VHS CLASS REUNION: Will be held August 26 and 27, 2016, for the VHS Class of 66....they need addresses,email, etc. Folks can email Carolyn Hill or call her @ 440.967.2821.

GO TO SHELL: Once upon a good old time this corner was occupied Vermilionite George Roberts’s Shell Service Station. Thought I never drove – or had a car – when George had this station I still found myself there on numerous occasions. Mostly it was for a cold pop that he kept in one of those outdoor coolers with cold water on the bottom. You had to work the bottle through a maze to get it after you dropped your money into the slot.

And then, George had an air pump outside the station. I used to regularly put air in my bike tires there until…

One day I was distracted while putting air into one of my tires and it blew up. The blast nearly broke my eardrums.

After George left for another station down the street “Chic” Pettigrew ran the place. The Wellner boys worked for him along with Chic’s father. His father was a cool guy who always wore a beret. Chic’s boys were popular kids. One married Nan Hoffman and they now live in California.

Today it’s hard to imagine the station ever having been there. Gone too are the houses that abutted the property. One was raised and the other was destroyed beyond repair while being moved to another site.

BECOMING PART OF THE ARCHIVE: I read an interesting article in a magazine (an electronic magazine) several days ago underlining the importance of knowing how to read (and write) cursive handwriting. The lady who wrote the piece - Sarah Dunant is a British writer, broadcaster and critic. She points out that before the advent of the typewriter all types of correspondence – registers, account books etc. – were done in cursive handwriting. And to be sure much of the history that is left to us – at least most transactions and interactions of yesteryear (usually by church or state) were recorded by ink and pen in, of course, cursive script. I certainly agree with Ms. Dunant.

Delving into local history archives I occasionally come across handwritten documents from yesteryear that are in need of deciphering (if not for posterity, for myself). To be candid, this can be a challenging, delicate and a time consuming activity. This is not only because the cursive script on these documents is widely diverse - differing from person to person – but also because time has taken its toll on the paper upon which it is written. As a consequence it may have been torn, worn, stained and rained upon. But whatever the case, it is an activity that definitely demands a fundamental ability to read and understand cursive handwriting.

The photo accompanying this essay is of the first page of a 9-page handwritten speech I discovered (rolled up) in a cabinet drawer. As a consequence, the first challenge in deciphering this particular document was “unrolling” it without destroying it, because paper has a tendency to dry out and become very brittle. Accomplishing that task (after an hour or so) I was finally able to read the document.

As is quite obvious it is something that was written in neighboring Milan, Ohio on July 11, 1890. (That was the easy part.) And, hopefully, it is equally as easy for most readers to note that it is about the Epworth League. For the benefit of those unfamiliar with that organization: The Epworth League was and remains an association for young adults from 18 to 35 that was founded by the predecessor of the Methodist Church, the United Methodist Episcopal Church, in Cleveland, Ohio in 1889. After reading the entire document I find that it appears to have been written as a speech that was intended to positively promote the creation of a chapter (if you will) of that organization in the Milan church.

According to the history of the Milan church (currently known as the Edison Memorial United Methodist Church) the league was organized under the pastorate of Rev. G.M. Knapp who served that church from 1889 to 1893. Given that information I assume that this tract was written and presented to some body of that church by Reverend Knapp back in 1890. Precisely how or why I ended up with it is unclear: But no matter.

My intent, herein, was to make a point of the importance of knowing how to read and write cursive script. Yes, I understand that our lives are now inundated by the digital world using a digital language of words that aren’t words at all. And who writes anything by hand anymore? At one point in Ms. Durant’s article she notes, “Even in the British Library everyone takes notes on computers - research moving from the book to the file via tapping fingers, no sign of hands hovering over paper at all. Sitting with my notebook and sharpened pencils (you can't use pens in the British Library anyway) I feel like something that ought to be in the archive myself.” So do I.

_{Ref: The Lost Art of Reading Other People’s Handwriting; BBC Magazine; bbc.com; 04/29/2016; Centennial Souvenir – Milan Township Methodism -1816-1916, Ledger Printing Co; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 05/12/16.}

Vol. XII, No. 1. - VERMILION, OHIO, THURSDAY, June 11, 1908

WAKFIELD – HOFRICHTER NUPTIALS

Miss Clara M. Wakefield and Mr. Albert C. Hofrichter were married at the Christian Church on the evening of June 4th at 6 p.m. The church was beautifully decorated with peonies and ferns suitable to the occasion.

Promptly at 6 o’clock the bridal party arrived at the church, where the minister, Mr. E.B. Bagby of The Franklin Circle Christian Church, Cleveland, O., who performed the ceremony was in waiting. The groom entered escorted by his brother, Mr. Chas. H. Hofrichter. Next came the maid of honor, Miss Eva Cameron of Cleveland, who was followed by the bride upon the arm of her father, Mr. F. W. Wakefield.

After the ceremony the bright party and the guests retired to the hotel Maudelton, where the reception was held, and the guest were received in the parlor through which they passed to the hotel lobby, and from thence to the dining room where the wedding supper was spread.

The bridal party was served at an individual table which was spread on the second floor, and by cunningness succeeded in reaching the depot and boarding the train without the knowledge of any of the guests.

The couple went to Cleveland, from whence they left for a trip up the lakes and when last heard from were sojourning through Michigan.

Many guests were present to wish the couple much happiness and prosperity.

_MARRIED

Mr. Charles J. Gardt and Miss Emma Alheit were joined in holy wedlock at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Geo. Stump Wednesday evening at 5 o'clock, Rev. A. G. Lohmann officiating. Mrs. C. Burrett acted as bridesmaid and Mr. Dietz as best man. Only a few of the most intimate friends and relatives were present.

Mr. and Mrs. Stump served a rich supper to those present and all enjoyed the evening. The younger couple left for Cleveland where Mr. Gardt is in business, they will however return the latter part of the week to spend some time with their friends in the neighborhood.

_{R.F.D. MEN MEET}

Members of the Rule Letter Carrier’s Association held a regular meeting at Cedar point, Sunday, and elected the following officers: President, Charles Hoag, Berlin Heights; vice president, R.K. Staley, Huron, and secretary and treasurer Frederick F. Gusser, Sandusky. Frederick F. Gusser was selected as delegate to the State convention, to be held in Zanesville.

Through the courtesy of Mr. Edw. Heltman the boys into a delightful three hours channel ride on his trim launch, the Josephine.

Huron was designated as the place of the next regular meeting, which will be held in December.

_{A Small Reunion}

Thomas Ball of this place attended a reunion of his old Company at Erie, Pa. last week. When they marched away to where there were 120; only 7 were at the reunion, of the remainder several were unable to attend on account of illness. The others have joined the Grand Army of the dead.

_{“WEISS ALL-STARS WANTS GAME WITH VERMILION”}

The Weiss All-Stars of Cleveland who were formerly the Vermilion Ohio Independents of 1907 are after a game with the new team representing the town and from present indications nothing has materialized so as to state for a certainty whether the Clevelanders will be accommodated in the above respect.

Manager Heidloff of the All-Stars has received numerous requests from Vermilion fans to press suit for a game and that they would give all the help needed if it was seen that his effort would prove for futile.

In a communication received from the former Vermilion manager he states that popular clamor are for a game and to this end will enter into negotiations to the urgent request of the Vermilionites who desire to see their former favorites on the ball field.

Heidloff does not only want one game but wishes that a series would be arranged to be played in the following manner: 1st game at Crystal Beach on Sunday; 2nd game at League Park on a Wednesday or on Saturday when the Naps are away from home; 3rd if same is necessary on neutral grounds, preferably at either Sandusky or Lorain. Heidloff states that he will use the same man that he has on the team at present and to show that he means business will sign up written agreements to this effect that he will not load up with outsiders and will expect the Vermilion management to do likewise. In addition to this he would like to arrange to play for a purse and stands ready to cover any amount posted, sum must not be less than $100; regarding the division of the receipts at the Crystal Beach game as well. Miss Alta Weiss the girl pitcher will not appear on the mound at Crystal Beach but can be depended upon to oppose her former team on the mound at Cleveland, Sandusky or Lorain whichever the case may be.

Correspondence

AMHERST

Born – to Mr. and Mrs. Dick Henson Saturday, June 3d, a son.

The American Dynamite company’s building which was partly destroyed by fire last Wednesday will be rebuilt immediately. Manager Briggs hopes to have it completed 60 days.

George Bryant died at his home in S. Amherst Friday morning after a long illness. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock at his late home. Rev. Harding officiated. The remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Mrs. Bertha Slumsky was granted a divorce from her husband, Harmon Slumsky, Saturday morning on the grounds of willful absence and gross neglect of duty. She was granted alimony and restored to her maiden name, Bertha Weiland.

Mrs. H. H. Plato one of the most prominent and respected ladies of Amherst died Saturday evening after an illness of about four years.
A husband and six children besides 15 grandchildren and a host of friends are left to mourn her death. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Joseph's church, father Bertimes officiating in the remains interred in Cavalry cemetery.

Born – to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Menz a son.

Plans are being made by the businessmen for another old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration.

Harry Reddington who has been attending the Western Reserve Law school is spending his summer vacation at home.

An outing party to Slater's grove was given by Mrs. William Guild Monday afternoon in honor of her guest Mrs. Willis Harman. Mrs. Harman lived there during her childhood.

_{Strong's Corners}

Mrs. Zurcher who has been quite ill is able to be out again.

Lired Kelly has purchased a fine new top buggy.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miller have quite a lot of strawberries.

Locals.

The visual examiner's car of the L.S & M.S. Ry was here Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. George P. Wahl have taken up their summer residence at Linwood Park.

The Lakeshore Electric Rys, summertime schedule will go into effect Sunday, June 14.

Miss Carrie Boss spent several days of last week with her brother, Dr. boss at Birmingham.

Frank Gegenheimer returned home Saturday from Nebraska, where he has been teaching in a military school.

Born – to Mr. and Mrs. George H Bachman of Detroit Ave., Lakewood, O., a baby daughter, June 6, ‘08.

Married – at the congregational parsonage June 6, 1908, Capt. William F Morrison Put-in-Bay and Miss Caroline H Schulze, of Lockport, N.Y., Rev. George E. Merrill officiating.

Don't think that piles can't be cured. Thousands of obstinate cases have been cured by Doans Ointments. 50¢ at any drugstore.

The ladies of the Methodist Church will serve a 15¢ supper at the church parlors on Friday evening of next week, June 19.

Mrs. Kate Sullivan went to St. Joseph's Hospital in Lorain, Sunday. She is suffering from some disease of the eyes and his reported no better at this writing.

P.B. Morgan is attending that head camp of the M.W. of A. at Peoria Ill. He expects to be in Chicago the week of the Republican convention.

The moving picture show is under new management. It changed hands last evening when Mr. Dunlop purchased the outfit. He intends to put in other attractions besides the moving pictures as soon as he can.

150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE “BATTLE OF THE HUNDRED SLAIN”: 3 miles from Fort Phil Kearny near Story, Wyoming will be held this year. (See Wikipedia.)

Late Vermilion resident, Matilda Louis Grummond was the sister of 2nd Lt. George Washington Grummond. Grummond and 81 of his fellow soldiers were killed by an overwhelming force of Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians in one of the worst military disasters suffered by the US Army on Great Plains.

If you are a descendant of Matilda please email John Horton or call him at 1.586.549.2471.

REMEMBERING HECK’S ANGELS: The 1940’s were dominated by the effects of World War 2 The dire need to produce goods for the war effort had pulled our nation out of the depths of the Great Depression. The demand for able bodied workers to supply both goods and services during those years had resulted in putting record numbers of women and teenagers - both girls and boys - to work. And whilst some of those jobs had to be forfeited once the war was won, and the boys came home, the changes wrought via the personal trials and tribulations of all insured that life in these United States of America would never ever be the same.

The attitude of post-war America could not have been given better expression than that found on the faces of the men in the accompanying snapshot. But if that’s not enough the words, “Devil May Care”, scripted on the bottom of the windshield frame of the Jeep in the photo is a bit less ambiguous. This was the attitude of young America and young Vermilion, Ohio c.1949; cheerfully irresponsible.

Pictured at the back of the CJ (Civilian Jeep) vehicle are Tommy Thompson (L) and Milton Karchin (R). In the foreground are my brother Bill Tarrant (L) and Chuck Thompson (R). The photo is very clear. It is how I remember these fellows. It was taken in the drive just north of Vermilion's waterworks. Behind the boys one can see the river and a home in the Vermilion Lagoons.

The identity of the photographer is unknown. But the boys were often in the company of “Tiny” Jack Balogh (PJ 7-21-05) who lived with his mother (just around the corner to the north) on Main Street - so one might assume that he took the photo.

At the time of this picture Chuck Thompson had been home from WW2 only a few years. He was wounded in action during the war. It was a trauma that followed him for the rest of his years. War experiences do that sometimes. His brother Tom is now retired and lives with his family in Columbus, Ohio.

Milton Karchin eventually became a regional character of sorts. He was, to put it mildly, outspoken in all matters political. Through the years his letters to the editor frequently appeared in newspapers from Sandusky to Cleveland. I shall always remember him getting excited and red in the face when given an opportunity to vocalize his opinions . I believe he worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Cleveland. His brother was killed in France during WW2. Another casualty of the great war.

My brother, Bill, would become a journeyman printer at the family newspaper operation. A few years after this picture was taken he, too, would come to earn the wages of war in Korea. Contracting malaria in the theater it plagued him for some time afterward. He is now retired, and lives with his wife, Lois, in a tidy home along one of the most beautiful streets in Vermilion - Exchange.

But here the boys were in 1949. The great war was over, and this gang of fellows were ready to take on the world with a “Devil May Care” attitude”. And like millions of young men (and women) across our nation, that is exactly what they did. They were “Heck’s Angels”.

_{Ref: Special Thanks to Major Jack Corcino; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 10/05/07.}

BERT WILLIAMS – MOONSHINE – DISCOGRAPHY: When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine was composed by Robert Hood Bowers, with lyrics by Francis DeWitt. The boozy prohibition protest was a revered showstopper in the "Ziegfeld Follies of 1919” the year it was recorded.

Born in Nassau, Bahamas November 12, 1874, Egbert Austin Williams moved to New York and then California with his family as a boy. Forced to abandon his college study of civil engineering at Stanford to earn a living, he turned his self-taught musical skills and gift for comic mimicry into a lifelong career.

Williams was one of the most prolific black entertainers, making around 80 recordings between 1901-22. His first recording sessions with George Walker for the Victor Company in 1901 are considered the first recordings by black performers for any major recording company. Williams signed with Columbia in 1906 and a majority of his recordings were with that company, including what became his signature number, "Nobody," with words written by Alex Rogers.

He died March 4, 1922 in New York City of pneumonia.