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Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live

Current time in Vermilion -

November 17, 2012 - No el in Vermilion

Who knocked the el out of Vermilion?

DESKTALK: I’ve forgotten the reason I made the graphic appearing on my desktop this week. It’s called “Who Knocked the El Out of Vermilion?” I know why. I know when. I just don’t know whom.

The letter was removed around 1898 at the behest of the U.S. Post Office because there was some confusion between the name of the town, the township, and another township / area very near Ashland, O.The single thing I’ve always found amusing about the matter is that in some places it is claimed that the area received the name due to the red clay found along the river. That is true only so long as the person who named it was French.

A fellow (I shall not herein name) used to refer to the river as the great Oshitt (an Indian sounding word). Color wise that was probably more apropos.

HARRIED: I find myself rather harried this week. It’s an unusual feeling (for me). I don’t care for it. Perhaps it’s the season. But I thought we’re supposed to be jolly this time of year.

Sloughing off that feeling – I hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. I thank God for my family, friends, and country. (Where I am allowed the occasional luxury of feeling harried.)

Historically,

Dana & Bill c.1962

FRIENDS

BILL & DANA:: I was paging through one of the old VHS Log (annual) Books one day an came across this candid pic of my friends Bill Ream and Dana Buell Wheeler. I believe the photo was taken on a band bus back in the early 1960s.

Bill currently lives in Florida, and Dana lives near Ashland, O. While I’ve not seen Bill for some years we do communicate via the net. Dana and her husband visited the VNPS Museum several weeks back. We also communicate via email once in a while. It’s nice to have ties to old friends. Very nice.

Vermilion Harbor d.1900

"...the harbor..., alone, stands as the oldest, and most valuable, commercial asset of the town."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VERMILION: Vermillion Village: Incorporated by a special act of legislature in 1837 is this year 175 years young. The first recorded election in the village was held on April 6, 1839. Elected were: Joseph B. Clarke, mayor: William B. Andrews, recorder; Noah Loomis, treasurer; Chris. Grover, A. W. Melsheimer, A. B.Smith, Charles Burr and Barlow Sturges, trustees; and the place now known as Vermilion (with one el), Ohio began to take shape.

Prior to the formal development of the harbor the town wasn’t much to write home about. Capt. Bill Austin operated a “public house” (a saloon) near the mouth of the river; C.P. Judson kept a store in the village; and Barlow Sturges ferried travelers across the river that meandered, as it meanders still, through the fields, forests and orchards in the countryside to south, east and west into Lake Erie.

It may very well be that the single most important development in the history of Vermilion was when a little known government representative named Major Borns came to our sleepy little hamlet in 1841-42 to oversee the construction of a pier at the mouth of the river and the dredging of the channel leading into the harbor. While businesses throughout the community (i.e. boat building, lumber, stone, iron, commercial fishing, lighting etc.) have come and gone since the opening of the harbor it, alone, stands as the oldest, and most valuable, commercial asset of the town. It is what drew people here in the beginning, and what continues to draw them here 175 years later.

Speaking only for myself, I am intrigued not so much by the harbor, but by the stories of Vermilion’s yesteryear – some true, some seeming to beg all truth, but all so very compelling they are in need of some retelling. Such as:

From January 18th to the 23rd, 1813, the north bank of the River Raisin (then called Frenchtown, now Monroe, Michigan) was a battleground wherein the U.S. and Great Britain fought each other for the control of all of Michigan and the Lower Great Lakes. At stake was the destiny not only of the 2 countries (United State and Great Britain), but of Canada, and of Tecumseh's alliance of Native-American tribes. James Winchester, the second-in-command of the Army of the Northwest, commanded a column consisting of approximately 1,000 untrained regulars and volunteers, most of whom were from Kentucky. Major General William Henry Harrison had ordered him to remain within supporting distance of Harrison's own column near the Maumee River (in present-day Perrysburg, Ohio) about 30 miles south of Frenchtown. Instead, Winchester sent a small relief detachment north to Frenchtown along the River Raisin at the request of the Frenchtown citizens, contrary to Harrison's orders. [Note: This detachment consisted of 667 Kentuckians and nearly 100 Frenchmen.] It was a mistake. Three hundred and ninety-seven Americans were killed. Hundreds were taken prisoner and dozens more were subsequently massacred by Native Americans. It was the deadliest conflict ever on Michigan soil. The casualties were the highest number of Americans killed in a single battle during the War of 1812. After the battle the British landed a troop of Kentucky soldiers they had captured on an island near the mouth of the Vermilion River. While awaiting rescue many of the ill and wounded died and were subsequently buried there. After some days had passed the water receded and the survivors finding themselves on a peninsula instead of an island crossed to the mainland and on to Kentucky.

At the turn of the 20th century Vermilion and its harbor were bustling. The lakeshore had changed, and the aforementioned island had become a part of the mainland. Workman digging a cellar on a knoll near the lake came across a number of skeletons they took to have been buried in an ancient Indian mound and began (of all things) playing football with the skulls. Even the Mayor of Vermilion got in on the game by offering a dime to any person who could kick one to the top of the hill. Needless to say, all were aghast when some time later they chanced across the record of the 1812 soldiers.

The veracity of the story is, of course, unknown. If true it’s shocking whether the skeletons were those of Kentucky soldiers, American Indians, or anyone for that matter. But it’s one of those engaging stories from Vermilion’s past that shows us just how far we’ve come and, perhaps, just how far we must go till we get it right. Most historians believe that the City of Damascus in what is currently the war torn nation of Syria is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Archaeological evidence suggests that the city’s history goes back 12,000 years. I believe we’re well ahead of the curve. Happy Birthday Vermilion!

Ref: Blockhouses and Military Posts of the Firelands, Cherry, 1934; Battle of Frenchtown, www.riverraisinbattlefield.org; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 06/14/12; Written 06/10/12 @ 10:58 AM.

The Pelton wheel=

Page 38 from Pelton Book

Liberty Theatre Interior

Our Dream Palace

SHOPTALK: This desktop pic is a cool Richard Koontz pic of the interior of Vermilion’s Liberty Theatre. For youngsters (now oldsters) who came of age during much of the 20th century the scene is extremely familiar. It was, for many, akin to a church sanctuary.

How may stars did we become familiar with on this silver screen during those years? Millions. (Well, maybe not millions – but more than a few.) It was the place of dreams for many. And so it will always be.

NOT MUCH: It’s been a rather busy week (for me) so not much was accomplished in the museum this week. I made some lighting adjustments, swept the floor, and found a cool video about linotypes for our media frame. Slowly we move along…

TO BE REDUNDANT: As previously mentioned we had some Cub Scouts visit the museum a week or so ago. These guys were amusing.

To reiterate: One of the first questions they asked was, “Can we go down in the basement?” They were infatuated with some nasty toothbrushes I had hanging on the wall that are used to clean the presses. And one of them found the mummified carcass of a mouse on an old mail bag that was hanging off one of the presses.

You just gots to love these kids.

PLAQUE FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS SPONSORS: We’ll soon have a nice plaque in the museum honoring persons who have contributed funds for special museum projects. At the moment we only have one name. We expect to have many more.

SEARCHING: We currently interested in finding copies of The Erie County Reporter from 1880 to 1920 or '30. Nobody on earth seems to have them. If you have knowledge of any of them we'd appreciate hearing from you. There's a great deal of Vermilion information in them.

FIVE-OH-ONE-CEE-THREE: It’s now official. The museum is officially a 501(c)(3) organization. Consequently, all donations to the museum are tax deductible. This is retroactive to November of 2011. (Thank heaven. Now I can fret about something else for months on end.)

VISITING HOURS: The museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 PM. On Saturday the museum it is 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.

A single membership for an adult is $15 a year.
A couple membership is $25 a year.
A student membership is $5.
And a lifetime membership is $100.

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. most everyday. If you see a Chevy Silverado out front with the plate "MRCOOKR" stop by and see what's cooking.

Vermilion News Print Shop Museum

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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. VIII,NO.28. – DECEMBER 15, 1904.

COURT NOTES.

The case of James Brooks vs. the village of Vermilion et al, was dismissed Monday for want of prosecution. Plaintiff sued to recover $400 which was a claim for furniture destroyed by the health authorities after a case of smallpox.

Geo. Evans of Vermilion was bound over to the probate court in the sum of $200 Monday on the charge of stealing a beef hide from Geo. B. Krapp. The hide is valued at $5.

Richard Tait in the common pleas court Thursday changed his plea of not guilty to one of guilty for assault and battery. Judge Reed sent the prisoner to the Toledo workhouse for four months and fined him 4100 and costs. Tait stabbed Thomas E. Thorpe in a quarrel at Vermilion.

Damages in the sum of $50,000 are asked by Hilda W. Smith, who has sued the New York, Chicago & St. Louis railroad. The plaintiff alleges that on Dec. 18th while a brakeman on the Lake Shore, a switch engine operated by the defendant struck him in Chicago. His legs, he alleges, were almost severed from his body and had to be amputated. Smith lives in Chicago.

Prosecutor H.R. Williams received an order from the court Thursday to obtain the photograph of the two prisoners James Winslow and Peter Chaver who are being held for perjury. Photographer John Dietz says he can take a flash light photo of the two whether they object or not. Prosecutor Williams, since his visit to Toledo is of the opinion that the real name of Winslow is Lawrence Jones and that his home is at White Chapel, O. While he was in Toledo it is very probably that he took the name of Winslow as there had been a man by that name at the address he gave, thinking that the authorities would be satisfied on that point without investigation. It is thought that while in Toledo he met Chaver.

Vermilion has a new dentist. C.S. Beurmann, of Howell, Mich., has rented the Trinter house and will in a few days open dental parlors fully equipped and up-to-date, therein. Dr. Beurmann has studied at the University of Michigan and is a graduate of the Ohio Medical University at Columbus. He comes there from Howell where he has practiced his profession. His family will join him later.

A canning factory is among the possibilities for Berlin Hts. in the near future. A committee visited Payne and Continental last week to investigate the factories at those places.

Mayor Baker of North Amherst has a lively competitor for the postmastereship of that little city. It is Miss Florence Theiman, a schoolteacher who recently lost her situation. She has sent a petition signed by 450 people to the President.

Consumptives Barred.

The Postoffice [sic] Department has decided that in the future persons suffering from consumption will not be employed in the post office or other Government positions from which they are likely to spread that terrible disease. This decision was reached by the Civil Service Commission and an order was issued that hereafter all persons must submit to a physical examination and if the presence of consumption is found the sufferer must not be employed. This may seems a little hard on the consumptive but it is right. The disease is spread in that way, it is not the hereditary. It is infectious and can be taken from one person by another. It is not the only disease that can be spread in that way. There are other serious diseases which should preclude a man from handling the mails or other articles that people must have. Physical qualifications are quite as essential as mental and moral qualifications in the public service.

Obituary.

Peter L. Allen was born in New York City, Sept. 8th, 1826. He came to Hinckley, Ohio at the age of eight years with his father, his mother having died a short time before. Mr. Allen moved to West Richfield at the age of seventeen and lived with Mr. Page with whom he learned his trade being tht of a Harness Maker. After some years he came in possession of the business for himself and continued until about five years ago when on the account of the illness of Mrs. Allen he gave up his business and they came to live with their daughter Mrs. Upon Darby of Vermilion.

He married Mariett Selley Oct. 4, 1848 and with the exception o one year in Litchfield and five in Vermilion their entire life was spent at West Richfield.

He became a Mason in the year 1855. No one loved his lodge and his brethren more than he. He was loyal to all of its requirements and took pride in its interest and that of his brothers.

He untied with the M.E. Church at West Richfield in 1852. He loved the church and made it first in his life.

He enjoyed and loved the services of the sanctuary. He very seldom if ever missed a regular church service when at all able to be present. He was very active in the work committed to his hands and for most of his church held some official position in either that of Steward or Trustee and often both. He was for many years a Sunday school teacher and worker. Through all of his sickness he was patient and trustful. He knew that the end was near. He waited God’s own time. His last song was: “I am Trusting Lord in Thee.”

He died Dec. 8th, 1904, age 78 yrs. 3 mos.

He leaves his companion two daughters and one son and one sister besides other relatives and a host of friends to mourn his death.

The funeral was held at the home of his daughter West of Vermilion on Saturday afternoon in charge of the Masonic Order of Vermilion who attended in a body. His pastor rev. Rupert officiated assisted by Rev. Balson.

His body was taken to West Richfield, his old home for burial, on Sunday where a short sermon was held in charge of the Masonic order of which he was formerly a member. The deceased being a member of Ely Lodge was accompanied by three of its members, Geo. McConnelly, John Englebry, Albert Leimbach also Rev. Rupert of Gibson Lodge, Wakeman.

Obituary.

Richard James Juston Whitt, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.R. Whitt, was born at Pittsburg, Pa. Aug. 1, 1878.In childhood Van wert, Ohio was his home a few years and also Findlay, O. several years. Since 1897 Vermilion township has been his home.

December 23, 1898, Mr. Whitt entered the army and served his full three years of enlistment, being a member of the 22nd regiment of U.S. Infantry. Sept. 8, 1899, he was promoted to a corporalship and December 11, 1901, a second promotion came, making him a sergeant. He was honorably discharged at Manila, Philippine Islands December 22, 1901.

Under service the record reads: “Honest and faithful.” Under character is recorded the work “excellent”. His physical condition was not good at the time of being mustered out, but he had escaped being wounded. He participated in engagements and skirmishes upon the following dates: March 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th, April 22nd, Aug. 12th, and Sept 18th in 1899 and May 26th, 1900.

In the fall of 1902 Mr. Whitt entered upon railroad work in which he was sinning his way, but on December 9th, last Friday, he was instantly killed at Akron, Ohio, while on duty as a brakeman. He leaves in bereavement of the immediate family father, mother, two brothers and two sisters. One sister preceded him to the spirit work ten years ago. This cutting off in early manhood is a great shock and the sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved family. Funeral services were held at the residence on the State road Sunday afternoon, Rev. Geo. E. Merrill of the Congregations Church, officiating.

The beautiful spectacular comedy Bibi, A night in Toyland at the Town Hall, Wednesday Dec. 21 at 8 o’clock.

BIRMINGHAM

Mr. Funk has been selling baking powder containing a number that drew a steel range. Mrs. Garrett on the east side of the river drew the stove and everyone is glad.

Mr. and Mrs. L. Heinzling are happy over the possession of a baby boy, which arrived last week.

The Ladies of the M.E. church gave a chicken-pie social at the home of Mrs. E. Ennis last week. They cleared a little less than ten dollars.

Mr. Heald is still moving but will soon be settled on the east side.

The stores begin to look like Xmas and the children can be delighted this year as there is everything form a five cent coffee grinder to an elegant doll as large as child can handle.

LOCALS.

Oysters at Krapp’s Market.

Mrs. Geo. McConnelly is reported on the sick list this week.

Our assortment of candies is the best in town, A.D. Baumhart.

Lew Faulhaber and family are the possessors of a bran [sic] new piano.

Miss Dott Parsons has returned from Westfield N.Y. where she has spent the past few months.

Several of our captains and sailor boys have already returned home and the others are expected in a few days.

A young man by the name of Evans from near Huron wa bound over for appropriating a beefs hide belonging to Geo. B. Krapp. It is also alleged that he broke into the N.P. pump house and pest house.

Eight or nine ladies met at the home of Mrs. Chas. Parsons Monday evening t prepare clothing, dress dolls, etc. for the Children’s Home. The will meet next Monday to make final preparations at the home of Mrs. Geo. Bell. All who are interested are invited.

Chas. Robinson of Huron, while off duty as engineer on the docks was killed at that place while attempting to couple cars Sunday morning. He was 52 years old and leaves a wife and one son.

Mrs. M. Leidheiser accompanied her sister, Miss Heidloff to Cleveland for a few days visit the first of the week.

Miss Cora Driver of Ceylon is teaching the school in Dist. No. 6 in place of Mr. Davis who resigned. Miss Balson will take charge after the Holidays.

Died – Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Jas. Nolan, Mrs. Renfroy, aged 77.

Died – At his home in Birmingham this (Thursday) morning Abraham Miller aged 80, after a week’s illness. He leaves a wife and three children.

Died – At her home east of Axtel this (Thursday) morning Mrs. Catherine Miller aged 81.

The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock from the residence of Mrs. Philip Gegenheimer.

obituary

Christiana Baumhardt nee Herwick was born in Armershausen Hersfelt, Germany, Jan 16, 1826, and died at her home on the Lake Shore Dec. 9, 1904 at the age of 78 years, 10 mo., 23 da.

She crossed the stormy Atlantic with her parents at the age of eight years and settled with them in Black River township.

In 1842 she was united in marriage to Adam Baumhardt, who was a faithful companion until he passed to the Home Beyond in 1893. To this union was born eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, three sons having preceded her, besides these she leaves thirty grand children and twenty great grand children to mourn their loss.

She with her husband united with the German M.E. Church in 1864 to which they were faithful members.

For the past four years Mrs. Baumhardt has been in enfeebled health, but not until the past four weeks has she been confined to her bed.

She fell peacefully asleep Friday evening with such a calm expressions upon her face that one could be contented with the belief that she had met her loved ones that had departed before her. The funeral services were held at the M.E. church at N. Amherst, Monday, conducted by Rev. Leights and Rev. Kniple, pastors of the M.E. Church at that place.

The remains were laid in the vault at N. Amherst.

There is a land of pure delight,
Where saints immortals reign
Infinite day excludes the night
And pleasures banish pain
There everlasting spring abides
And never withering flowers,
Death like a narrow sea divides
This heavenly land from ours.

Those from out of town that attended the funeral were C.C. and A.D. Baumhart, Mrs. Pelton, Mrs. Armina Boss, Mrs. John Gegenheimer and Mr. and Mrs. M.J> Trinter of Vermilion, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Fowl of Elyria, Mrs. Jacobs of Lorain, Mr. and Mrs. L.E. Hahn of Ceylon, Mr. and Mrs. G. Hahn of Oberlin.

BROWNHELM

Mrs. Sarah Chapin is reported quite ill.

Several cases of Diphtheria are reported in town.

Alta, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Leidheiser is reported quite ill.

The anniversary of the Boston Tea Party will be celebrated Friday evening at the home of Rev. Blakeslee.

Mrs. H. Sprankle and Mrs. Brunts of Shinrock, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Schiable of Elyria attended the funeral of Mrs. C. Baumhardt.

MARRIED – At the parsonage Dec. &, 1904, Miss Mabel White of this place and Mr. James Nichol, Jr. of N. Amherst by Rev. Blakeslee.

Hmmmmmm....

Water Tower in Hanover Square

Vermilion's First Water Tower in Hanover Square

VERMILION’S WATER-WORKS: Finally after several years of discussion and more discussion a headline in The Vermilion News on September 29, 1904 proclaimed “A FINE PLANT. The Vermilion Water-Works Completed.” With the exception of some very basic finishing touches (i.e. grading, installing floors in the power house, and general cleanup) the plant was ready to supply clean water to the citizens of Vermilion, O.

Just the previous weekend workers tested the system by attaching hose to fire hydrants in various parts of town and applying pressure directly from the plant and from the water tank. The tank (pictured) was in Hanover Square on the southwest corner of Grand and Ferry Streets. At the corner near the M.E. Church (currently the vacant lot on the southeast portion of Grand and Liberty Streets where Fulper’s Auto Supply was recently located) they tested the pressure and threw water to the height of the vane atop the steeple.

Remarkably the lines withstood the pressure of 125 lbs. per square inch for three solid hours without any leaks. It was thought to be remarkable at that time because apparently such things were apparently very rare. “Generally” said the report, a few leaks are found” during such testing.

The Water-Works Construction Company of Pittsburg, Pa did the work. The President of the company, Edward J. Robinson was there for the grand opening.

The new system, built by The Water-Works Construction Company of Pittsburg, Pa., consisted of about 4 miles of pipe. The intake system consisted of some 12,000 feet of pipe that fed a 80,000 gallon capacity tank on a steel frame about 72 feet from the ground and about 100 feet to the top. The main pump had a 75,000-gallon capacity feed over a period of 24 hours. The filter pump was about half that capacity.

The settling basin was located on the shore of the lake at the foot of Main Street. When water flowed into it where much of the sediment settled to the bottom before being pumped into the filters. The filters removed the impurities and treated the water with chemicals to kill germs. From there it was pumped into the tank or into the mains.

Vermilionites Vernon Thompson was hired to oversee the operation of the plant. The estimated cost for the initial operation of the plant was $35,000. A new operation levy was placed on the ballot to secure funds keep the plant running on a regular basis.

The charge for tapping into the main was $6 and included pipe and attachments to the curb line. It did not include the digging. Lawn sprinkling and water closet piping were also provided. The water rates were based on the number of rooms in each house with a six-room minimum. The cost for the six-room tap-in was $5. The charge for each additional room was 50 cents.

The editor of The News commented that local insurance man C.A. “Charlie” Trinter had sampled the filtered water from the water-works and compared it to “pure” lake water saying that “One only has to see the samples to form an opinion in favor of the filter”. Vermilion had finally splashed into the 20th century. All that was needed in that yesteryear was some electricity to help light the way.

Ref: Special Thanks to Roscoe-Tarrant family photo archive and A.C. Tarrant; Published 08/31/12; Written 08/27/12 @ 6:14 AM.

RUTH WAKEFIELD

Chocolate Chip Cookie Inventor

Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite treat for people of all ages, but without the famous woman inventor Ruth Wakefield, the world might never have tasted those sweet delights. Born in 1905, Wakefield grew up to be a dietician and food lecturer after graduating from the Framingham State Normal School Department of Household Arts in 1924. Along with her husband Kenneth, she bought a tourist lodge named the Toll House Inn, where she prepared the recipes for meals that were served to guests.

In 1930, Wakefield was mixing a batch of cookies for her roadside inn guests when she discovered that she was out of baker's chocolate. She substituted broken pieces of Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate, expecting it to melt and absorb into the dough to create chocolate cookies. That didn't happen, but the surprising result helped to make Ruth Wakefield one of the 20th century's most famous women inventors. When she removed the pan from the oven, Wakefield realized that she had accidentally invented "chocolate chip cookies."

At the time, she called her creations "Toll House Crunch Cookies." They became extremely popular locally, and the recipe was soon published in a Boston newspaper. As the popularity of the Toll House Crunch Cookie increased, the sales of Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate bars also spiked. Andrew Nestle and Ruth Wakefield decided to come up with an agreement. Nestle would print the Toll House Cookie recipe on its package, and Wakefield would be given a lifetime supply of Nestle chocolate. Due to this unexpected discovery by a famous woman inventor, the chocolate chip cookie became the most popular variety of cookie in America, a distinction it still holds to this day.

"The township was named after the principle river
emptying into the lake through its territory..."

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.

THE PIONEERS.

LYME.

…married John Meginson, and lives in Lyme, on the east part of the McCurdy tract; Samuel, who died single; Mary Ann, who also died single, and Daniel, who married Abigail Stebbins, and lives on the old homestead. He has in his possession some very interesting family relics, among which iS a sabre of fine workmanship, which his father carried in the French wars. Mr. Cowle died December 2d, 1858, aged seventy-three. Mrs. Cowle died in about 1849.

John Bragg arrived about the same time, and settled on number four in the same section. John Lewis, a carpenter and joiner, occupied for several years a house of Winthrop Ballard on the ridge, south of the road, where he' died, and his family removed to the Gurdon Woodward place—lot number nine in the fourth section. The children were: "William, John, Irwin, Richard and Libby, the most of whom were remarkable for their talents as musicians, William having been, for years, one of the most noted violinists in the United States.

George Richey came about the same time from Pennsylvania, and settled on lot four in section two.

John Wright came from England in 1833, and worked for some time for William Holton, Richard Woolway and Stephen Russell. He purchased land in Groton, on the old Sandusky road, three-fourths of a mile north of the ridge, and entered largely into farming. He purchased much land, and accumulated property very fast. He married Betsey Ford, daughter of James and Mary Ford, by whom he had ten children. Three died in childhood, and seven—three daughters and four sons are still living: Alfred, Josephine, Eliza, Emma, Aubery, Hubert and George A. Alfred married Mary Ann Meginson, and lives on the old homestead; Josephine married William Nims; Eliza married Frederick B. Russell, and lives in

Plymouth; Emma is married, and resides in Toledo. Mr. Wright, some years since, bought the Winthrop Ballard farm on which he moved with his family. No man in the township has had a more successful career. His indomitable perseverance, united with rare judgment, has assisted him in amassing a handsome property. His lauds of which he owns nearly twenty-five hundred acres, lie mostly in Erie county, and are for the most part of unsurpassed fertility, especially adapted to the growing of corn.

James Ford, a Protestant Methodist preacher, came from England in 1833 and purchased the Ferguson farm, lot number four, fourth section of Groton. He died soon after, leaving the money for the payment of the farm on deposit in a bank in New York city. His wife, who was a woman of much energy of character, subsequently obtained the money and paid for the farm, settled the estate of her deceased husband, and so managed as to raise a family of eight children, all of whom became useful members of society. Mrs. Ford died February 19, 1870.

In 1833, H. R. Jerome settled on lot number two, in the second section. He finally removed to Michigan. Ranar Knox came soon after, and purchased the Hanford place, where he resided until his removal to Missouri.

Barney Campbell, brother of John K., settled on lot number eleven, which had previously been purchased by Silva and Frith. Subsequently, Dr. B. G. Rushton settled on the lot, and occupied it until his death.

Alfred Stebbins was a native of Massachusetts, but lived for some time in Gorham township, Ontario county, New York. There he was married, February 13, 1831, to Eliza Fanning. Early in May, 1835, he came to Clarksfield, Huron county, Ohio, where he remained until fall, living on the farm now owned by widow Harland and her sons. In the fall he came to Lyme, and lived at a number of places on Strong's ridge, first buying a small piece of ground, upon which he built a house. This he exchanged for fifty acres of land now owned by Mrs. William Holton. In 1838, after various changes, he purchased one hundred acres of land in lot twenty-three, upon which he permanently settled. He afterwards purchased four acres adjoining, upon which be erected the fine brick residence where he now resides. One child, Calista, was born previous to his coming to Ohio. She married Delos Eaton, and now lives in Lyme. After he came to Ohio, three children, that are still living, were born: Julia L., married S. E. Nims; Cornelia married Samuel Stevens, and Sabra married David B. Nims. All are now residents of Lyme. While living in Clarksfield, Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins were attacked by wolves, when on their way to church, but succeeded in keeping them at bay, and arrived at their destination in safety.

Mr. Stebbens owns one of the finest farm residences in the township. He is a man widely and favorably known, and is esteemed highest by those who know him best.

Horatio S. Todd and his widowed mother (who was a sister of the Strongs), with two or three daughters, came from Cortland county, New York, about the year 1835. He purchased of Jacob Goodrich a part of lot fifteen in the third section, the same now occupied by E. W. Boise, and resided there until his death.

Roswell Stebbins, also from Cortland county, New York, arrived soon after Mr. Todd, and purchased a portion of the same lot, on which he lived until his death. His son Almeron now lives on the place.

N. C. Monroe purchased a part of lot eleven, about 1836, and resided there until about 1865, when he sold to J. D. Collins and removed to Michigan.

James D. Collins, a carpenter and joiner, came from Ashtabula county in about 18'44, and purchased near the southeast corner of lot number twelve, and built a house in the grove on the south side of the road. He also built a shop near by. He married Mary Ann, daughter of Francis Strong. She lived but a short time and died childless. He then married Maria Webster, and has since had three children, a son and two daughters. The son, Albert, was killed…

Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 -
Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio

Lottie Goodell's Diary

VERMILION ARTIFACT #75

LOTTIE’S DIARY: Lottie Goodell was the daughter of Anna Maria Pelton and William Goodell. Anna Maria’s parents were Franklin and Eunice Pelton, and William’s parent’s were Anna and the Rev. Jotham Goodell. Lottie’s father died in a flash flood in Washington State during the mid-1800s. After her father’s death her mother returned to Vermilion to care for her parents (on Huron Street). The pic is of Lottie’s diary – begun in 1883. And the photo in it is that of the author Lottie. She never married. She also did a great deal of in-country missionary work (with the “Mountain Whites” in Kentucky). Eventually she made her home in Lorain. She now rests in Vermilion’s very pleasant Maple Grove Cemetery on Mason Road.

YOU KNOW YOU’RE GETTING OLD

You Know You Are Getting Old When...

1. You and your teeth don't sleep together.

2. Your try to straighten out the wrinkles in your socks and discover you aren't wearing any.

3. At the breakfast table you hear snap, crackle, pop and you're not eating cereal.

4. Your back goes out but you stay home.

5. When you wake up looking like your driver's license picture.

6. It takes two tries to get up from the couch.

7. When your idea of a night out is sitting on the patio.

8. When happy hour is a nap.

9. When you're on vacation and your ENERGY runs out before your money does.

10. When you say something to your kids that your mother said to you, and you always hated it.

11. When all you want for your birthday is to not be reminded of your age.

12. When you step off a curb and look down one more time to make sure the street is still there.

13. Your idea of weight lifting is standing up.

14. It takes longer to rest than it did to get tired.

15. Your memory is shorter and your complaining lasts longer.

16. Your address book has mostly names that start with Dr.

17. You sit in a rocking chair and can't get it going.

18. The pharmacist has become your new best friend.

19. Getting "lucky" means you found your car in the parking lot.

20. The twinkle in your eye is merely a reflection from the sun on your bifocals.

21. It takes twice as long - to look half as good.

22. Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt - doesn't work.

23. You look for your glasses for half an hour and they were on your head the whole time.

24. You sink your teeth into a steak - and they stay there.

25. You give up all your bad habits and still don't feel good.

26. You have more patience, but it is actually that you just don't care anymore.

27. You finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.

28. You wonder how you could be over the hill when you don't even remember being on top of it.

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NADA: I may begin doing the podcasts again; but I'm thinking of just doing audio readings. The videos on-line are just becoming too redundant unless they really show something special. The short videos that appear on the VNPSM Facebook page are more purposeful. You might want to check them out.

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.

Another great book with Vermilion Roots is, "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.

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'".

Pay particular note to the "Hope Homes" page during the next few months / years. They are constantly improving the lives of their youngsters and those around them. This is an exciting project accomplished by exciting people. In fact, Larry and Yvette just returned with new pix.

Although this years Vermilion High School Class of 1959 reunion is over classmates may want to stay connected with each other through organizer Roger Boughton. Ye can connect by mailing him @ 2205 SW 10th Ave. Austin, MN. 55912 or you can just emailRoger.

Alice W. is back - and guess where she is now (?): Ali's Blog.


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

Links to additional Vermilion Ohio pages:

For Persons who would like to donate to the cause (to keep these "Views" on-line you can send whatever you would like to me at the following address. And THANKS to everybody who has already donated to the cause. I doth certainly appreciate it):
Rich Tarrant
1041 Oakwood Drive
Vermilion, Ohio
44089
Telephone: 440-967-0988 - Cell: 440-670-2822

or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)

"Fortune does not change men, it unmasks them."
-Suzanne Necker

Vol.10, Issue 36 - November 10, 2012


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