EYE SPY
SHOPTALK: Hurrah! After struggling (and I mean struggling) with an attempt to access our video surveillance system on my home computer for three or four days I finally succeeded.
What a relief! I was beginning to doubt my abilities. Like a blame idiot, all my computer skills have been learned the same school my father-in-law attended: “the University of Hard Knocks”. It’s not the wisest place to learn things – but they do get learned.
Most folks who use a computer don’t know or really care about IPs, LANs, and WANs – let alone what they mean or what they do. (e.g. You don't need to be a mechanic to ride in or drive a car.)
I will admit, however, that it helps to read and follow directions in certain instances. I would also submit that some tech companies are in dire need of good copywriters. “Tech-speak” is not a universal language.
The desktop pic is generally what I see when I tap into the museum’s surveillance system on my home computer or another remote site.
Pretty cool.
”What now?” I asked myself. Again, I struggled with the software and hardware it for hours, and only succeeded messing up my Internet connection altogether. But after consulting with my IP tech I got back on the net. But, still, nothing worked. And then (light bulb!!!).
It occurred to me that my Ricoh printer / copier, being wireless, was connected to a small router that I guessed might be interfering with the connection between the surveillance DVR and my wireless modem. I unplugged it and everything worked like a darn charm (only I didn’t say “darn”). The remedy was too simple.
Anyway, here’s what I can see (again) at home on camera #4. I believe I’ll use Ethernet cable to operate the Ricoh now.
Sheesh!
When persons contribute photographs and other items or information to “Views” I generally make an effort to name the contributor. And I do that on purpose. Those things are not my property. I do not sell nor trade these things. They are used (hopefully) to further understanding of the history of Vermilion, Ohio specifically, and history in general.
Both the items and information used in “VV” should not be reproduced, publically distributed or sold (physically or electronically) without the specific permission / recognition from or of the owners / contributors.
Ergo; please don’t take any of these items for use in social media or on ancestry sites without requesting and receiving permission from their owners. Not only is it rude – it’s illegal.
Part of the intent is to digitize the stories. They were written several computers back, and though I did try to preserve them as I moved to new computers it didn’t always work, and I lost some of the originals. What I didn’t do, however, is toss the publications in which they appeared.
Using Readiris Pro software I scan the originals into Microsoft Word documents. Though they usually require some formatting adjustments the transformation process is easier and more accurate than I anticipated.
The software is amazing.
MEANWHILE: Whilst I was immersed in all this stuff downstairs at the museum, upstairs folks were working at sorting, cleaning, and painting. George Spreng painted the living room and the ceiling in the master bedroom. My sister Ginny Wilkes, and our nieces Barbie Akers and Bobbi Emery went to work sorting sundry items and cleaning. If left to me it'd never get done. Below is a quick peek at the living room after George painted. If you'd like to see more take a look at our FaceBook page.
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.
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 Museum727 Grand Street 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,
NORRIS T. AND NORRIS E.
NORRIS & NORRIS: For a good hundred years or so the Welch family have owned and operated a large farm along Mason Road in Florence Township a few miles south and west of Vermilion
The pic above is that of the elder Norris T. Welch with his son Norris E that was taken in 1919. Young Norris was born in 1918 – Norris T. in 1893.
I knew both men in their prime. They were intelligent, strapping men with farmer’s sunburns and pleasant manners. Both were involved in county politics – because it was important to their livelihood. And both were hard, hard workers. It was sometimes hard to tell father from son.
Norris T. was married to my grandmother’s sister Ethel Bottomley. Consequently, our families were often together on holidays. I have very fond memories of our visits to the farm during fruit-picking times. They had the best peaches on earth.
Today their son and grandson, Neil, runs the farm. He also rents some of his barn storage space to folks storing their boats and RVs, etc. Even after 3 generations the family remains successful. But not without hard work.
THE BEST’A BOYZ IN TOWN: I didn't realize the cold truth until someone inadvertently mentioned it to me in a communiqué on the net. Until then I thought that it only applied to my childhood friends and myself; Tommy and Jake Boone, and Bill Ream. I thought we were the only "best'a boyz in town". That's what Paul always called us.
Paul was Paul Matrakis. (Kindly note that my spelling of his last name is phonetic, and may not be accurate.) Paul and his wife, Emily, owned and operated Paul's Snack Shop in the center of town on the north side of Liberty Avenue where Nemo's Sub shop is now located. [VV Ed. Note: The sub shop is currently (2013) gone – replaced by a little gift shop.] My view of Paul (here) is woefully superficial - a child's notion of who he appeared to be; very speculative, but honest.
Paul and Emily were natives of Greece. This partially explains the reason that they are pictured here with the active and ever popular Vermilion resident [now deceased] Steve Demou. They, in brief, shared their proverbial roots.
During the mid 20th century the short, robust couple lived next door to our family in the big house on the northwest corner of Perry and Ohio streets. They occupied the ground floor of the home and let the upstairs apartment. I recall that the Young family lived there for a time. Mr. Young was a 6th grade school teacher. And later Lea Hampton Rew rented there. To my knowledge no one in the area knew a word of Greek. However; any neighbor within shouting range of the couples' home were afforded lessons in it every now and then. It was never anything serious. It was just enough to raise a few eyebrows, get a few chuckles, and cause a bit of head scratching.
Both Paul and Emily were good people. They divided duties at their shop equally. They never drove nor had a car. They never seemed to miss one day of work. At home Emily did all the lawn work, and Paul appeared to confer with a rather substantial number of compatriots. I believe that he actually helped many of these folks establish themselves in the world of American commerce.
And as "American commerce" went Paul was, to my youthful way of thinking, a veritable genius. It wasn't just his marketing strategy - which included a business card, which read something to the effect: ”Paul's Snack Shop, Seating 6000 People 6 At A Time.” And it wasn't just his operational moxie that confined the use of natural gas to the low mark on his grill unless otherwise needed, and the use of electricity to keeping the best coffee in town hot and the soft drinks cool. It was all of those things, and” dogs with everything”.
Oh My!
Forever will I remember those hotdogs. Forever will I recall washing one down with an orange Nehi pop. And forever will I remember crowding into Paul's shop with my friends and having him tell us that we were "the best'a boyz in town" (even if it wasn't true).
Somewhere in the 1960s they sold the shop and their house on Perry Street and moved back to their home land. And I'll bet that somewhere in Greece there is another group of men who, in their younger days, came to believe that they were "the best'a boyz in town".
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.15 – Sept 21, 1905.
Wm. E. Hahn was born Aug. 20, 1877 at Vermilion, O., and died by drowning at Erie, Sept. 13, 1905 at the age of 28 yrs. 24 days.
Mr. Hahn had been engaged in fishing for most of his life; and for the past four years has been engaged at Erie. On Wednesday morning Sept. 18, the day of his death he had gone to the tug early in the morning as usual and was apparently pumping wager from the boat and was evidently leaning over its side to see if all was working rightly when he became overbalanced and fell into the water.
The body was brought to Vermilion on the early train Friday and taken to his old home. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Rupert on Friday afternoon at 1:30 fro the German M.E. church, where a large number of people had gathered to pay their last token of respect and honor fore the deceased.
The many and beautiful floral girts bore evidence of esteem with which the departed was held.
Members of the home in which Mr. Hahn had lived the past three years poke of him the most kindly and tender words.
The K. & L. of S. attended in a body and had charge at the grave. The mother, brothers and sisters have the sympathy of the whole community in their bereavement.
Mr. Geo. Werner of Chicago Jct. met a horrible death yesterday in the shops of the B. & O. Ry at Chicago Jct. where he was employed. The flywheel broke and struck Mr. Werner, both legs being taken off. The accident happened in the afternoon and Mr. Werner passed away at 9 o’clock last night A message was sent o relatives here and Mrs. V. Thompson left at once. Mr. Werner was well known in Vermilion having visited here often. The remains will be brought here Saturday for interment. The sympathy of all are with the bereaved wife and other relatives.
The baseball game which was scheduled between the Vermilion, O. Independent Team and the Century Parks, the cracker-jacks of Lorain, O, was postponed on account of the inclement weather that prevailed on last Sunday afternoon at Shadduck’s Lake Park will be played on the coming Sunday afternoon on the same grounds. (Sept.24th) All arrangements and details that governed the postponed game covers the coming contest.
Despite the bade weather over 900 people had assembled on the ground last Sunday to witness this important game, and if weather conditions prove good for the coming battle it is readily insured that the crowd will surpass all expectations in reference to attendance.
The same line-up of both teams will I all probability remain the same. Game will be called at 2 p.m. sharp.
Herbert Sanders who went to a Cleveland hospital about two weeks ago to be treated for cancer, was brought home Sunday. He died a few minutes after arriving at the house.
North Amherst Fire Dep’t has withdrawn from the Lorain do. Association.
491 pupils were registered at the N. Amherst school the first week.
Born – To Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Heam, Friday, Sept. 8th, a daughter.
At this writing Neuton Holstein who is ill with typhoid fever is about the same. Dr. Maynard of Elyria was called Monday.
The many friends of Peter McDermott, of Lorain, formerly of this place, were shocked to hear of his death which occurred Friday night, while in charge of his duties on the B.& O. railroad. Just how the accident occurred is not known, as no one was a witness. Mr. McDermott was born here and lived here until about four years ago when his parents moved to Lorain. He would have been twenty-six years old had he lived until Monday. The funeral services were held on that day.
Mrs. C.A. Baldwin has been very sick but is recovering.
The farmers are getting their wheat in and preparing for corn cutting.
Rev. J.A. Sprunger is still holding meetings at the M.E. Church.
Some dogs have been prowling around C.A. Baldwin’s house since his wife has been ill and frightened her. Since Mr. Baldwin gave one a bullet the dogs have stayed at home. – Jack.
[VV Ed. Note: These items seem a bit foggy. I believe what was meant is that while Mr. Baldwin has been ill the dogs (for some reason) have been hanging about their home, and they frightened the Mrs. Mr. Baldwin shot one of them – and they’re no longer “hangin’”]
It is currently hoped that Mr. Rockefeller’s prediction of hard times in 1907 and 1908 is only one of his first attempts at joke making.
It will only be a few weeks before a person can board a L.S.E. Ry car in Vermilion and go to Cincinnati by trolley. The Toledo Fostoria & Findlay Electric is now ready for business and connects with the L.S.E. at Pemberville and the Western Ohio at Findlay. The Western Ohio between Findlay and Lima is nearly completed and when they line is ready for business we can go to Cincinnati by electric.
During the storm here Tuesday between four and five o’clock Mr. John Ladrach’s barn was struck by lightning and with its contents consisting of hay, gain, buggies, wagons and farming utensils consumed. The structure was one of the fines if not the best in the country. Mr. Ladrach has the sympathy of the entire community.
The funeral of Noble Hittsman took place Monday afternoon at the M.E. Church, the minister from Henrietta Hill officiating.
Mr. Hales had a horses severely injured by getting on a barbwire fence. The fence was a line fence between Mr. Hales and Mr. Bowman and not yet finished, a barbwire being the top wire.
Floyd Sykes had his leg broken by a team of horses running away and throwing him out against a fence.
Ground was broken this week for the new house of Jacob Abell.
Call the Norwalk Piano co., Norwalk, and see the Winters’ Piano. It’s fine.
Re. E.W. Bockstahler has been appointed pastor of the German M.E. Church at Vermilion.
A short session of the Village Council was held Saturday evening and the construction of several sidewalks was ordered.
Anyone interested in the work which is being done at the Light and Hope Orphanage near Birmingham, is invited to be present at a meeting to be held at the home of Mrs. G.B. McConnelly Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock.
Last year the ladies of Vermilion took great interest in this orphanage and several articles of wearing apparel, toys, etc., to brighten the lives of these unfortunate little ones were sent to the Home. The meeting Friday is to plan for the work this season.
Two hundred Chicago men wear corsets.
A.H. Babcock, Sr., former mayor of Lorain, died Monday afternoon of Brights (i.e. kidney disease) Disease.
A Connellsville, Pa., workman has made a gigantic tin lily as a present for President Roosevelt.
Adolph Carno, mentioned for president of France, is a brother of the murdered president of that name.
The Cleveland Automobile Club wants guide posts on country roads. County commissioners will be asked to see to it.
The will of Joseph Jefferson bequeaths his “best Kentucky reel” to Grover Cleveland, who is famed as an angler. The rest of his fishing apparatus goes to his five sons.
Adolph Bishop, a well-known businessman of Sandusky while attempting to board a moving passenger train at Castalia fell beneath the car and his legs were badly crushed.
Burglars entered the residences of G.M. Benfer, Mrs. Golden and Mrs. Alexander at Clyde last week.. Erie county bloodhounds tracked the parties as far as Greenspring [sic] where the scent was lost.
The supreme court of Pennsylvania, in a decisions recently handed down, recognizes the fact that electricity is a motive power for street railway companies pre-supposes operation at high speeds, and, accordingly, all pedestrians using city streets must take notice of the increased danger.
Two steel freighters which will be 600 feet long over all, and the largest on the lakes, have been ordered by the Pittsburg Steamship Company from the American Shipbuilding company, to be ready next season The boats will cost about $9000,000 and will carry about 12,000 tons at a 20-feet draught. The new vessels will be 31 feet longer than the four “biggest” freighters put in commission by the trust this season and 40 feet longer than the Wolvin, launched at Lorain in 1904.
James A. Herlihy, the Chillicothe druggist arrested by the postal authorities for selling at $2 a bottle a preparation which he still claims will change the skin of a Negro white, had his preliminary hearing Monday, and was bound over the United States court in the sum of one thousand dollars. The hearing will be held at Columbus, December 5. Witnesses said that the preparation peeled off the skin and made their faces very sore, and hen the new kin grew on it was the same color as originally.
Old People’s Day will observed on Sunday morning, Oc. 1, and will be under the direction of the Epworth League.
[VV Ed. Note: The Epworth League was a Methodist young adult association for individuals ages 18–35. It traces back to the founding of the organization by the United Methodist Church's predecessor denomination, the Methodist Episcopal church, formed in 1889 at Cleveland, Ohio, by the combination of five young people's organizations then existing. At its conception, the purpose of the league the promotion of intelligent and vital piety among the young people of the Church.
I wonder if I would’ve been included in this service if it were being held today?]
Among the cases to be brought before the grand jury are: Frank Frisca, shooting with intent to kill; Mervin Winton, assault; John Ritzenthaler, robber; Henry Malke, burglary Frank Demon, robbery, Thos. Balser, for failing to provide; T.H. Horton, obtaining money under false pretense; August Metzgar, Benjamin Anthony, and Malvern Gallagher, burglar. The case against N. Wagner of Vermilion for keeping a saloon open on Sunday will likely be taken up.
A petition was filed this morning in the case of Louisa Spaulding vs. Adam Gonderman. The plaintiff claims that defendant unlawfully took possession of property in Henrietta township which she had a right to. She claims damages in the extent of $545.
The Diamond Cheese Company vs. A.R. Webber, money only.
Raymond R. Renouard vs. the Lake Shore Electric Railway Co., money only.
Lorenzo Renouard, infant; by next friend vs. the Lake Shore Electric Ry. Co., money only.
Postmasters are receiving instructions to see that all R.F.D. mailboxes conform to the regulations and that the mail boxes be numbered. The first box served on a route will be numbered 1, and the others in accordance.
Hmmmmmm....
A MAN OF MANY TALENTS: He was a barber, a mechanic, a plumber, a millwright, a tool and die maker, a boat builder, a world class champion aquaplane/hydroplane pilot, a quarter-horse owner/breeder, a member of Vermilion's Evangelical and Reformed Church, a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the P.B. Morgan Chapter 233, the Madeline Chapter Order of the Eastern Star 204, a Shriner, a charter member of the Vermilion Lions Club, a successful businessman, husband, and the father of three children. His name was Milford George Harrison. Most folks just call him "Millie".
My recollections of Mr. Harrison do not include all these things. But I do remember the gentleman. And I remember his three children; his son Kay, and his daughters Martha (Bodde) and Linda (Lewis). His first wife, Mabel, is seen in this Dick Koontz photograph sit ting beside him on his trailer containing five of his powerboats. Note that one of them carries her name.
Momentarily digressing from the subject of Mr. Harrison some folks may find it interesting to know that Mrs. H's maiden name was Neiding. She was a sister to Conrad and Harold - both well-known Vermilionites. Conrad was a housing developer. He built' our home on Oakwood Drive. Harold was, to the best of my knowledge, always involved in businesses related to the fishing industry in our town. During my teen years he owned and operated the infamous Lake Erie Drive-in Restaurant (yes, friends - carhops and all) next to Lake Erie Lanes.
As previously mentioned Harrison was once a barber. He kept a thriving shop at the back of the old Erie County Bank in the place now occupied by the city income-tax offices. Later he opened a plumbing business that he located in a block building behind his house on the west side of State Street a few houses south of the old Nickel Plate (racks. Sometime after that he and his wife opened a metal fabricating business in Birmingham called Birmingham Metal Products, Inc. That business endures, and I believe that it is still family owned and operated.
Through all these business operation changes his interest in hydroplane racing, which had begun as a casual hobby in 1928, persisted. Although standards for the motors that powered these crafts were exceptionally restrictive Harrison perceived those strictures to be quite challenging. By 1950 he had developed a Johnson 25 horsepower outboard motor that would run at 6500 rpm and reach speeds of 63 miles per hour. The motors ran on a mixture of alcohol and castor oil - a fuel that cost about $1.75 a gallon back then, fueled the motors.
Just so I don't paint only a rosy picture of Harrison's career as a national champion powerboat racer, understand that it was not without some mishap. One, in particular, was rather serious. During one race the boat ahead of him lost its motor, which hit the front of his boat and seriously sliced into one of his legs. Anyone vaguely familiar with powerboat racing knows that it is both a physically demanding and extremely dangerous sport.
It should be noted that Millie and Mabel Harrison were, in essence, a team, in parenting, business, and in racing. The entire family attended races all over the country. At Birmingham Metal Products, Mrs. H. was both a worker/secretary and stockholder. She also kept in close touch with Millie's racing contemporaries as the secretary of the Mid-East Outboard Association, and treasurer of the National Outdoor Association.
To be sure, Millie Harrison was a man of many talents. But I know you've heard it said once or twice before now: Behind every good man is ...
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.
…on the corner of lot number thirty-five, was erected in the summer of 1876, and cost, complete, six hundred dollars. The regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The present membership is fifty-seven. The officers for 1878, are: Nelson Murray, master: James Reed, overseer; Mrs. J. S. Hester, lecturer; Lyman Austin, steward; "William K. Bowen, assistant steward; Horace Robinson, chaplain; William Brown, treasurer; E. P. Snyder, secretary; Z. B. Slater, gate keeper; Mrs. A. E. Niver, Ceres; Mrs. Z. B. Slater, Pomona; Mrs. George Bowen, Flora; Mrs. E. Richards, lady assistant steward.
Centerton Lodge, No. G07, I. 0. 0. F., was organized on the 4th day of July, 1875, with charter members as follows: Dr. E. V. B. Buckingham, Albert Gage, W. S. Van Horn, John Miller, C. L. Rolfe, G. H. Miller, William H. Frost, N. H. Nichols, E. C. Trimmer, Franklin Wood, and A. T. Sweatland. The first elective officers were: C. L. Rolfe, N. 6.; W. S. Van Horn, V. G.; Dr. E. V. B. Buckingham, R. S.; John Miller, P. S., and Albert Gage, Treasurer. The present membership is forty-five. The stated communications are on Thursday evening of each week, in Odd Fellows' Hall, over A. Gage's store. The officers for 1878, are: Niles Gregory, N. G.; Samuel Snyder, V. G.; George Barber, R. S. : Lyman Benham, P. S., and A. Gage, treasurer. This society is, we understand, in a harmonious and highly flourishing condition.
The first physician who settled in Norwich township was Dr. Hurlburt. He located on lot number forty, in the second section, in 1825. He practiced in the township until his death, in 1828.
The present medical staff of Norwich township is composed of M. Tompkins, James Henderson, James Hutchinson, and E. V. B. Buckingham.
In 1834, Peter Brown put in operation the first gristmill in the township. This was propelled by horsepower, and it is said did a good business. In 1830, Benjamin Moore built a sawmill on Slate run, on the west end of the farm afterwards owned by G. H. Woodruff. Two years later, Thomas Bennett, erected another sawmill on the same stream, and in 1840, Ira Wood built a third mill on the same stream. These mills were all eventually carried away by the high water.
In 1842, Miner Atherton built a steam sawmill on the fourth section. James L. Couch built another steam sawmill in the same section, a few years later. In 1840, John Idler built a steam sawmill at Centerton. This was burned in 1850, and rebuilt in 1857, by Messrs. Idler & Hester. It was again burned in 1859, and rebuilt the same year. At this point John Miller has a steam sawmill and barrel heading manufactory. At Havana, Lester Gregory has a steam sawmill, and H. V. Owens a machine and repair shop.
The first road opened to the township was that made by General Beall and his army, in 1812, leading from Wooster to Fremont, through New Haven and Norwich. The trail came into the township at the southeast corner and ran northwesterly by the village plat, and left the township on the north side, about one and one-half miles east of the northwest corner. Hopkins made a survey of the trail, and located the present road, leading past the residences of Wesley Robinson and John S. Hester.
The first post route through the township extended from Tiffin to Fitchville. It was established in 1827. Adam Hance carried the mail.
The subject of this memoir was the oldest of six children, and only son of John S. and Lucinda Hester, and was born in Norwich, Huron county, Ohio,
April 17, 1843. His youth was spent on the farm of his father, with an attendance of a few months in each year at school in the neighborhood. At the age of fifteen, he became a student of Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio. A year later the writer, a year his senior, became a student at the same college, and a member of the same class, and for a time was his roommate. Charles was a young man of excellent…
Excerpts from: The Fire Lands, Comprising Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio; W.W. Williams - 1879 - Press of Leader Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio
GLASS PLATE NEGATIVES: This is one of the numerous boxes of glass negatives (dry plates) used by Vermilion News Editor / Publisher Pearl Roscoe during his early years as a Vermilion newspaper photographer. The negatives themselves had to be identified, placed in separate envelopes, and placed upright in archival boxes for storage. We won’t however, toss the boxes. They, too, are relics of the past.
What follows is a brief bio or Mr. Stanley and his twin brother. It was adapted from an online source called “infoplease.com”. These guys were truly interesting and capable Americans.
Francis Edgar Stanley, inventor / manufacturer was born in Kingfield, Maine on June 1, 1849. Francis and his twin brother Freelan formed the Stanley Dry Plate Company in 1883 to manufacture dry plates for the photographic process invented by Francis. They sold the company to Eastman Kodak in 1905, when their interest turned to steam-powered automobiles. They invented the “Stanley Steamer” in 1896, the first steam motorcar in New England, and formed the Stanley Motor Company to manufacture them. Francis served as president of the firm. The pair actively competed in auto races, pitting their steam power against gasoline-fueled engines and often winning. Using one of their steam cars, they set a world record in 1906 for fastest mile, 28.2 seconds (or 127 mph [205 kph]). The brothers sold the business in 1918, having manufactured more than 10,000 “Steamers.” Francis died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident that same year.
Stanley died in a fire and his body was burned pretty badly. The morgue needed someone to identify the body, so they sent for his two best deer hunting friends, Cooter and Gomer. The three men had always hunted and fished together and were long time members of a hunting camp.
Cooter arrived first, and when the mortician pulled back the sheet, Cooter said, "Yup, his face is burned up pretty bad. You better roll him over." The mortician rolled him over and Cooter said, "Nope, ain't Stanley."
The mortician thought this was rather strange, So he brought Gomer in to confirm the identity of the body. Gomer looked at the body and said, "Yup, he's pretty well burnt up. Roll him over." The mortician rolled him over and Gomer said, "No, it ain't Stanley."
The mortician asked, "How can you tell?" Gomer said, "Well, Stanley had two a-holes." "What! He had two a-holes?" asked the mortician. "Yup, we never seen 'em, but whenever we walked down the street with him everybody used to say, There's Stanley with the two a-holes."
THIS SECTION WILL CHANGE SOON: I doubt that I will return podcasts to "VV". It's easier to do those things on YouTube. But I want to continue to promote the following:
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
or you can use PayPal: (NOTE: IT WORKS NOW)
Vol.11, Issue 25 August 31, 2013
© 2012 Rich Tarrant