst, Ohio where young Henry quickly mastered the native language of his adopted country. Before long he secured a lucrative position as a salesman for the Amherst dry goods firm of Mussey & King.
At the beginning of the American Civil War (1860) he answered the first call for soldiers in the Union Army. Eventually he joined Company F. of the 41st Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
He advanced through the ranks rather quickly during his time in the service. Excelling at training new recruits he was easily promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Shortly thereafter he was promoted, with merit, to First Lieutenant passing over the heads of 12 Second Lieutenants in the regiment. There he served continuously under the direction of Lt. Col. James H. Hart and Captain William H. McClure until the last five minutes of the Battle of Nashville (December 12 through 16, 1864).
On that day, after all his superior officers had been killed in battle, he was leading a charge when he was seriously wounded in his left arm and side. He spent the next 60 days in a hospital with only a block of wood for a pillow. During that time he received a field promotion to Captain. From the hospital he was, literally, carried back home to Amherst in the arms of a friend named Joseph Frost. Over a year passed until he was able to go to Columbus to muster out of the Army.
Due to his wounds he was no longer capable of doing any manual labor. Thus, did he attend, and graduate from, business college in Oberlin. In 1866 he married Miss Hattie Beldon. And in 1867 he opened a dry goods business in Vermilion. He maintained that business until his death. His store was located in the building on Liberty Avenue that once housed Vermilion’s Liberty Theater.
The accompanying picture is that of the beautiful Delker home on Liberty Avenue - the way it looked sometime prior to 1890. The inset photo is a close-up of Hattie and the Captain sitting happily on their front porch. The home is now owned by Laura and Dan Roth and is now the home of Tiffany’s Flowers and Collectables.
After his untimely demise in late December of 1890 an autopsy was conducted by Dr. R. Quigley. Assisted by Drs. Esch and Hughes, they discovered that the bullet he received on the battlefield 26 years before had perforated his diaphragm, passed downward just above the sacrum, below the left kidney. This allowed his stomach to penetrate upward through the opening in his diaphragm and eventually caused his death.
On the day after Christmas in 1890 his funeral was held in the parlor of his home. A large number of friends attended. His obituary described him as a man who “believed home to be the chief school of virtue, and self-support necessary to self-respect. A consistent friend of the needy, ever ready for any work calculated to smooth before them life’s rugged pathway.” His remains were then transported to Amherst for burial.
His name, again, was Henry G. Delker - Captain Henry G. Delker; American hero.
CAN YOU BELIEVE (?): Our nation still seems to suffer from the wounds incurred during this conflict. That’s how deep they were…
Historically,
A True Taste of Vermilion
MAYBE IT WAS...: I've no definite idea as to the reason this photograph was recorded, but it must have been of some import - Vermilion-speaking.
I definitely recognize only three of the men in it: My grandfather, Pearl Roscoe, seated at the very left of the front row; seated in the middle in the white trousers is F.W. Wakefield; and the fellow standing to the very right of the back row of men is C.A. Trinter. The photo was taken by local photographer Rudy Moc, and I'm guessing (a precarious thing to do) that it was taken around 1915.
Puzzling at what might have been the reason for the pic I tentatively conclude that these men were either members / officers of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce or the Vermilion Rotary Club. All were probably members of both.
If we could identify all the men in the photo we'd likely know for certain. Anyway, I liked the pic and have used it here.
THE “DIRTYARD” IN VERMILION, O:
Many folks affectionately call the Indianapolis Speedway “The Brickyard”. And the oval at Las Vegas is fondly known by some as “The Bullring”. So - does anyone remember what they called the race track in Vermilion, O.? Or perhaps it would be more appropriate to inquire if anyone remembers it at all.
My memories of it are “marginal”. (After all it was 50 years ago.) And were it not for this photograph I probably would have forgotten it altogether. In any case, go-cart racing was, for a time, a very popular recreation in the area. But like hoola-hoops, flat top hair cuts, watching for flying saucers (that nobody ever really saw), and car hops, the trend (i.e. that of racing go-carts around and around an oval track) came - and then it went.
Fortunately late Vermilionite Albert Lingelbach had foresight enough to understand the transitory nature of such things, and consequently captured some of those moments on film.
The local raceway was located behind Vermilion’s newly formed Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Holland-Bond Post 7576 on Poorman Road southwest of town. Although the first V.F.W. was founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1899, and became a government-charted non-profit veterans organization by an act of the U.S. Congress in 1936, Vermilion’s post was not organized until the War in Korea began winding down during the early to mid 1950’s.
In post-war America domestically manufactured automobiles (and please excuse the puns) were “fast becoming the driving force” of the economy. It was a time when a loaf of bread cost $.18. Postage stamps were $.03. And the average price of gasoline was $.23 a gallon. You could buy a brand new Ford for $1606 or, if you had a few extra shekels in the bank, you could get a two-tone Crown Victoria for $2944. Times “was” good.
Thus, it was in this environment that persons interested in autos and racing, who could not otherwise afford either the time or the expense of required to build, maintain, and race stock cars, found a niche in the sport of go-cart racing.
Races were a regular event and, as is obvious in the accompanying photo, well attended. The winners in various classes were posted in the local newspaper each week. And though, as previously mentioned, I only have some marginal recollections of these races, I believe some of the winners received trophies.
I do remember that my brother-in-law, Dave Wilkes, took part in these contests. At the time Dave worked as a mechanic at Glen Fulper’s Garage and Sohio Station in the middle of what was then a very busy town. He was an expert mechanic - having worked on cars probably since he was old enough to pick up a wrench. For my part, I was forever but a spectator at these events.
The only time I ever came close to being a participant was on a summer day when Dave and my sister Ginny hired me to mow their lawn. They had purchased a home on Devon Drive and Dave, among other things, worked on his go-cart in their garage. Looking around the garage for some gas to put in the mower I picked up a can of what I thought was fuel for the mower and filled the tank.
Though I don’t recall ever getting the mower started. (And believe me I would have remembered.) Very likely it did not start. For had I succeeded the mower would have probably taken off like a jet fighter. Because I had filled the tank with a special alcohol mixture Dave had readied for his racer. In any case, I didn't’ have to worry about it. And for some reason I was never asked to mow their lawn again.
But the races continued for some years thereafter at the dirt track behind the V.F.W.. To my knowledge, the track was never given an affectionate nickname like those at Indianapolis and Las Vegas. And then it just faded and disappeared into the yesteryear along with hoola-hoops, flat top hair cuts, watching for flying saucers (that nobody ever really saw), and car hops.
SHOPTALK: This week the museum desktop features the wonderful home of Al Rumsey. This is a neat history. And by the way this home is currently on the market. It’s really neat.
THE MASTER OF RUMSEY PARK: "When the flag is flowing on the staff you'll find me at home, so do not pass; when the flag is gone and the staff is bare, don't try the door—I am not there." -Albert R. Rumsey.
On Tuesday, March 29, 1921 a headline on the front-page of the Sandusky (Ohio) Register boldly declared that “Al Rumsey' [sic] Two Fisted Fighting Man Of Old Marine Days Is Dead; Picturesque Character Befriended Many; His Body To Be Cremated”. It was a fitting title for a eulogy that would never be given for a funeral that would never be held. For Rumsey had made arrangements several years before his death calling for “…the cremation of the body without preliminary services and in the presence only of the undertaker”. And so – at the tender age of 73 (he would have been 74 in another month had his heart not failed him) the Master of Rumsey Park was gone.
Rumsey Park, for the benefit of those unfamiliar with the area, is located on the south side of West Lake Road (Rt. #6) a little over three miles west of Vermilion. Though the property has long since been sold, resold, divided, and re-divided, the house where Mr. Rumsey made his home (pictured) still stands, as does a large barn that was later renovated and currently serves as a private residence. But when Mr. Rumsey owned the property he once boasted, “There are seventeen buildings on this farm and you can get a cooked meal in anyone of them any hour of the twenty-four.” So, in short, Al Rumsey’s Park was once a substantial chunk of real estate.
Some folks may not know it but Albert R. “Al” Rumsey was a Vermilion boy. He was the oldest child born (c.1847) into the Vermilion Township farming family of Russel and Rebecca Rumsey. He is described in one newspaper report as a “big man” with a “dominating personality…two-fisted…whenever the occasion demanded”. Initially, it is said that he worked as a policeman in Cleveland. Then he worked as the proprietor of a gymnasium / spa also in Cleveland where he purportedly trained fighters such as Jack Dempsey and John L. Sullivan. From there he went to work on the Lakes eventually holding master’s papers. He finally went to work for the predecessors of the Lake Carriers Association rising to the position of Commissioner of that organization when it was officially formed in 1892. It was a position he would hold until his death. As occupations go it was a perfect fit. Rumsey was smart, tough, personable, and compassionate.
At about the same time he assumed his first position with the lake carriers (c.1881) Rumsey purchased the property he called “Rumsey Park”. And for the next four decades he split his time between Cleveland and Vermilion. Enlisting the help of a sister he began to fashion the Vermilion property into one of the most desirable estates on the southern shores of Lake Erie. He surrounded himself with animals of the woodlands he knew as a child. He had bears (see bear cage photo), foxes, wolves, as well as numerous other animals. He also kept a large kennel of bulldogs. And one year when his favorite died, he had a casket made, and buried the pet, erecting a marble monument over the grave inscribed with the words, “Truest Friend”.
Aside from prominent personalities, such as the actors, boxers, wrestlers, and jockeys, who frequented his home there were also numerous unknowns. Among them were sailors whose fortunes had dimmed; those who didn’t necessarily want a handout – but a hand-up. As one reporter put it: “It was in lifting the little troubles that come to one in life that Rumsey was a master hand. It was his willingness at all times and under all circumstances to help someone overcome little difficulties that made him a favorite with all who knew him.” And so it is that the Master of Rumsey Park of a yesteryear is gone. But he is hardly forgotten.
GRAND OPENING RESULTS: Gosh we had a nice turn-out at the Grand Opening of the Vermilion News Print Shop Museum last Saturday. Among the visitors was Marge Tomusko Zelinek who used to operate one of the linotypes in the shop. I gave her daughter a pic of her and Chuck Thompson working at the news desk. Margie is the reason I came to like that song “Margie”.
“Margie, I’m always thinking of you…”
NEXT WEEK: During my spare time this coming week I’m going to attack (cleaning) the bindery room at the back of the shop. It’s going to be a challenge. But it really has to be done. When we begin repairs at the back of the building access to and from that room will be necessary.
Nonetheless, we will still be open our regular hours, 4 days each week. If you’re around stop by. We like visitors.
NOW & THEN: My book, “Now & Then” has been inked and can be purchased at the museum along with the new VAAS calendar. It’s not a great book. But it sure is pretty.
VISITING HOURS: Starting Monday June 25th the museum will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 PM. On Saturday the museum will be open from 11 AM to 2 PM. A small admission donation of $3 (for adults) is requested. Children under the age of 11 will be admitted for free.
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. 12. – August 25, 1904
The case of Alice Beardsley administrix de bonis non [VV Ed. Note: This probably should read Administratrix (a female administrator) De Bonis Non (Latin for "administrator of goods not administered.")] of the estate of George Taylor of Vermilion vs. Lucy Taylor and other heirs of decedent, was decided by Judge Curran of the probate court Friday when he announced from the bench that he would grant the application of the plaintiff for an order to sell real estate to pay debts of the estate. Judge Curran was not half as long deciding the case the several attorneys interested were in trying it. Commenced last Monday morning it did not end until Friday at noon. It was tiresome and tedious at times but the promptness of Judge Curran in rendering this decision evidences the fact that he had paid particular attention to every world of the testimony. The defendant heirs will through their attorneys, give notice of intended appeal.
Sheriff Foster took Jay Lowry of Berlin Hts. to the Toledo insane asylum Tuesday afternoon. It is stated that Mr. Lowry has been acting queerly for several weeks but did not become violent until Monday. It is said to be over religion.
From the proceeds of the sale of 40 head of hogs, some wheat and two calves Mrs. Christiana Senhenn will receive money with which to purchase clothing for herself and children.
The motion for temporary alimony file by Mrs. Sennhenn’s attorney John Ray, was heard by Judge Reed Wednesday morning and the sale of the property above-mentioned was ordered. Sennhenn is to repot the sale to the court and the proceeds are to be equally between himself and wife.
No better medium for talking to the people of Vermilion and vicinity can be found than the VERMILION NEWS. Have your tried it? It speaks to nearly every man, woman and child in the eastern end of the county once a week. Can you see the point?
An inspector called on Postmaster Ketcham at Ceylon the latter part of the week and in examining his books found an alleged shortage of about $300. He was removed and his bondsmen placed in charge. The people of Ceylon are now afraid that the post office will be discontinued and an R.F.D. route run through the place.
Because he was known as a habitual drunkard, Judge Miller of the Allen county probate court at Lima, refused the first marriage license under the new code to an applicant for the same. As the new code provides no license can be issued to a drunkard, the court held to the rule, and, despite protestations made, the would-be groom had to leave the license bureau without a permit to marry the woman who awaited him in the court house corridor.
Some girls in a camping party at Mitawanga “just for fun” took some bananas from a basket belonging to a picnic part at Ruggle’s Beach recently. Douglas Gardiner, a son of a prominent Norwalk man was mixed up in the affair in some way and the justice thought it no moe than right that he should contribute $1.00 for his share in the fun. Of course it was paid immediately. It seems that such fun has been indulged in several times at that place and the joke is not always fully appreciated by the victim.
The Steamer Wolvin is expected to be at Lorain today to load coal.
Geo. Harris was taken suddenly very ill on Saturday afternoon and taken to his home. He is somewhat improved at this writing.
The German service at the Reformed Church will be in the afternoon next Sunday. Our faithful organist, Miss Mary Baxtine expects to be in her place again after her long illness. Come and give her a hearty welcome even though the service is in the afternoon.
A traction engine belonging to Peter Hahn was detached Wednesday afternoon at the foot of the Linwood Park hill. An attempt was made to turn the engine to allow a team to pass when the machine went into a hole at the side of the road and partially capsized. The engine was brought back into the road after considerable labor.
Guy S. Davis has rented his room on Liberty and Grand Sts. and is closing out his stock at prices that ought dispose of a stock in a day.
Edward Hanford living near Henrietta is in the hands of the law.He is accused of criminal assault by Phoebe Dewey who was employed at his house. He has been bound over by Justice of the Peace Read. He was a wife and one child and is about 25 years of age.
Lost – On Washington Street a hand painted stickpin. Finder please leave at Pelton House. Reward.
Archie Cole of Berlinville, who was kicked in the head by a young colt a few days ago, died Tuesday morning. He was forty years old and a prosperous farmer.
G.W. Hawley, a passenger brakeman of Wabash train No. 16 east bound, was killed in a wreck between that train and a B. & O. freight train at the intersection of the two roads in Massillon Monday. Mr. Hawley’s’ father is well known among the grocery men of Vermilion as he has traveled for a large wholesale grocery firm for many years.
Constable Marsh of Birmingham had his arm severely injured by a prisoner, Michael Highland Saturday evening. The young man asked to see his mother. The constable granted his request and as he entered the house the prisoner slammed the door on it breaking the bone and bruising it. Highland then made his escape.
The Sandusky Hunter’s Protective Association has decided to take up another case against the West Huron Sporting Club. Their case it is claimed has been strengthened by new and important evidence. One of the Sandusky men says: “There is a good section of the disputed territory claimed by the Huron Club under a grant which granter had no right to make.” It is also stated that the Huron Club claims a part of the bay.
Miss Edna Smith was bitten by a bulldog at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hilderbrandt at Berlin eights Friday. Miss Smith with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson G. Smith of Cleveland, were spending the week at the Hilderbrandt home. Friday afternoon Miss Edna was swinging in the yard and Mrs. Hilderbrandt was leading the do about the lawn when the dog broke away and attacked the girl. Her arm was badly lacerated.
The dog was killed. It is believed that the dog did not have the rabies.
The interurban electric railways of Ohio are planning the organization of what will be termed the Interstate Express Company to operate upon interurban railways exclusively, in opposition to the old line express companies now controlling the steam road express business. The company will be able to reach seventy of the eight-eight counties of the State. Columbus will be made the home office of the company, and it will be first put into operation upon the lines entering this city. Later is will be extended eventually to become one giant company. The Scioto Valley Traction Company is co-operating with the various other interurban companies in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and within a short time will have in operation an express company in opposition to the Adams, Wells-Fargo, and various others operating on steam lines. A fast freight service also will be inaugurated in the near future.
Hmmmmmm....
"The family migrated to America, then to Vermilion around the turn of the 20th century."
THE FISCHER KIDS: It would be impossible to know what the two rascals in the snapshot subject of this essay were about doing. But you can bet your boots that whatever it was it was fun. By all appearances (i.e. the leafless trees, the absence of leaves on the ground, and they way the youngsters are dressed – as well as their ages) one might judge that it was a nice spring day – probably around 1924. Happily standing still (if just momentarily) for their portrait to be captured on the front lawn of their Washington Street home are Bernice and her big brother Fred Fischer Jr.
Their father, also named Fred, was born in Germany the son of Russian parents. The family migrated to America, then to Vermilion around the turn of the 20th century. [NOTE: Fred’s brother is well-known Vermilionites Henry ‘Hank” Fischer.] Fred Sr. who was employed by the railroad, met a girl named Hattie Johnson while working in the Chicago area. And the rest, as some say, is history. Young Fred and Bernice were their oldest children. The couple also had two other children: a boy they named John, and a girl named Mary Jane “Bitsy”.
The family home on Washington Street still exists. It is the very first house just south of Liberty Avenue on the east side of the street. The house (a duplex) facing Liberty on the right side of the photo just to the north of the Fischer home was recently razed. The house in the background may have been the one that was purchased at auction in the late 1950s by Vermilionite Velma Walker and moved to a new site on the lakeshore to make way for Vermilion’s Ritter Public Library. That house today sits on the lake bank behind Dan and Laura Roth’s Gilchrist House on Huron Street (behind the former GLHS Maritime Museum).
Fred Sr. was an extremely amiable fellow with a keen interest in seeing that the community of Vermilion, O. would grow and prosper. He served on the village council for many years, and later served several terms as Mayor. His wife, Hattie, was no less amiable. She loved children – both her own and others. For years she played Santa at many Christmas celebrations for Vermilion youngsters. She is also said to have been a wonderful cook and baker. That aspect of her character, no doubt, fit very well with her love for kids. Sadly, in November of 1968 she was struck by a car while crossing the street at the corner of Liberty and Main streets and died of her injuries. Four years later the eldest son, Fred Jr., followed her. He was only 55. Bernice married a strapping fellow name Allan Koachway and they had four children; Leroy, Karl, Ellen (O’Hara), and Carolyn (Hill).
Son John later became chief of Vermilion’s Fire Department. He was also frequently consulted on matters of local history. Mary Jane (now Laucaitis), who now lives in Lorain, Ohio, is the only surviving member of the immediate family. “Bitsy” still comes to town to visit with her nieces Ellen and Carolyn.
It’s hard not to look at this snapshot of yesteryear without feeling just a twinge of envy. There – were two children probably having the time of their lives; their futures ahead of them; bright and beautiful. That we know what became of them – good or bad – is irrelevant. In that moment they were happy innocents, and all was well with the world.
Established by the IPO Education Foundation, the National Inventor of the Year Award was created in 1974 to increase public awareness of the importance of technology to U.S. industry and the national economy. But it wasn't until five years later that an individual female inventor would take home the prize. That woman: NASA chemist Barbara Askins.
Though she began her career as a teacher, inventor Barbara Askins returned to school after having two children and received both bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry. After completing her education, Askins went to work for NASA at the famed Marshall Space Flight Center, where she was charged with the task of inventing a way to improve astronomical and geological photos taken from space (which were often fuzzy and lacked definition). The solution she developed would have a greater impact than anyone could have imagined.
Barbara Askins' invention involved the use of radioactive materials to enhance negatives, which, as it turned out, could also be used to enhance images even after the pictures had been developed. After patenting the invention in 1978 (U.S. patent No. 4,101,780), Askins' method was put to use by NASA with great success. In fact, Askins invention was so successful that it was adopted outside of the agency for a variety of other uses, including improving the clarity of x-rays and restoring old photographs. For her invention of a new way of developing film, Askins was honored as the National Inventor of the Year in 1978.
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.
…their own business. The order, where known, is regarded as very sound financially, numbering in New London about eighty digits or X's. The council has a convocation upon the summons of the L., V. L., or M. W. G. L. X. X. X. The place and time can be known only to an X., X. X., or X. X. X. The utmost secrecy obtains regarding the transactions within the council, but they are suspected and believed to aim at a very high grade of excellency in character and knowledge. Stipend, ten dollars L. X. X. X.
The New London Division No. 3, Sons of Temperance, was organized November 15, 1878, with the following charter members: W. P. Curtiss, Mrs. W. P. Curtiss, Mrs. William Mackey, Miss Fanny Hazard, Mrs. Clay, George W. Barns, Mrs. George W. Barns, M. M. Starr, H. M. Cookingham, 0. F. Walton, Miss Frank Rowland, Miss Ida Myers, Miss Cora Myreds, Mrs. Dr. Starbird, Mrs. 0. S. Merrifield, and J. F. Allen. The first officers of the division were as follows: W. P. Curtiss, W. P.; Mrs. 0. S. Merrifield, W. A.; Miss Fanny Hazard, R. S.; M. M. Starr, F. S. ; G. W. Barns, treasurer; H. M. Cookingham, conductor; J. F. Allen, chaplain. Division No. 3 now has about forty members, and its present officers—1879—are: M. M. Starr, W. P.; Miss Fanny Hazard, W. A.; William Mackey, chaplain; W. P. Curtiss, treasurer and P. W. A.; Miss Carrie Albaugh, R. S.; H. M. Cookingham, conductor; N. C. Underbill, F. S. : Cora Myres, assistant conductor; W. B. King, L. S.; Thomas Ledget, 0. S.; J. F. Allen, D. P. W. P. This lodge is reported as being very particular as to who are admitted, as many have been rejected for cause; a greater number than have been received. Vivi, vive’.
The Good Templars have had several organizations at sundry times, but are now disbanded; not, however because there was no need of temperance work.
The first physician (if he be so called) was Dr. Samuel Day in the second section in 1817 or 1818. He was a botanic, and did some practice by the use of indigenous plants and herbs. He died December 31, 1839.
Dr. Richard P. Christopher, from Huron, came to the fourth section in 1824. He was an educated gentleman, a very good, kind and successful practitioner. It is reported of him that he would find nurses and watchers for his patients, and sometimes he was met with two women, riding his horse through the Ruggles woods, and he, with a pill bag in hand, on foot night and day, going from four to six miles, laboring to save those who were very sick. He died about 1829, and was buried in the village cemetery. But, alas, like too many benefactors of his race, nothing marks his resting place.
Dr. Fish was here in 1840; Dr. W. W. Parker in 1846; Dr. Ladd about the same time. Dr. Ladd died in 1852, and Dr. Parker was killed in Iowa about 1868. Dr. A. Starbird came in 1851; was a very successful physician, and died March 23, 1875. Dr. 0. L. Andrews practiced from 1845 to 1855, and moved to Ruggles. Dr. G. W. Stetson, from 1851 to 1855, is now preaching the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, in Pennsylvania. A. D. Skellenger, M. D., who came in June 23, 1853; A. McClellan, M. D., in November, 1853; D. D. Van Vechton, M. D., in the fall of 1859; George W. Andrews, M. D., in 1875, and C. A. Mills. a homeopathic, 1870, are still practicing in New London.
This now very interesting, and important, and rapidly increasing town, is situated in the fourth section of the township, on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis Railroad, forty-eight miles from Cleveland, seventeen miles southeast from Norwalk, sixteen north of Ashland, and eighty-eight northeast of Columbus.
Among the first settlers have been named John Corry, in 1816; the Sampson's, the Merrifield's, the Hendryx's, Kinsley's, Dr. Christopher Bates, W. S. Dewitt, and others. From 1817 to 1822 New London was called Merrifield Settlement; from 1822 to 1837, Kinsley's Corners; from 1840 to 1853, King's Corners. In 1850 the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railroad commenced to rum through the town, and the place grew rapidly. In the fall of 1853, the village, embracing about eight hundred acres of land, was incorporated. The first council proceedings are recorded for December 3, 1853: R. C. Powers, mayor; John Thorn, recorder; J. Bradley, J. F. Badger, A. Starbird, V. King, and A. D. Kilburn, trustees, or councilmen; A. A. Powers, marshal; J.0. Merrifield, treasurer. In the years 1854 and 1855, R. C. Powers was re-elected mayor. In 1856, Henry King; in 1857, E. H. Sanford: in 1858 and 1859, Alexander Porter; in 1860, Daniel H. Fox: in 1861 and 1862, J. M. Rawson; in 1863, Elihu Robinson: in 1864, J. M. Rawson; in 1865 and 1866, Alexander Porter: in 1867. L. Kilburn: in 1868, R. C. Powers; in 1869, J. M. Rawson: in 1870, 1871, 1872 and 1873, A. D. Skellenger: in 1874 and 1875, R. C. Powers; and in 1876, 1877, 1878 and 1879, A. D. Skellenger. In the fall of 1854, unto A. D. Skellenger was awarded the first contract to build one hundred and sixty rods of oak sidewalk, the lumber and work to be furnished by said Skellenger, for the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars. In 1851 the village suffered from its first serious fire: and again in 1872, November 17th, property to the value of forty to fifty thousand dollars was destroyed.
The "Gregory House," and what is known as the Union block, on the northeast corner of Rochester and…
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
ANOTHER PEEK AT LINWOOD IN YEARS PAST: For a little pamphlet this one printed by The Vermilion News press sure is interesting. This pic is in the middle of the "Forty-fifth Season - Linwood Park" booklet. Too bad those water prices aren't applicable today. I'd like to get my truck washed for a dime.
Anna Wallace The children of Israel wanted bread And the Lord sent them manna; Old clerk Wallace wanted a wife, And the devil sent him Anna. Ribbesford, England
Here lies Elizabeth, my wife for 47 years, and this is the first damn thing she ever done to oblige me. Streatham Churchyard, England
On an adulterous husband: Gone, but not forgiven Atlanta, Georgia
This stone was raised by Sara's Lord Not Sara's virtues to record For they are known to all the town. This stone was raised to keep her down. Kilmurry Churchyard, Ireland
Here lies the body of poor Aunt Charlotte. Born a virgin, died a harlot. For 16 years she kept her virginity A damn'd long time for this vicinity. Death Valley, California
Here lies Pa. Pa liked wimin. Ma caught Pa in with two swimin
Brigham Young Born on this spot 1801 A man of much courage and superb equipment. Whitingham, Vermont
The dust of Melantha Gribbling Swept up at last by the Great Housekeeper Woodville, England
'Twas filled with kerosine And soon among the twinkling stars Dynamite Benzine. * (* Dinah might been seen)
Sacred To The Remains of Jonathan Thompson A Pious Christian and Affectionate Husband. His disconsolate widow Continues to carry on His grocery business At the old stand on Main Street: Cheapest and best prices in town. Harwichport
Arthur C. Homan's epitaph: Once I wasn't Then I was Now I ain't again. Cleveland, Ohio
Larne, Ireland - On a hanged sheep stealer Here lies the body of Thomas Kemp. Who lived by wool and died by hemp. Bletchley, Bucks, England
In a New Jersey cemetery Rebecca Freeland 1741 She drank good ale, good punch and wine And lived to the age of 99.
In memory of Anna Hopewell Here lies the body of our Anna Done to death by a banana It wasn't the fruit that laid her low But the skin of the thing that made her go.
NADA AGAIN THIS WEEK: This week no podcast again. God is still talking and 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.
I need add here another great book with Vermilion Roots called, "Grandmas’ Favorites: A Compilation of Recipes from Margaret Sanders Buell" by Amy O’Neal, Elizabeth Thompson and Meg Walter (May 2, 2012). This book very literally will provide one with the flavor of old Vermilion. And ye can also find it at Amazon.com. Take a look.
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 20 - July 28, 2012
© 2012 Rich Tarrant