INTERESTING EXPATS: Last week Vermilion expatriate Deborah Zerad Fallows and her husband James dropped by the museum for a few minutes. Deborah’s mother Angela Zerad has been a faithful contributor to the VNPSM since well before it existed. She is, in fact, one of our charter members.

I have never had the pleasure of actually meeting Mrs. Zerad, but I attended high school with her oldest daughter Sue. Sue is married to an Italian diplomat and as best I know currently lives in Italy.

Mrs. Zerad had often mentioned her daughter Deborah to me when we communicated via email (she lives in Florida). I knew that Deborah lived and worked in D.C. for the Atlantic. But that’s about all.

In any case, I was very surprised and delighted when Deborah and James introduced themselves. As best I can determine the couple (James is also a pilot) is currently flying their single engine plane around the U.S. on a project they call “Discovering the Reinvention and Resilience Across the Nation”.

What follows is some brief biographical info regarding the couple:

Deborah Zerad Fallows graduated from Vermilion High School in the 1967. The accompanying pic is her 1967 Log photo. She has lived in Shanghai and Beijing, and traveled throughout China for three years with her husband, the writer James Fallows. She is a Harvard graduate and has a PhD in linguistics, and is the author of A Mother s Work as well as several others. Aside from her work as an Atlantic monthly, she most recently worked in research and polling for the Pew Internet & American Life Project and in data architecture for Oxygen Media. When in the United States, she and her husband live in Washington, D.C. They have two sons.

James Mackenzie Fallows born in Philadelphia in 1949 is an American writer and journalist. The accompanying pic of him is his high school graduation picture from Redlands High School in Redlands, California. He went on to study literature and history at Harvard.
He has been a national correspondent for The Atlantic Monthly for many years. His work has also appeared in numerous American newspaper and magazines. He is a former editor of U.S. News & World Report, and was the youngest person to ever hold the job as a chief speechwriter for a president when he worked for President Jimmy Carter for two years. He has been a visiting professor at various universities in the U.S. and China and holds the Chair in U.S. Media at the U.S. Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He has authored ten books thus far in his career.

Vermilion certainly has its share of extremely interesting expatriates.

THE BOYS OF COON HOLLOW: The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) [PRO-sie-on LO-tor] is the familiar masked bandit found throughout most of the United States. Procyon means "before dog" and lotor means "washer." They are found virtually wherever there is water, from the cold temperate regions of North America to the tropics. The Indians of North American called the raccoon -- aroughcun -- which translates, "he who scratches with his hands." Captain John Smith described the animal in his “Generall Historie of Virginia (1624”: "There is a beast they call aroughcun [raccoon], much like a badger, but useth to live [in] trees as squirrels do. Their squirrels some are near as great as our smallest sort of wild rabbits, some blackish or black and white, but the most are gray...”

Raccoons are hunted for their precious fur as well as their delicious meat. And although the number of animals killed each year is considerable, the species is not endangered because they breed heavily (in the winter time) and their number is kept constant so as not to disturb nature’s balance. Whether for sport or vocation Raccoon hunting has long been, and remains, a genuine part of the story of America.

In Ohio Raccoon Hunting season currently commences in early November and closes at the very end of January. It’s not so prevalent anymore, but 50 years ago when dark shadows fell across the moon overlooking the Vermilion River Valley, then seemed to pause as if in silent prayer for the affairs of days past, a mournful sound would oft times rise from deep inside a lonely wooded hollow somewhere along that stream, shatter the icy petition of the impending winter, and everyone in earshot knew that the chase had begun. The boys and hounds from “Coon Hollow” were afoot again.

In truth that description of both the hunt and hunters is more sinister than the reality. “Coon Hollow” was an epithet given Tony Buersken’s place. Tony lived in the brick “old school-house-type” house on the sharp curve along West River Road just south of town. It was the place where “the boys” (pictured L-R: Frank Mayer, Bill “Bud” Marks, Ed Fischer, Tony Beursken, and Art Mayer) gathered before and after (pictured) their hunting expeditions.

Dressed, as they are in the photo, in rubber boots, heavy trousers, coats, hunting caps, and armed with carbide lights, five cell flashlights, and small caliber rifles they anxiously awaited at Tony’s place for nightfall to begin each hunt. Every man had a favorite hound to accompany him be it a Blue tick, Walker, Redbone, Black-and-Tan, or just a Cur. It didn’t matter. All believed his to be the best. And all were willing to make a wager to prove it. Whoever treed the most coon and returned to Coon Hollow with their catch won.

After a night of hunting the boys would return to Coon Hollow for a bite to eat, a taste of some ominous potion called “stump-blower”, and eagerly exchange well-crafted stories that were likely best-suited for - but not limited to - publication in sports and fields, and men’s magazines. But some stories were very folksy and, in that sense, proverbial in nature.

Frank Mayer, for instance, tells the story of one fellow who once returned from a hunt boasting about having bagged three raccoons. After letting the guy brag himself out he looked him in the eye, smiled, and said, “Ha! I got four.”

The photo accompanying this essay was taken in late January or early February of 1957 when the boys gathered together for their annual trip to find a fur buyer or trader who would give them the best price for their pelts. Like the hunt this was also a real adventure – because it wasn’t always easy to find a fair buyer. But at the end of the day they would return for a small celebration - a final toast - and look forward to another season with the boys of Coon Hollow.

_{Ref: The Legend of Coon Hollow; by John Vargo Jr. – 2008; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 10/02/2008.}

Vol. XII, No.22. - VERMILION, OHIO, THURSDAY, November 5, 1908

COURT NOTES

Clifton G. Vanderpool, after being in the county jail for a week, was released Wednesday on a bond of $300. His bondsman is Henry Graefe. The bond was secured Wednesday by Vanderpool's father, George Vanderpool, of Norwalk, who put up a cash deposit in the bank to secure the bond.

Vanderpool is charged with nonsupport of his baby girl and was arrested at Penfield Junction near Lorain, where he is engaged as a station operator for the Cleveland and Southwestern and Columbus Traction Company. He was bound over to the grand jury by Squire Dietrich. – Reg.

Clayton F and Nettie a Waltman of Birmingham have filed an answer to the damage suit started against them by their son-in-law, Clifton G Vanderpool, for the alleged alienation of his wife's affection. They admit the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderpool, and that they lived together until January 22, also that they paid board to the Waltmans until that time other allegations made in the petition they deny and asked that petition to be dismissed. Vanderpool in his petition stated that his mother-in-law and his step-father-in-law had caused his wife to become afraid of him although there is no reason why she should be. He says that twice she has refused to live with them. He wants $5,000 damages.

The case of the Detroit Metallic casket company against E.B. Welch was decided against the plaintiff in the Court of Common Pleas Wednesday afternoon. The casket company brought the action to collect $60, which they claimed Welch owed them for a casket which was alleged he ordered for the burial of one of his relatives.

Mrs. Mrs. Cora Farrell, wife of Peter Farrell, has brought suit against her husband for divorce in the Court of Common Pleas. She sets forth in her petition cruelty, habitual drunkenness for more than three years and non-support as grounds for her action.

They were married in Huron Township Dec. 2, 1896 and have three children the oldest of whom is 11. Mrs. Farrell asks for divorce, alimony, and injunction restraining her husband from harming her and the custody of the children.

The case of Al Victor Seydel against William E Wherles is to recover $300 damages because the defendant refused to accept 100 shares of the A. Booth & Company stock after he had agreed to do so will be heard in the common court of common pleas this morning. Seydel claims that he was to have been paid $42 per share for the stock, which was to be delivered to a bank in New York City but on delivery the defendant refused to accept them and he was obliged to sell them for what they would bring us losing $300 on the transaction and it was for this amount that the action was brought.

_{SEVERELY BRUISED}

John Goetz had quite a severe fall last Thursday while at work on the Ritter house. He fell from the roof to the ground, a distance of about 18 feet. Fortunately for him, he landed on a pile of sand, which broke his fall to some extent. No bones were broken but Mr. Goetz was badly bruised as to necessitate the services of a physician. He was taken to his brother’s home where he is at present. He is recovering from his bruises although they are yet very painful.

_{Threatened To Kill Children}

Threats to kill the members of her family led to the removal of Mrs. William Schultz of Amherst to the Massillon asylum, when she had been discharged as cured some months ago. As the clock was striking midnight on Sunday she arose and said "This is the time when I must kill five." Her husband overheard her and barely prevented the killing of her children. – Elyria Telegram.

_{BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETS}

Monday evening was the regular meeting of the Village Board of Education. All members were present accepting Pres. Nuhn, E.L. Coen, was chosen chairman Pro tem.

The resignation of Ms. Leana Shadduck as teacher was read and laid on the table for a further consideration. The reason was given in the resignation but it is understood that the strain of teaching is undermining her health, so she has decided to take this action. The grades she has are the most difficult in the school.

Another matter that was brought up is the damage done by the boys who are in the habit of playing ball on the school grounds Sunday. The board decided to prohibit this practice. It was decided not to interfere with ball playing on the grounds Saturday providing the East Ball ground is used and no damage done to the school property. The clerk was asked to have a notice published to that effect.

The clerk was also instructed to ask for bids on coal.

The subject of when to commence the holiday vacation being brought up it was decided that it should be extend two weeks, school to close on December 18 and open again on January 4th.

After ordering payment of bills meeting adjourned.

Correspondence

Amherst

Two new cases of typhoid fever have developed in this vicinity.

Carl Miller is recovering nicely from his recent operation at Lorain Hospital, for appendicitis.

Adam Jaeger who is suffering from dropsy was again operated upon Wednesday.

Alec Cameron was called to Canada by the death of his mother who died Tuesday.

A large American flag was hoisted and floated from a flagpole at the corners Wednesday to show their gratification over the election.

Miss Elida Eggert, age seventeen years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Eggert died Thursday after a three weeks illness with typhoid pneumonia. The funeral was held Saturday afternoon from the St. Peter's church, Rev. Lindenmyer officiating.

Ms. Mabel Baker is filling Miss Nellie Barber’s position as teacher doing during her illness.

George Liphardt sustained several injuries while unloading a barrel of lime at Dr. Hall's Monday, he fell off the wagon.

Henry Ott has purchased the John Jackson farm of 14 acres east of town. Consideration was $2750.

The remains of Miss Hannah Jewell a former resident of Amherst were brought here Monday evening from Kansas. She will be buried in Henrietta with other members of the family. The funeral was held from the Methodist Church Wednesday morning.

The famous old Tavern in Amherst was nearly lost on front last Friday. It is now owned by F.H. Perkins and he discovered a fire near the chimney but extinguished it before much damage was done. The building has stood for over 80 years. At one time all the large balls were held there and it was also one of the principal stopping places of the stage route between Cleveland and the west, as the horses were changed there.

A forest fire started by the hunters took place in the Chas. Schmauch woods near South Amherst. Friday afternoon. The dryness made it hopeless to check the flames and it was left to burn at random. The Amherst volunteer fire department was asked for aid but as their expenses were not guaranteed they refused to go. The entire community was aroused, and it in a short time the neighbors tore up their carpets and wetting them down and used them as weapons to fight the flames. After a fight, that part of the fire was checked.

An effort is being made to open Amherst Township to saloons.

Locals.

Chas. Horton was home from the lakes the first of this week.

Al Buell and Miss Alice Copeland spent Sunday at Cleveland.

Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Coen and children spent the first of the week in town.

It is reported that Lute Champney of Axtel is suffering from the effect of a stroke of paralysis.

Word was received here this week of the death of Girty, daughter of Mr. William Parker who formerly resided here. She was married and lived somewhere in Arizona.

F.W. Wakefield had the misfortune to break one of his classes Friday evening, the glass cutting his eye quite severely.

L.U. Todd left yesterday for a trip through the West. He will visit Kansas City, Topeka and a number of other cities before his return.

The four months old baby of Mrs. Edna Reeves was accidentally smothered to death Friday night. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves separated before the baby was born and she spent some time at the Lorain County Infirmary. Several weeks ago she was obtained employment at the home of Paul Clifford near Wellington.

S.C. Myers is quite ill at his home on Ohio Street.

Rabbit and quail hunting season opens the 15th.

Capt. Moody is spending a few days at home.

Last week we reported that not one of the candidates from Eastern Erie County had been elected. Later it was developed by the official count that Mr. Morse was elected over Dining by very small margin. Thus we have one county officer at this end of the county.

We believe it is a mistake to hold Presidential, State And County elections at one time. Why not divide it up a little differently and have the Presidential and state elections at one time and the village township and county elections at the same time. In this matter every other state election will be held alone. It would cause less confusion and give the people of the state better opportunity to vote for their candidates. As some are timid about marketing their tickets especially when they have a ballot so large that if once unfolded plenty of room is needed in which to refold it.

[NOTE: This little snippet requires some translation because it’s about as clear as mud. The gist of it is that Presidential and State elections should be held on years when village, county and township are not being held.]

The outlook for Thanksgiving turkeys is simply splendid if you do for us

Now is the time for all good men to get down to the reviving of business.

It is a good thing that the campaign is wound up. It is been so strenuous for the last two weeks that neither the candidates nor the people could have held out much longer.

BROWSING: Lately I've begun browsing through the morgues of newspapers surrounding Vermilion. Once in a while I come across some tiny items of note like those above.

These items reflect a time period in American history when jumping on freight trains and riding from place to place in search of work was not uncommon. While they were called Hobos / Bums many were of foreign discent who had come to America in search of those mythical "Streets of Gold" and found them empty.

War was on the horizon.

EXCHANGE PLACE: There are some subtle differences between the early maps of Vermillion, Huron County, Ohio and todays Vermilion that are difficult for even the trained eye to decipher. The village proper stretched much further north of Huron Street than it does today. It went, perhaps, as far north as the tip of the west breakwall. There are no railroads. There are no river bridges. Water Street (now West River Road) ran from South Street to what we now know as east Liberty Avenue, edged westward to the corner of Main Street where it turned north toward Huron Street then veered northeast to touch the Lake Erie shore. Sandusky, Toledo, and Exchange Streets stretched all the way to the riverbanks. Public Square, situated between Ohio Street to the south, Columbus Street to the north, and Exchange Street to the east was empty; no church, no town hall, no nothing. One spot on the map, however, has changed very little during the 169 years since the map was recorded. It was known as Exchange Place. Today it is commonly known as Exchange/Rubberneck Park.

The pretty park has gradually evolved through the years. Once upon a time the local Marshal’s and doctor’s offices were located in the vicinity. At about the turn of the 20th century the cannons were added. The cannon balls that once stood by them mysteriously found their way down the hillside below the park and became part of the foundations of the fish houses along the river. A wooden bandstand in the center of the park came and went. A public comfort station on the east end of the little park was added. Benches, picnic tables, and a drinking fountain were added. And it became a very pleasant place to sit in the summer shade, have an ice cream, and watch the world go bye.

This vintage photo of the park (c.1940) captures the true essence of the place as it was during the war and post-war years. The local Chamber of Commerce was open for business providing information to tourists. Several local gents were holding conference beneath the verdurous shadows of the maple trees - no doubt settling all the affairs of the world. The sign with the roof on the large light pole points the way to the Wagner Hotel Restaurant (now the home of the Photojournal and Dr. Suszko’s office).

A decade or so later, when I came to frequent the park, it had not changed much - although the tourist booth was no longer a tourist booth. It was the Vermilion Police Station. A man named Ed Benson was the town Marshall. He was, for all intent and purposes, the Vermilion Police Department.

As an aside I would add this little story. At that time our family had a fox terrier named Mr. Chips who had run of the town. When weather permitted he had a routine he followed everyday with extreme precision. Leaving our home in the morning he visited several other homes about town where he received various refreshments and rest (if needed). By the afternoon he would end up downtown at the backdoors of several of the restaurants and/or meat-markets. Near suppertime he would find his way to Exchange Park. During the summer months Marshall Benson parked his car near the corner with the windows down. Mr. Chips would jump through the window of his car and wait. When Mr. Benson returned to his car to go home he’d drop the wily canine off at our front door.

As time passes the park continues to evolve - as does the community about it. But the essence of the place, ever pleasant, ever cheerful, remains. It is forever Exchange Place.

_{Ref: Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 04/06/2006.}

VERMILION TRIVIA: This is really cool - the Vermilion Trivia game. I'd heard about in the past, but I've never seen one until Ms. Kneisel brought this one into the museum.

Along with the game are several decks of playing cards that were once handed out by the owners of the Vermilion Mill (where the Mill Manor nursing home is currently located).

One thing I note about the trivia game is that one might now call it the Vermilion history trivia game because many of the names and places in it have changed.