SPEAK SOFTLY
SHOPTALK: It’s been a slow week. When it’s like this I feel like shutting off the lights and going home.
But I don’t. And I won’t. Because after all is said and done – I’m having fun.
I should clarify one thing though: Vermilion Views and the Print Shop Museum are two different animals. I use “VV” to promote the museum. But the museum does not subsidize “VV”.
The distinction is herein made because while “VV” is a nonprofit enterprise – it is only that because it costs me (personally) more money to produce than I ever acquire in return. (i.e. about $6000 a year.)
The museum, on the other hand, is an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Thus, if one gives money to the museum it can be used as a tax write-off.
They’re easy to confuse because they’re both projects in which I am intrinsically involved. Sometimes I get confused. I hope you aren’t confused as well.
LEIDHEISER CHANDELIER ETC: Brownhelm historian Marilyn Brill dropped by the museum on Wednesday and contributed a chandelier from the Leidheiser Restaurant.
[“Very cool,” saith an old hippy (me).]
It will eventually hang in the dining room of the museum apartment.
Another contribution came from Vermilionite Del Orwig in the form of a vintage Royal Typewriter with an extra long carriage. Doris Feiszli once used it, I assume, for recording data for Maple Grove Cemetery. Though it needs a ribbon it’s in wonderful condition.
And related to the typewriter – Vermilion artist Frank Homitz came by and donated some forms once used by The Trustees of Maple Grove Cemetery (T.E. Penning, Clerk).
He also contributed a letterhead for Dr. Herbert C. Myers; O.D. Dr. Myers is Mary Lynn’s (Frank’s spouse) grandfather. He kept an office in a house on the northwest corner of Ferry and Washington streets as well as in Cleveland’s Old Arcade.
DOING THE BINDERY: Waiting for some of the other renovations to be completed I began work in the bindery room at the back of the print shop.
Wow! What a formidable task.
I have a good number of old storm windows to dispose. Some I temporarily place in the basement (where they had been before I removed them for the new boiler). But I narrowed it down some. Some of the glass was broken, so I broke it more and placed the pieces in a box for safe disposal.
I moved some items. Some had (to my knowledge) never been moved before. But I want room to work. And by “work” I mean to do some bindery work of my own. I’ve done 3 books and will certainly do more in the future.
I still have things to go through and trash: but carefully – very carefully.
My great-grandfather’s portrait hangs on the wall over his old tool chest. I don’t know that we’ll keep it there. But for now it’s appropriate. [,i>And I can talk to him when nobody’s around.]
[“Cool,” again said by the olden hippie.]
MY GRANDMOTHER: The desktop pic this week is that of my grandmother, Elizabeth “Bessie” Bottomley-Roscoe with her class of school children. The pic was probably taken around 1900 somewhere around Milan, Ohio. She was in her early 20s.
She was born in Minnesota and (oddly enough) migrated east to Milan, Ohio with her family – probably just a few years before these shadows were captured. Her father (E.T. Bottomley) ran a grocery store in Milan Square with his brother.
I’m not sure, but I doubt that the kids dressed as they are dressed (here) everyday. At least I hope not. The “Little Lord Fauntleroy” look doesn’t seem very practical. But what do I know?
This is only the second pic I’ve seen of my grandmother at this age. One of the things I find amazing is her waistline. If she was wearing a corset to make her waist so small I don’t know how she could breathe.
There’s a good deal of stuff in this particular photo to look at, and I’ve not investigated all of it. The writing on the blackboard looks interesting. And so are the various pictures on the walls. There’s also a calendar. I’ll get to things another time.
PAINTING: The painting contractor began painting the back exterior of the building on Wednesday afternoon shortly before another storm rolled through Vermilion. (It’s been very, very rainy in northern Ohio the last week or so.)
The contractors are only painting the back of the place. According to contract they were to paint just the newly constructed porch and siding. But we decided to have them do the entire back of the building. Just doing half would look a bit strange. It would’ve been nice to have them do it all. But it’s all we could afford at this time. (We intend to do the front ourselves (with a little help from our friends). The sides will be done at a later time.
MORETALK: Great Googly-Moogly! Half the summer’s shot, and I’m still getting ready for it. Geo (my spouse) and I are doing a pre-interview interview with Myrtle Eppler today (07/05/13) at McDonald’s restaurant.
While we’ve done video interviews of local persons in the past we weren’t as prepared (we surmise) as we should be. At best we’re looking at perhaps a 20 to 30 minute finished (after editing) interviews. So to get the most out of our time and the subject being interviewed we need to know – ahead of time – what ground we want to cover.
LATER: We had a very nice conversation with Rev. Myrtle Eppler just a few minutes before this writing. We are looking forward to our interview next week. She’s a very interesting person.
If you have read the history of Vermilion that appears in several books you may recall that one William Hoddy / Haddy built the first cabin in the place we know as Vermilion back in the early 19th century. After building the cabin it is reported that he went back east – purportedly – to retrieve his family and never returned.
However, according to Mrs. Eppler the man did return, and his last name was not Hoddy or Haddy. It was Handy – and he was her grandfather.
Stay tuned for more great things…
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: We are located at 727 Grand Street in Vermilion across the street from Vermilion's historic E&R Church. 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. Phone For Special Tours: 440-967-4555
We are not open on major holidays.
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. most everyday. If you see a Chevy Silverado in the drive with the plate "MRCOOKR" stop by and see what's cooking.
Historically,
"America, America..."
THE GLORIOUS FOURTH: My grandfather (VN Editor Roscoe) seemed to always call it "The Glorious Fourth". I doubt that many folks think of it that way anymore. Today it's seen more as a day off from work with hotdogs, potato salad and a big plate of fireworks on the side.
I note that he seemed to be a tad miffed (back in 1905) because when the G.A.R. band gave a July 4th concert in the park none of the tunes they played were deemed to be "patriotic". The reason later given for the absence of that music was really rather simple; they didn't have it.
Grandpa obviously took the celebration of the birth of our nation seriously. For establishing and maintaining a democratic society is no easy task. Recent events in Egypt hopefully serve to illustrate that just ousting a dictator (benevolent or not) in order to establish a democratic system of government is just one step in a long process. Moreover, it requires that parties be tolerant of diverse views.
If you look closely at the pic of the children at the Olympic Club from "The Glorious Fourth -2013" you will note that they were singing. And what they were singing was, "America, America, God shed his grace on thee..." Let's pray that he do the same for the Egyptian people.
THE SKINNIEST KID IN THE PARISH: PREFACE: This essay is a repeat. It appeared eight years ago in the June 12, 2005 edition of the VPJ. I elected to use it again for three reasons. The first is because it is an extremely compelling story. The second is because of its parabolic nature. And the third – and perhaps the most important reason: Some folks missed it the first time. – rnt.
John “Johnny” Patrick Kilbane: The name rolls off the tongue like a good Irish name should. But who was this guy – and what’s he got to do with the pretty city of Vermilion, Ohio?
Persons familiar with the history of prizefighting may know that Johnny Kilbane was a popular 20th century featherweight boxer who held the title from 1912 to 1923. He held that title longer than any other fighter in that division. It was, incidentally, also the second longest world boxing title held by any fighter in history. Only Joe Louis held a title for a longer period of time.
Born on West 28th Street in Cleveland - in a heavily ethnic neighborhood known as “the Angle” - on April 9, 1889 he was the only child of Mary (Gallagher) and John Kilbane. His mother died when he was three, and his father lost his eyesight when he was ten. He attended St. Malachi's School on old Washington Avenue. Having neither brother nor sister, nor any immediate family aside from his father, and very few friends to shepherd him, he would later write that he was “just one of those little kids that run wild...”.
In time Johnny's father remarried and two girls were added to the family. To contribute to their support he left school after the sixth grade and took a job as a laborer on the ore docks along the Cuyahoga River. His years at St. Malachi’s had not been entirely fruitless. While there he had developed a passion for the stage. He had a reasonably good tenor voice, took a few turns at playing the violin, and loved to dance. And whilst his teachers did not discourage his dream of becoming an actor they did encourage him to participate in gymnastics. He would later reflect that he “was probably the skinniest kid in the parish.” Their motive was somewhat suspect and he once quipped that he “presumed that they did not want me to die on their hands.” He was likely correct.
Yet Johnny’s dream of being on center stage persisted – even on the inglorious ore docks where he had, willingly and unwillingly, participated in his share of brawling and street fighting. During his teen years he began frequenting West Side dance halls where his natural dancing abilities easily made him a favorite of the ladies on the floor - but due to his frail appearance took him little further. And it was in pursuit of this passion that brought him one night in the winter of 1906-07 to the old La Salle Club on W. 25th Street that would forever alter the course of his life, and also propel him down on a path that would lead to Vermilion.
A washed-up Irish fighter by the name of Tom Sharkey was there to put on an exhibition match with another fighter named Otto Craig. The match was a no-brainer - but was well attended by a crowd of prominent Clevelanders wanting to see the man who had stood in the ring with other Irish fight heroes like Corbett, Jeffries, and Fitzsimmons. And midst the heavy cigar smoke, the lights, and the general excitement of the event Johnny Kilbane opted to trade the spotlight of the stage for that of the ring.
Confiding his new passion with a boyhood advisor named Perk Gibbons, who ran an elevator in Cleveland City Hall, Gibbons was skeptical - but not wholly critical of his young friend. At the time another friend of Gibbon’s named Jimmy Dunn was training for an upcoming lightweight match at Crystal Beach in Vermilion. Gibbons gave the boy a note for Dunn, loaned him 30 cents for the fare on the Lake Shore Electric interurban to Crystal, and sent him off in search of his dream.
Upon his arrival at the lakeside park he discovered that Dunn’s sparring partner had injured his hand. This meant that there would be no training exhibition that day unless someone could stand in for the injured fighter. Disappointed “Westsiders” who knew Johnny elected him for the task, and he accepted. And the youngster who had never before had a pair of gloves on his hands so impressed Dunn with his desire and speed that he invited the youngster to become his pupil. The rest is, of course, boxing history.
On February 22, 1912 Johnny Kilbane fought Featherweight Champion Abe Attel in Vernon, California in front of a crowd of 10,000 people. After a battle that lasted for at least 16 rounds Kilbane won the title by a referee’s decision. During his career he would fight over 140 times, and lose only 4 matches.
But back to Vermilion. Johnny Kilbane established a training camp about 2 miles east of Vermilion Village. It was located on the lake just north of Lake Road on the west side of what is now Helen Drive. The railroad intersects the property. [At one time the Lake Shore Electric Railway did as well.] The inset photograph shows Johnny throwing a punch in a sparring match at Kilbane’s Camp. The larger photo is that of Johnny (right) and Jimmy Dunn (left) his mentor, manager, and friend.
After he retired from the ring in 1923 he maintained the camp as a recreation and health camp for young men and boys. About 1929 the New York Life Insurance Company, that held the mortgage on the property, assumed management responsibilities of the facility and renamed it Camp Hakoah. Some of the buildings still [in 2013] exist on the property.
Johnny Kilbane is one of those exceptional athletes whose life didn’t end when his athletic career was finished. After his boxing career, Johnny refereed boxing matches, operated a gym, taught physical education at local schools and for a time worked in real estate. In 1941 he entered politics and was elected to the Ohio State Senate. He later served as a member of the Ohio State House of Representatives, resigning that post in 1951 when he became the Cleveland Municipal Court Clerk. Johnny lived in Cleveland his entire life growing up in “the Angle” on W. 28th Street, near old River Ave, and then on W. 74th Street and Laverne Avenue. And on May 31, 1957 he died in Cleveland bested in a final bout with a formidable opponent called cancer.
And that is what John “Johnny” Patrick Kilbane, whose name rolls off the tongue like a good Irish name should, and who once thought of himself as the “skinniest kid in the perish” had to do with the world and Vermilion O. in a yesteryear.
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. IX - NO.7 – July 27, 1905.
For several days this week boys have been committing depredations in and near Vermilion, but Monday evening, four ranging from 12 to16 years of age hailing from Cleveland were gathered in and placed in jail.
Bob Parsons was delivering papers late in the afternoon when he was set upon by boys who took his cap and ran away with it. Alonzo Pelton and several others witnessed the affair from afar and took after the “kids.” They had jumped from a westbound freight and made the assault and then attempted to hide near the creek west of town. There were seven in the gang and after an exciting chase three were caught and brought before the mayor. They gave their names, ages and residence as follows: Raymond Balcon, 16, Hamilton St., John Peterson, 14 and Chas Shepperd, 12, Lake St., Cleveland. They were sent to jail for safekeeping. Later another boy was caught who gave his name as Willie Brown. He too was jailed. During the evening the mayor tried to locate the boys’ parents but failed.
Tuesday morning the four were brought before the mayor. The one who gave the name as Brown said his name was John Johnson instead of Brown. The Balcon and Shepperd boys were told to go home but the others who had the appearance of toughs were sent back to jail.
He boys were released later when their parents sent for them.
Something made it’s appearance off this port Wednesday that faintly resemble the war ship Merrimac of Civil War fame. It approached and entered the harbor. Its peaceful intent was apparent as no cannon appeared from its portholes so the cannon on exchange place were not manned. The apparition finally was brought to the dock formerly occupied by the Wyandotte, and made fast. Upon closer investigation several persons were discovered on board who had a familiar appearance. They were recognized as Lafayette Counter, John Counter and several other Counters, also Silverwoods. The apparition developed into a houseboat, which had been towed form Sandusky Bay to Vermilion by two sailboats. To all appearances, the trip on Erie’s troubled bosom might be classed with “Sandy’s” high dive and locomotive adventure. The party, we believe, expect to journey to Oak Point to engage in fishing. [VV Ed. Note: The reference to “Sandy” is that of a fellow by the name of Sandy Silverwood in in months just past had done some rather over-the-top things in the area, including diving into the river from the top of one of the fish houses; getting “plowed” on a barrel of wine he apparently hijacked on a train in Sandusky; stealing chickens and more wine around Erie County. It appears that the entire Silverwood family (as may be obvious) were apparently lovers of the spirits as well. Never a dull moment in old Vermilion.
The attorney general has rendered a decision to the state board of pharmacy to the effect that conviction of a druggist for selling narcotics contrary to the law constitutes sufficient proof of immorality to support the board in revoking his license. This puts a powerful weapon in the hands of the board in tis campaign to stop the practice of druggists who sell cocaine without prescriptions. Heretofore it has been held that druggists accused of the practice could only be fined for a misdemeanor. Their licenses were secure. The board will meet in Columbus in October to plan its campaign. – Plain Dealer.
Mrs. A.C. Fields has a narrow escape rom death Saturday. She was sitting in a rocking chair near a window in her home when a stray bullet passed through the knot of hair on top of her head and buried itself in the sideboard. The shot was fired by a man killing sparrows.
Have you thought about “The Home Day” and Business Men’s Picnic?
Street names on crossings would be a good ting for Vermilionites – a better thing for strangers.
When may we expect to have the stove factory and stamping works running full capacity? Too much machinery in both to be left idle so long.
Elyria Merchants will picnic at Linwood Park Aug. 23. All business places in Elyria will be closed for the day.
It has been reported that a party of men have the purchase of Shadduck’s Park in view. This report cannot be verified.
The yacht races at Put-in-Bay are attracting considerable attention. Some of the boats are well known at Vermilion having been here in the harbor.
The Nickel Plate passenger trains will operate through Cleveland via the Union depot in the near future. This is good news for Nickel Plate patrons.
It is expected that the tug Stricker will take a crowds to the races at the Bay today.
Otto Full who was reported quite ill with typhoid fever is some better this morning.
Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Coen are entertaining their father W.S. Coen of Rensselaer, Ind., and brother B. S. Coen of Rockford, Ill., this week.
Geo. B. Krapp is greatly improving his home on Grand Street by having a commodious porch built.
Souvenir Post Cards at News Office.
Albert Hart spent yesterday in Cleveland and attended the ball game.
Born – To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kishman, Wednesday, July 26, 1905, a son.
Mrs. John Alheit, Sr., died at Toledo Saturday, aged 58 years. She was the mother of John Alheit of this place.
J.W. Krapp has opened a wholesale and retail liquor house in the building formerly known as Harris’ Drug Store and recently purchased by Henry Black. We understand the building has again changed hands. Mr. Krapp will handle Pabsts [sic] Milwaukee products.
Leave orders at News Office for Vermilion scenes, mounted or unmounted.
Mayor King of Lorain is drawing a hornet’s nest about his ears. The Good Government League is at work in earnest and we hope may succeed in its efforts for a cleanup in our neighboring city.
Those who saw the smoke toward Huron Wednesday thought a fire of huge proportions was raging in that village. Investigation however brought out the fact that it was brush burning at Sage’s Grove about a mile this side.
The firemen are preparing their hand engine for the tournament at Cleveland.
Lost – Gold fret-work brooch with diamond setting – reward. Return to News Office.
For Sale – A Good Piano. Owner wishes to dispose of it within two weeks. Inquire at the News Office.
Lost- A hand painted button between the residence of C.F. Decker and the coal office. Finder please leave at News Office.
Oil has been discovered in Pittsfield township.
A kindergarten will be a feature of the Norwalk schools next year.
The North Amherst Quarrymen picnicked at Cedar Point Saturday.
Nine desperate prisoners escaped from the Coshocton jail Tuesday. Four have been recaptured.
City Solicitor Hughes of Lorain has been announced as candidate for Mayor of Lorain on the Republican ticket.
New Orleans is threatened with an epidemic of yellow fever. Quarantines have been established by several states.[VV Ed. Note: In 1905 the final yellow fever epidemic in the United States took place in New Orleans The city that had seen some of the nation's worst outbreaks. And while the danger of mosquitoes transmitting the disease had been established in 1900,the city was still unprepared in 1905. October would mark the end of the epidemic, with 452 deaths recorded. The year would also mark the last time a yellow fever epidemic plagued the United States.]
Otto H. Diedrick of Lorain was among those in the Bennington explosion. His left leg was fractured and he was scalded badly. [VV Ed. Note: USS Bennington (Gunboat No. 4/PG-43) was a member of the Yorktown class of steel-hulled, twin-screw gunboats in the United States Navy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was the first U.S. Navy ship named in honor of the town of Bennington, Vermont; sit of the Battle of Bennington in the American Revolutionary War. On 21 July 1905 at San Diego, California Bennington suffered a boiler explosion that killed 66 men and injured nearly everyone else on board. Shortly after the explosion, a tug beached the ship to prevent her from sinking. Eleven men were awarded the Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism" in the aftermath of the explosion.]
Twenty-seven Lorain saloonkeepers have been arrested and fined $50 and costs each, since last Saturday for violating the Sunday ordinance. All were taken before Justice Lord of Elyria.
Jas. Faus, Editor of the Ottawa County Herald received a verdict of $36 in his $5000 libel suit against O.C. Winnie, editor of the Ottawa County republican in common pleas court Tuesday.
The little daughter of L.A. Fauver of Lorain was severely bitten by a pet dog of the family one-day last week. The little one’s face was badly lacerated and she will be disfigured for life.
Wm. Linn of N. Amherst rushed into the Elyria police headquarters Monday, half frantic with grief, searching for his wife. He went out farming last week and when he returned home his wife was missing.
It is announced that a belt line railroad to encircle Cleveland and run from Fairport to Lorain and to cost $10,000,000 is to be built. It has been incorporated as the Cleveland Short Line R’y Co. It is intended to connect the three New York Central properties.
An automobile owned by Mrs. Jas. Post of Cleveland, with Mrs. Post, Mrs. Myria Shumway and Chauffeur Joseph Smith went to Oberlin Thursday. While taking Prof. and Mrs. Doolittle of that place out for a ride the auto went over the rail of a culvert. The occupants remained seated and were considerably shaken up. The auto went down about 4 ft. but was uninjured.
Don’t’ forget the Farmer’s Picnic Aug. 5th.
The Boy’s Brigade from Pittsburg is expected to go into camp about Aug. 11th.
Henry Braithwaite, wife and son are spending the week at Linwood Park. Doren Lyon is acting as engineer at the pumping stating during Mr. Braithwaite’s absence [sic].
The Milan Sunday schools are expected at the park next Tuesday.
The park has the appearance of a lively village; nearly every cottage being occupied.
There are a number of guests at Hotel Linwood although many seem to prefer the cottages.
A small garter snake was a very unwelcome caller at the Toledo cottage last Thursday afternoon. Axes, hoes, rakes and clubs of various sizes soon put an end to its existence.
The Lorain county S.S. picnic Wednesday was a very successful affair. Twenty-eight coaches on the Lake Shore railroad making up two special trains brought a part of the crowd. The Electric was also patronized. Some saw fit to drive to the park and about 80 conveyances were on the grounds. The picnickers evidently had a good time bathing, boating, etc.
Miss Irene Miller is the owner of a small piano.
The south part of town was suddenly visited by an earthquake this week. Only a few felt the shock.
Miss Kinnie Greeno’s school mates may be grieved to hear that she has discontinued her school work to assist at the Light and Hope Mission.
The Kropf children are entertaining cousins from Elyria.
Miss Anna------‘s longing heart would be satisfied if a certain sailor lad would appear during these pleasant picnic days. – Jolly Sisters.
What might have been a serious accident occurred Thursday evening to the Fairchild Brothers who had taken a crowd of friends to the lake at Clouses Beach.
While there the horses became frightened and ran up the railroad track as far as Kishman’s where they came to a trestle and crossed about twenty feet of this and both fell down and were unable to get up until help arrived.
Word was sent to flag the trains and with the assistance of about thirty men the horses were pulled off the trestle without receiving serious injuries.
During the excitement George and Raymond Fairchild were kicked by the horses.
During a thunderstorm last Wednesday an oak tree standing close to Mr. Shoff’s house, on the riverbank, was struck by lightning and broken off.
Mr. Volk, living east of here, is very sick.
Letters have been received from Mrs. F.M. Clary, who recently sailed for Cuba, and as they are quite interesting we are at liberty to quote from them. The ocean voyage was very pleasant, the water being smooth and none of the attending sickness one expects on board steamships. The steamer was anchored between Moro Castle and the battleship Maine, as the sun was just up he sight presented was very beautiful. She was met by her husband and after dinner they “did the city.” She states that the principal streets are paved with cobblestone and the noise made by the heavy carts is deafening. The sidewalks are so narrow that in meeting another, one has to step off while the other passes. A part of the journey was made on the cars, and 26 miles on the back of mules.
As her husband had a house ready, as soon as whe was rested, she began keeping house. This is a description of her stove: A large box filled with dirt; two rows of large stones placed far enough apart for the fire. Then some irons placed across for the dishes to stand on, and you would be surprised to see how nicely one can cook. About the climate, she says that for about three hours it is quite hot, but there is always a breeze and the nights are cool and mornings quite chilly with heavy dews.
Hmmmmmm....
STAGE COACH LINE IN 1830s: This article was written by WALLACE B. WHITE in 1961 and appeared in the Lorain, Ohio Journal. I’ve had it sitting on the desktop of my computer for a good deal of time now. I wasn’t sure how I was going to use it. It’s a great reference piece. Anyway, I was trying to figure out how I might get it to you without re-typing the entire thing and – as is obvious – I did.
I acquired it as a jpg image file, converted it (column by column) into separate pdf files, then into an MS Word file, and, finally, into an html file so you are able to read it, on the net. [I know you really didn’t want to know any of that – but I wanted you to know that it wasn’t as easy as it looks.]
The article, as already mentioned, appeared in the Lorain Journal (Ohio) newspaper on January 5, 1961. A person named Wallace B. White wrote it. And all I can say is, “Well done.” Methinks you will find it fascinating.
The Sandusky - Columbus Stage line had been in operation about a decade when an east and west line was opened between Cleveland and Lower Sandusky (Fremont). Following is a statement made by A. Beebe Jr., who ran the first coaches over this line.
"The stage route ran from Cleveland, through Brooklyn, Rockport, Dover, North Ridgefield, Elyria, Amherst, Henrietta, Florence, Eldridge (Berlin Heights), Milan, Norwalk, Monroeville, (Cook's) Four Corners, Lyme, York, York Crossroads (Bellevue) and Green Creek to Lower Sandusky. It commenced running the line of four-horse coaches in 1831 and continued in business up to 1842, when I sold out to Neil, Moore and Company, "stated Beebe in an interview published in the old Elyria Democrat.
In the same article, he mentions that early roads west of Elyria were so bad that a regular schedule could not be maintained until about 1835.
Apparently the roads were better between Elyria and Cleveland than they were between the former place and Lower Sandusky: Beebe tells of times when it was impossible to get west of Elyria conveyance. At such times the mail pouches were transferred to horseback and delivered through to Fremont. How passengers got through is not stated. They may have been compelled to wait for drier weather.
The Elyria Post Road entered the Firelands at Birmingham, which the Ohio Gazetteer of 1937 describes as: "A village and post office in Florence Township situated on the west bank of the Vermilion River…. It contains a flouring mill, sawmill, forge, two taverns, several stores, mechanics shops, etc. It is a thriving and growing village.”
Both taverns were on the east bank of the river. One was run by Uriah Hawley and had been established in 1817. The · other was built some time later and sold to Char¬ les Russell in 1839. Russell moved to Cleveland later and bought out the old Forest City Hotel, which was known throughout northern Ohio as the Russell House.
The next post town coming west was Florence. Of it the Gazetteer says: "Florence, a1 post town…13 miles east of Norwalk…It contains j several extensive beds of iron ore…"
The earliest tavern at Florence was kept by a man i named Wolverton, who was a i blacksmith. For his smithy, he fastened his anvil on a stump and rigged his bellows between two trees, claiming the entire woods for his shop. A traveler going through these woods is said to have asked where the nearest black smith shop was located, to which a native replied, "Stranger, you’re in it now, but it’s three miles to the anvil."
There was one tavern at' Berlin Heights and two at Berlinville. Farther west on what is now Rt. 113 was the old Squire tavern. ·It is still standing. It is recorded of this tavern that the innkeeper sold more salt than he did whisky, and his whisky sales kept one distillery going.
The salt was sold to drovers who were driving their hogs or cattle through to load them on board ship at the Milan Canal. The tavern was only about a mile from the village and drovers usually stopped there over night, feeding salt heavily to their animals. The next morning, the animals drank large quantities of water, which increased their weight materially when they were sold at Milan.
At Milan, there were three taverns in the 1830’s: the Exchange Inn and the Eagle tavern, which have been mentioned in previous articles, and the Mansion. This last was located on the Village Square and occupied the site of the present drugstore; the Mary Thornton Antique Shop and the barber shop. It burned in 1853.
At Norwalk, Jenney’s tavern was popular. From Norwalk, the stage route went to Monroeville, from which town the first railroad was built to Sandusky in 1837. The cars on this railroad were
horse drawn and the track was of strap iron , spiked to wooden rails. Often the spikes failed to hold the strap-rails down, in which case the latter would curl up and penetrate the floors of the cars, sometimes injuring passengers. This old line, the first in this area, later be¬ came part of the Sandusky¬ Mansfield railroad, which, in turn, became part of the Baltimore and Ohio .
From Monroeville, the stagecoach went to Cook's Four Corners (North Monroeville) and from here to what is now Bellevue. From Bellevue, the line, as has been said, went to Fremont… .
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.
…R. P. Buckland. Returning to Bellevue in 1863, he rendered valuable service to his country by way of raising recruits and zealously and ably maintaining, by vote and voice, the cause of the Union.
After the death of his wife Mr. Harkness sold his business to H. M. Sinclair, and retired from active business life. A man of ample means, his time is mainly spent in looking after his monied investments, and, whenever a political contest is at hand, in zealously aiding the cause of Republicanism. He is a staunch party man, and undoubtedly wields more influence in Republican councils than any other man in the county. He is not, and never has been, an aspirant for office.
Mr. Harkness is a man of excellent judgment, and his opinions of men and things are widely sought for and highly esteemed for their soundness. He is, moreover, a man of much decision of thought and character, and has no difficulty in expressing his ideas in strong, terse, fluent, and emphatic language.
In the preparation of the following sketch access has been had to John M. Niles' "Memoirs." Township number three in range twenty-four is bounded on the north by Sherman township, on the south by Richmond township, on the east by Greenfield township, and on the west by Reed and Venice townships of Seneca county.
The surface features are of a general rolling nature. The highest grounds, or crests of the ridges, are all on one plane, with a northward descent. Along the streams, which run about thirty feet below the general level, the surface is more broken and uneven. The bottomlands are narrow, seldom exceeding twenty rods in width, through which the streams flow in a tortuous course.
Mud run, the largest in the township, rises in Seneca county. It enters Norwich township near the southwest corner and flows a generally northeasterly course to lot number twenty-eight, where it curves to the northwest and crosses the northern boundary line on lot number forty. It derives its name from the muddy appearance of its banks and the absence of stone and gravel in its bed.
Slate run also rises in Seneca county, flows across the western line of the township on lot number thirty-four, runs northeasterly across section third, and unites with Mud run on lot number thirty-eight. It received its name from the slate rock over which it runs. These streams are tributary to Huron river. Other small streams exist in the township, but as they are wholly unimportant we omit description.
The soil is a clay loam, varying from light clay on the ridges to black loam between them. The whole is well-adapted to agriculture. The suljsoil is brick clay. A few 'cat swamps," of a few acres each, lie in the southeast part of the township. The whole township was originally heavily timbered.
"The township is situated on the outcrop of the black slate rock, and occupies a middle position between the sandstone on the east and the limestone on the west. The slate rock dips to the east and runs under the sandstone, which appears on the surface about five miles east, in the township of Greenfield. The limestone, which lies under the slate, rises to the surface about five miles west, the township of Reed in Seneca county. Above the slate rock, for about fifteen feet, the subsoil contains a large quantity of water-worn limestone of the buff-colored variety, containing numerous fossils, such as coral and shellfish of many species. Along the streams are numerous sulphur springs. Sometimes they appear in the bed of the streams, and at others rise to the surface of the bottomlands, forming deer licks. Big lick, the longest in the township, lies near the center of section four and contains nearly an acre."
On the 9th day of November 1808, the township of Norwich received its name, and was so called, it is thought, in honor of its Connecticut namesake. At the same time it was divided, as were each of the thirty townships comprising the Fire-lands, into four sections. Norwich was drawn by nineteen persons. Roswell Saltonstall was the principal owner of sections one and four, Joseph Coit of section two, and Russell Hubbard and Gurdon Saltonstall of section three. From the time the grant was made (1792) to the close of the war of 1812, many of the grantees had sold their claims or, at their decease, left them for distribution among their heirs who, in many instances, sold them to speculators or suffered them to be sold for taxes.
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
HOW OLD'S YOUR WIRING: One of the electricians rewiring the museum apartment found this while tearing out the old wiring this week. I'd thunk that the building hadn't been electrified until around 1916 - but I was wrong.
The date on this sticker puts the date between 1909 and 1910. While the date on the label looks to be 1909 I give it some leeway. The wire itself could have been factory inspected, and not placed in the building until 1916, I'd say it was likely done a few years earlier.
These little treasures certainly help us put things into better focus. While the renovation work can be rather mundane discovering these little gems makes it fun.
The middle-aged couple had finally learned how to send and receive texts on their cell phones. The wife, being a romantic at heart, decided one day that she'd send her husband a text while she was out of the house having coffee with a friend. She text-ed: If you are sleeping, send me your dreams. If you are laughing, send me your smile. If you are eating, send me a bite. If you are drinking, send me a sip. If you are crying, send me your tears. I love you. The husband, being a no-nonsense sort of guy, text-ed back: I'm on the toilet. Please advise.(Brings a tear to the eye, doesn't it?)
NADA AGAIN AND AGAIN...: 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.
I've not forgotten about this part of "Views". I've just been busy. But I will get back to it.
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.
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
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Vol.11, Issue 17 - July 6, 2013
© 2012 Rich Tarrant