FISHING: Somewhere along the Vermilion River on a quiet morning in the summer sits a fisherman. There's not much more to say about the scene. It's a quiet comfortable thing to do. I know these pictures abound. But they're nice all the same. This is one that could be a painting hanging in a museum. And it really doesn't matter where it is. It's what it is. The experience is one of the richest moments of existence.

ON THE RIVER: This is truly a unique photograph. Looking through the archives of The Vermilion News there are plenty of indications that the river (and lake) played a very important part in events that shaped the town. Obviously, that's obvious. But there's a more subtle reality involved. And it's here in this picture. People came from miles around to the Vermilion River for exactly what one sees in this photo. The numbers of young couples that came here to glide along the quiet stream in a canoe or rowboat were exceptional. It was a recreational activity induced by courtship. A place where a couple could be together and work together. As the previous picture attests (as well as this) the banks of the stream were both wild and quiet. It was altogether possible to stop to sit and talk, perhaps to kiss, and who knows?

The intent of that last comment is not intended to be racy so much as it is to instill a sense of the reality of that experience. How many marriages were borne from an afternoon on the Vermilion River will never be known. The aforementioned "subtle reality" involved in this scene seems to tell one that the town - the river - played an important role in shaping the lives of many folks who just visited here.

ON THE BANK: Another river photo. Clearly (to me) of Camp Vermilion at the Olympic Outing Club looking south toward the first shalebank. The club is very much a part of the town. It is probably the, or at least one of the, nicest spot(s) along the Vermilion. Owing, most likely, to both the secluded and private nature of the club it remains, along with Linwood Park, wonderfully preserved from the ravages of commercial development around it. Beautiful.

DOWNSTREAM: Whilst I've used this photo in the Vermilion Photojournal I've never used it on this page. Last week we looked at the old McGarvey's Restaurant during the spring thaw of 1968. This, of course, is McGarvey's predecessor, Helfrich's Restaurant - the original "boat drive-in". Taken in the 1920's this pic shows one of the places where the young lovers (previously mentioned) could rent a canoe or a boat to take upriver. Originally Helfrich's, as well as a few other places, offered a little bit of everything (i.e. boat rentals, food, and picnic areas). Across the bridge (to the right) of this photograph was the Lake Shore Electric Bridge. It was a very short walk from either the LSE's stop for Linwood Park or the station on Liberty and Exchange (by the Maudelton Hotel) to the river. The history of this restaurant can be found in full on my Vermilion Historic Pix page linked at the bottom of this page.

One thing I'd point out at this time is the presence of the automobiles at the restaurant. It marked the beginning of the end for the inter-urban electric trains, and the very beginning of personal mobility of America. The Mobility Revolution of America would forever eradicate the laid back atmosphere seen in these photographs.

EVERYBODY LOVES A PARADE: These photographs were taken by the late Mike Minich of a Memorial Day Parade in Vermilion circa 1965. His daughter, Martha, who now lives in Gales Ferry, Connecticut sent them to the Vermilion Photojournal in mid-February. They were in the form of slide-like color transparancies 11/4" x 3/4" and are not easy to scan. Time has done some damage, but they are legible. She sent 10 of them along with some commentary about each.

I find them interesting for several reasons. I am enamoured by the backgrounds, and by some of the people in the pix. In some one can see the Maudelton Bar sign, Doc's meat-market, Erie Electronics, Ann's Lunch, Erie County Bank, and the Okagi Restaurant.

Some of the people she names in them are: Mr. Henry (band leader), (herself) Martha Minich, Mike Liston, and Beth Dellefield (on trombones); Judy Clark on clarinet, and Jerry Showalter on sax.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: You (readers) may have pictures (about Vermilion) that don't seem to be remarkable to you, but they do have an historic value - especially if one can name some of the people in the pictures. Do Not Throw Them Away! Please pass them on. The Vermilion Area Archival Society (VAAS) would be more than happy to store and maintain them for you. They may be more valuable than you realize.

JUNGLE LARRY: A few days ago I had the daughter of a "Views" getter email me expressing a desire to see something about "Jungle Larry" Tetzlaff in one of these issues. The idea intrigues me. I'd like to do something here, and I'd like to do something for the newspaper in the future. There are very few people in the area who are unfamiliar with the man.

My initial research revealed (to me) that his family now lives in Florida (I believe Naples) and own a big cat exhibition in that area (I don't have the precise info in front of me as I write). I contacted Larry's son, Tim, and he told me that, due to his age, he doesn't remember anything about Larry's days in Vermilion (he wasn't born at that time), but that he has a photograph of his father doing a show at one of the area schools that he'll forward to me.

In any case, I'm going to follow this story and see what transpires. I've very vivid memories of this fellow. I can remember what he looked like exactly.In addition to this I would ask that if any of you have any photos or just memories of interaction with him that you share them with me so that I might use them in a story. I don't know if a biography of this chap exists. But it should. He's as colorful an individual as they come.

CLASS REUNION UPDATES: Again members of the Vermilion High School Class of 1959; your class reunion will be held between October 8 and 10, 2004 here in town. Those looking for more information on the subject can now visit the Class of '59 website by clicking on the highlighted text. To my knowledge Roger Boughton is responsible for this site. I should mention that a visit to this particular website is worth ones time. Maybe you didn't belong to this class, but I'm sure you know someone who does. And I think you'll enjoy reading some of their memories of those days. Note that Roger will not be sending out a newsletter by snail-mail any longer. The webpage will be the reunion notification/information center from now on.He's got new stuff on line as he gets it - and it's interesting. So take time to go there.

Also BuffaloBill Hlavin has asked me to find a 1958 football program for him. I'll look. But I'll also ask class members tuned into this site to also look and let myself, Roger, or Bill know if you have one.

Dale Wendell, in sunny Arizona, told me that his class (VHS 1944) will also be having a reunion this summer. Just this day (1-24-04) Dale let me know that it will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2004 at the Vermilion Fish and Game.

As news regarding these activities comes to my attention it will appear on this web page. So stay tuned.

From a long way around the planet comes a message about the VHS Reunion of the Class of 1954. Their Reunion is planned for the 17th of July, 2004 at the Amvets Post on Route 60. I've also heard (2-14-04) from George Hoffman of this class who now lives in Sandusky. He,and four fellow classmates, are putting this reunion together.

Also the VHS Classes of 1963, 64, & 65 are still looking for a number of people. Many are around. But it's not real easy to round-up all that information. If you've not yet received a notice re: that reunion count yourself among the missing and report in to either myself or Ruthie Bauman Tanner on the net. Ruth's email address is: Ruthbt45@yahoo.com

The Beat Goes On: The page is generated by the 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 bookmarks. 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 let me know and I'll send them to you.

Links to other sites on the Web

Vermilion Ohio Historic Pix
History of Linwood Park
Vermilion Community Orchestra
Vermilion Chamber of Commerce
Vermilion's Oldest Church
Vermilion Visitor's Advisory (Satire)
Gore Orphanage History
The Lester Pelton Story

"Spitwads are not free speech." ~ Bart Simpson

Vol.1, Issue 50, March 6, 2004

© 2004 Rich Tarrant