DELKER / TRINTER: Originally this was the home of Captain Peter Minch, the owner of the infamous steam ship Western Reserve.

Around 1890-91 Minch had the steamer Western Reserve built. It was constructed by the Cleveland Ship Building Company and was once the largest of her class on the lakes. She sank August 30, 1892. The crew took to the lifeboat and managed to remain afloat until the next morning but capsized in the breakers. All were drowned but one man, Henry Stewart, who lived to tell the tale. Among those lost were Peter G. Minch, his wife Anna A. Delker, their son Charles daughter Florence, and Mrs. Minch's youngest sister, Mrs. Jacob Englebry and her twelve year old daughter.

Sometime after this tragedy the Mrs. Minch’s niece, Margaret, and her husband Albert Trinter came to own and live in the house. And when I was a youngster Vermilion historian Betty Trinter and her husband John lived in the home with their family. Currently Betty and John’s granddaughter owns the house.

This house, like the town where it is located, is an historic treasure.

PEACE OFFICER FRANK TODI (ET.A. & ETC.): He was the Chief law enforcement officer in the Village of Vermilion, Ohio in 1957-58 when the police department was located in what was then the former comfort station in Exchange Park. His office, as well as the one his predecessor occupied, was on the west side of the little building. His name was Frank Todi. [Vermilion Trivial Note: The chief’s office was located on the west side of the building. It had been the Men’s Room. And the other (east) side – originally the Ladies’ Room – was where the jail cells were located.]

He was born in Ithaca, New York on the 15th day of August in 1907. Before coming to Vermilion in 1940 he’d lived in Lorain since about 1925. Mr. Todi, his wife Elizabeth and son, John, lived on the north side of Ohio Street just a few doors west of Decatur. Prior to his joining Vermilion’s police force as a patrolman he’d been a constable for Brownhelm Township.

Officially appointed to the position of Police Chief in mid July of 1957 he replaced Joseph T. Ryan Sr. who had died unexpectedly in February. Ryan’s tenure as chief had been brief. Vermilion Council had officially appointed the Connecticut native as the department’s top cop in January. He had, however, been acting chief since the resignation of longtime Vermilion lawman Ed Benson in June of 1956.

When Todi took over the force it consisted of the chief and three officers: Harry Lechner, Pete Huttonlocker, and Ron Fleming. Officer Kenny McDaniel was, at the time, a part-time officer. [Another Trivial Note: In later years both Lechner and Fleming would both head the department. It may also interest some persons to know that in accordance with a village ordinance that went into effect February 1, 1956 the chief’s salary was set at $360 a month, “payable semi-monthly”.]

Unfortunately, Todi’s tenure as Vermilion’s chief law enforcement officer was nearly as brief as Chief Ryan’s. On April 3, 1958 a 17 year-old Vermilionite named Tom Hoffman stopped by the station around 9 a.m. to visit the chief and found him slumped over at his desk. Earlier in the year the chief had been hospitalized with cardio problems. He had apparently suffered a fatal heart attack.. The community was in shock.

Oddly enough, the former Chief Ed Benson, who had resigned the position for health reasons, outlived both of the men who had replaced him. He died in 1960 at the age of 76. We tend to celebrate the year we’re born – our entry into the world; and the year we die - our exit. But in truth, the years that are most important are the years in between – those where we prove our worth. They, and they alone, are the only ones really worth celebrating.

Neither Chief Todi nor Chief Ryan may have held their jobs for long. But one thing is sure; they did their jobs – they kept the peace. And as yesteryears go they were good ones.

_{Ref: Sandusky Register and Elyria Chronicle Telegram archives; Vermilion News Museum Photo Archives; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 12/03/15.}

Vol. XI, No. 29. – VERMILION, OHIO, THURSDAY, December 26, 1907 – PHONE 19

COURT NOTES

The Sterling Machine And Stamping Company, one of the defendants in the case of J.L. Zesiger and others against the Duplex Stamping Co. has filed its answer and cross petition. Therein it states that, for a valuable consideration it is assigned to it a lease originally executed by the Duplex Stamping Co., to one C. M. Ross, covering said company’s grounds, plant and machinery running for one year from July 6, 1907, and containing provisions for its extension for a further period of 10 years. In addition the defendant states that it has been in possession of the premises since September 12, 1907 and wishes to continue in the possession and to take advantage of the privilege of renewal and that since the defendants asks to be protected in its rights.

Loie G. Matt has filed her answer and cross petition in the suit for divorce brought against her by Lester E. Matt, in which she asks that his petition be dismissed because of extreme cruelty, assault consorting with depraved characters. She claims that she has the last 10 months lived in fear of bodily harm. And that her husband has failed to support her or their child. Further, Mrs. Mott Matt states at the time of marriage she was possessed of $400 in her own right, and that her husband took it and purchased in his own name certain real estate in Huron; that he is the owner of this and other property and in his business of Carpenter and contractor he is capable of making at least $1200 a year. She consequently asks that her husband be restrained from disposing of his property, that her $400 in interest be declared a lien upon it; that the court decreed her a just sum as alimony and that all household goods be given into her possession. Judge Reed issued restraining order pending trial.

Dr. J.P. Esch has brought suit against the Lakeshore Electric Company on appeal from Justice Pearl's court. The petition states that plaintiff conducts what is known as the Esch–Wright farm west of Huron, and raises large quantities of poultry, etc.; that when the defendant was given a right of way across said farm it was on the special understanding that said right-of-way should be fenced in. This the defendant has failed to do and the cars have consequently killed a number of shoats, a cow, a sheep and a peacock. In addition the roadbed has not been properly equipped with culverts for drainage purposes, and some 2 acres of land have been damaged by being flooded. The action is for $151.54.

The handing down by the Supreme Court lately a decision in the case brought by an Ottawa County fishermen to test the constitutionality of the fish and game law, has had the effect of dismissing from the docket of some 15 cases of like nature brought in Erie County. The court found for the state, deciding that the provision of the law whereby the nets and boats of offending fishermen were declared confiscated was constitutional, and judge read accordingly dismissed from the docket the cases mentioned. They were brought by the Post Fish Company, Jacob Lay and others, the Sandusky Fish Company, Henry Bickley, Henry Lay, August Boehmer, H.C. Payson, William Heyman, C.H. Martin, John Leidorf, Martin Leidheiser, James Hamilton, Fred Driscoll, Joseph Dewhurst, George Bauman and Mrs. M.B. Parsons.

In the action brought by B.P. Bond against D. Thompson and others, the court overruled the motion to dismiss and gave the parties three weeks in which to file their petition.

FUNERAL OF HELEN ALHEIT

Little Helen, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Alheit died quite suddenly Friday morning, aged seven years and six months. Funeral services were held from the M. E. Church Monday afternoon, the pastor, Rev. Brown assisted by Rev. Merrill officiating. The parents have the sympathy of the entire community.

The three months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Bond died Thursday. Funeral services held Saturday, Rev. J.W.H. Brown officiating.

ANOTHER FIRE

Friday night about suppertime someone passing Debbie eBay lease plumbing display room in Englebry block discovered that the lamp had set fire to the wall and it was blazing up merrily. An alarm was sounded and the department responded promptly but a few pails of water extinguished the fire. The damage was slight. The wall was badly scorched as also was Mr. Bailey's desk and a few papers destroyed. Just how the blaze was started is not known as the lamp stood away from the wall.

Correspondence

AMHERST

Born – to Mr. and Mrs. William Schriner Thursday evening a boy.

Miss Loie Cole is seriously ill at her home in Oberlin.

Miss Lulu Dute is suffering from a severe attack of pneumonia.

Mrs. Lawless is again on the sick list.

Conrad Hagerman who recently moved to the home of his son west of Lorain is reported quite ill.

Martin Ruth had the end of his little finger bitten off while on hitching a horse Thursday.

Monday Mrs. Jones more fell downstairs and seriously sprained her ankle.

Born – to Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lindsley of Brownhelm a son on Monday the 23rd.

J.A. Bean died Saturday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dute. Pneumonia was the cause.

The day-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Standen died Saturday night.

A 12-pound girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Gottfried Bartlome Wednesday. This is the 13th and all are at home.

The merchants are experiencing a great deal of trouble just at present caused by thieves breaking packages while in transit and helping themselves to the contents. Lake Shore officials have been unable to catch the guilty ones so far.

Huron

The schools closed Friday for a two-week vacation.

The Swastika club gave a dance and the town hall Friday evening.

_{[Called svastika in Sanskrit, it is a symbol of auspiciousness in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It was not associated with Germany’s Nazi Party until the 1930s.]}

Mrs. Lewis Kuhl is recovering from a recent illness.

Ms. Alma Warnke attended the funeral of Mrs. Block at Toledo Wednesday.

ASHMONT

The scholars of Dist. No. 4 are having two weeks vacation.

Charles Richter is cutting wood for B.N. Goodsell at present.

Little Ruthie Shoop spent Saturday with her grandma Shoop.

E.P. Brundage is breaking a pair of black colts.

Mrs. John Lee is improving rapidly and is able to sit up a while every day.

Mrs. O.G. Jump was in Vermillion Friday to attend the exercises at the high school.

Congregational Clippings

$1.20 is the average cost per month for the gasoline [sic] used in lighting the church for 1907. We have 11 mantles of 500 candlepower each.

Mr. Morgan, our organist, desires to say his "Thank you" or Christmas present from the choir. It is always a delight to take part in any expression of appreciation of our faithful organist.

_{[This is in reference to Frederick C. Morgan who played the organ in the church for over 60 years. He began playing at age 12 and played until his death in 1929. That may have been a record.]}

OBITUARY

Rachel Ann Stamler was born January 8, 1830, in New York City. She was married to Ethan Alger at Berlin Heights June 21, 1857. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Alger. Three died in infancy. The surviving children are: Melbourne S. and Ethan A. Alger, of Lorain and Mrs. Laura L Earick, of Claidoen [sic]. Mrs. Alger united with the Congregational Church, of Vermilion March 7, 1886. Vermilion was her home for 20 years. Some seven years ago she removed to Lorain. Her health has been poor for several years. Sunday morning December 22, 1907, Mrs. Alger entered the homeland of the soul. Funeral services at Parkside Chapel, Lorain, Tuesday, burial at Berlin Heights. The services were conducted by Rev. George, E Merrill of Vermilion, and a quartette [sic] from the Congregational choir here sang.

Locals.

Paul Leimbach of the OSU his home for the holidays.

Will Parsons came home from the season work on the lakes Monday.

Capt. Blattner arrived home Tuesday.

Geo Rathbun returned from the lakes Saturday for the winter.

Capt. Full and H.W. Haber arrived home from the lakes Christmas morning.

Mrs. J.N. Sennhenn has returned home from the Lakeside hospital and is getting along fine.

Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Roscoe and daughter and Mr. C Roscoe were guests of Mrs. R's sister at Lorain Christmas.

The teachers and pupils at both town and township are enjoying a two week vacation from school duties.

William H bacon age 30 a well-known young man of Clyde died last week Tuesday from lucoythemas [sic] [leukemia].

Miss Clara Wakefield of Hiram is spending the Holidays at home.

Miss Edna Barrows a teacher in the Lorain Public schools as a guest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Baumhart for the week.

John Parsons who has been spending the past few months at the soldiers home, Sandusky, spent a few days this week with his family here. He is looking well and says he feels much better than when he left here.

Mr. George Cooper suffered a stroke of paralysis at his home in Brownhelm Monday morning. He is recovering as fast as can be expected.

Mrs. Helen Johnson had the misfortune to break one of the bones of her wrist one day last week. It was a couple of days before she realized how badly she was hurt and consequently the fracture was not reduced as soon as it should've been.

Early Christmas morning the ringing of the fire bell brought everybody out but the blaze was soon out. Sparks from the chimney set fire to the roof of John Knott's residence on State Street. Very little damage resulted.

George Ackerman of Perkins Township aged 82, died at the county infirmary Monday night. A widow and three sons survived. He was a peculiar man and lived on his little place in Perkins until arrested through the efforts of the Humane Society for cruelty to his horse.

The Maudelton hotel will be open next year for business, and if plans are not changed it will be opened on New Year's Day. Vermilion has been during the past year without sufficient hotel accommodations as the Lakeside Inn has changed hands would still be still worse off unless the Maudelton is opened as stated.

AXTEL

Mrs. George Pelton visited at Florence a few days this week.

Ms. Cora Brown to spending holidays with her parents.

Mrs. Lauren Washburn was in Lorain and Elyria on Tuesday.

Mr. George Taylor accidentally shot his finger off last Friday.

Quite a number visited school Friday afternoon. A very good program was rendered which they all enjoyed.

_{"The impact of the collision drove the passenger locomotive half way through the freight locomotive."}

JUST A COINCIDENCE: I suppose it was just a coincidence. I was searching through some old newspaper archives for train wrecks that occurred in and around good ol’ Vermilion, O. in a yesteryear when my wife, Georgi, told me that Patty Kishman, from the local library, had sent her an e-mail inquiry about a train wreck near town that took place on August 13, 1905. I’m assuming that a small part of what captured Patty’s interest was the fact that it took place on the Nickel Plate Ry. at what many of the newspaper reports referred to as “Kishman”, Ohio.

Whether or not the place referred to as “Kishman and/or Kishman’s” was ever a formally incorporated municipality in Ohio is anyones guess. But the place known by railroaders as “Kishman’s siding” denotes a place - a siding - along the Nickel Plate rails several miles east of the Village of Vermilion where rail cars could be stored beside the mainline (rails) until needed. The siding was also used as a place where one train could enter to allow another train to pass on the mainline. And that is what was supposed to happen in the early morning hours of August 13, 1905 - but it didn’t. What did happen was, perhaps, one of the worst disasters in the history of the Nickel Plate line.

The mid-August weekend had been a busy one for all the resorts along the southern coast of Lake Erie. The Sandusky Star-Register estimated that 14,000 people had been transported to their city on 14 trains from all the big cities in Ohio plus a few from Indiana. The electric lines had all they could handle. Cedar Point and Johnson’s Island were teeming with folks on midsummer holiday. The weather was perfect. Who could ask for more?

And so it was that toward the end this flawless weekend that a west bound freight train (No. 37) left Cleveland and steamed through Lorain toward Vermilion. It was sometime after midnight when the crew on the freight neared Kishman’s siding. Their orders were to move their train into the siding to let an eastbound passenger train pass.

When they arrived at the siding they found several fully loaded freight cars stationed on the tracks. Apparently they thought it would be impossible for them to fully clear the mainline by going forward into the siding, so they decided to back into it - forcing the loaded cars back down the steeply graded siding. This would also have made it easier for them to resume their journey once the passenger train had passed.

At precisely 1 AM a Lake Shore Electric car, piloted by motorman B.D. Marsac, was headed toward Vermilion and was passing the Baumhart farm (PJ 7-22-10) near Lake Road when he heard a terrible crash. Westbound freight No. 37 did not make it into the siding and was sitting dead on the rails when the eastbound passenger train going 50 MPH collided with it head-on. The LSE motorman didn’t even stop. He continued at full speed into Vermilion, and returned as quickly as possible with all the medical help he could find.

The impact of the collision drove the passenger locomotive half way through the freight locomotive. The smoker on the passenger - filled with Italian laborers - was smashed into kindling. Twelve people, including the passenger Engineer, C.W. Poole of Conneaut, were killed, and over 30 were injured. The Italians had been working for a large construction firm Kronebery & Co. of Buffalo. Having finished their seasonal work in Chicago they were headed to their homes in the East. The workers were identified by the numbered “K & Co.” brass tags in their possession.

Initially, (as the newspaper headline accompanying this essay illustrates) the crew on the freight was blamed for the accident. But early the following September Lorain County Coroner French concluded that both Nickel Plate crews were negligent. While the freight crew most certainly demonstrated poor judgement in their backing - rather than moving forward - into the siding, the engineer on passenger train No. 4, French concluded, was not wholly without blame. This was because the collision occurred on straight track and the freight displayed a head light which was apparently ignored by Engineer Poole. This official ruling was in spite of the fact that Poole, one of the oldest in service on the Nickel Plate, stayed aboard his locomotive long enough to put on the air brakes and reverse his engine. For whatever reason the heroics which cost him his life were either completely dismissed or ignored.

To be sure it may have been a coincidence that Vermilionite Patty Kishman should ask about this place, and this accident, as I was beginning research on the subject. Perhaps. But as American author Emma Bull sees it, “Coincidence is the word we use when we can't see the levers and pulleys”.

_{Ref: The Elyria Reporter; 8-14-1905; 9-06-1905; The Sandusky Star-Journal 8-14-1905; Anaconda Standard - Montana 8-14-1905; The New York Times, 8-14-1905; Olympia Daily Record, Olympia, WA., 8-14-1905; Special Thanks to Patty Kishman; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 09/10/10.}

BIG THINGS IN LITTLE PACKAGES: My good friend Frank Homitz dropped these items off to me during the week for photographing. I was unable to talk with him at length at the time. But it did show me that the Bettcher penknife opens and locks by turning the knife one way or the other moving a bearing inside. It’s pretty cool.

The other item is just as clever. I can’t demonstrate with a still pic – but on the other side is a shutter-like face that by pushing down on the top of the device the shutters open and close showing either a black or white face. Consequently one can practice some International Morse Code with it.

Both are novel items - collectors. And they’re in perfect condition.