Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On the shop desktop this week is a tiled pic of Vermilionites Larry E. Howell and Jack Johnson that I took last year as we were parking cars at the Congregational Church during the Wooly Bear Festival. It spit a little rain for a few minutes – but finally the weather turned nice.
This year it’s going to be sunny and about 90 degrees. The umbrellas will come in handy (for shade).
On my home desk this week is an old pic of the Vermilion Grange Hall at Axtel (Route 60) near Mason Road. The building’s still there, but I don’t know what it’s used for. The Grange folded its tent some years ago.
And time marches on…
VIETNAM: I’ve been watching the new Kevin Burns documentary about Vietnam on PBS every night since it began. It’s a 10-part series.
At the moment I don’t know what to say about it for with any certainty. It's just troublesome. I suppose I, along with many others, knew about all the lies told by our government officials during those years pertaining to the status of the conflict – as well as some of the things that were purposely omitted. But when you look at it after the fact it seems criminal. And that's bothersome. It was a war that should not have happened.
There’s no happy ending here. There can’t be. But war – any war – is like that. Even the winners are losers. Perhaps, that is the logical conclusion. Most sane person’s who’ve experienced armed conflict are in no hurry to be involved in more.
I hope.
Historically,
HAPPY DAYS: Nay, it’s not a pic from a McDonald’s Restaurant. This is a promo picture for Vermilion’s (Boat Drive-In) McGarvey Restaurant. None of the faces or names are familiar to me. Perhaps they are to Viewers who spent some time along the river. The craft, as you can see, was named the Rojaro II. It was likely a combination of the owners’ names. I’m (also) unfamiliar with the Yacht Club – TYC – name. Perhaps it was “Toledo”?
Parsons’ boat yard can be seen in the background. When this pic was taken their old fish house was still standing. Given that, and the way these folks are dressed, this photo may have been taken c.1960.
HOW THINGS MIGHT HAVE BEEN IF…: According to the National Institute of Mental Health an estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.
If that statistic makes you take a step back you are overreacting. Because it doesn’t follow that over a quarter of the people surrounding us are raving lunatics. What it does mean is that mental disorders are relatively common - and that a majority of those afflictions are very manageable. Unfortunately, this has not always been true. Such was the case of Albert L. Irey.
Mr. Irey was born in Pennsylvania in 1875. Excelling in his studies he not only finished college but had earned a doctorate in Education by the time he took a position with the Vermilion Public School System about 1910. By 1914 he had earned a promotion to Superintendent. He and his wife, Clara, who was also an educator, had two daughters; Genevieve Sarah (b.1904), and Rosamond (b.1908).
As the attending photograph of Mr. Irey with his daughters (c.1911-12) seems to indicate - Albert L. Irey was a rather dashing figure. And thus it should be no great surprise for one to learn that this attractive often caught the eye of many a maiden.
Now had it all ended there, there would have been no problem. But it apparently did not. And before too long letters were discovered which strongly implied that the esteemed educator was romantically involved with one of the female instructors. Not only did his wife and family find this news disturbing but the entire community was enraged by his behavior. This was, to be kind, hardly appropriate conduct for a community leader to exhibit. A special meeting of the Vermilion School Board was called and Mr. Irey, as well as two female teachers were unceremoniously dismissed. One of the teachers, who had only been guilty of carrying correspondence between the two suspected paramours, later filed suit to keep her job and won.
Mrs. Irey’s reaction to the circumstance was immediate, predictable, and understandable. She filed for, and received, a divorce retaining custody of their daughters. Albert, who was devastated by the fate he, himself, had wrought apparently began to lose touch with reality.
He began to write rambling letters - some threatening, some remorseful - to his wife and lay them by the door of their Ohio Street home. Alarmed by the tone and manner of the letters Mrs. Irey formally sought to have Albert acquire psychiatric treatment.
In the first of the two sanity hearings held in Sandusky, Ohio in 1916 for Mr. Irey he defended himself. His eloquence and appearance were very persuasive, and he was found to be quite sane. After the hearing he told an acquaintance that he was off to California to begin his life again. In truth he remained in the area and continued secreting often terrifying letters, along with some soiled underwear, on the doorstep of his estranged family.
After a warrant was filed for his arrest he disappeared for a time, only to turn up in Akron, Ohio working as a carpenter for 45 cents an hour, and using an assumed name. Taken into custody without a struggle the, now bearded, Professor was unable to pay the thousand dollar bail set for him, and spent the days before his second hearing sitting in a jail cell reading Shakespeare.
During the second sanity hearing Mr. Irey sat quietly making notes, or fidgeting with his fingers, during testimony given by several physicians as to his condition. When it was over he was found to be insane and was removed to the Lima State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Before his departure from the courtroom he asked to see, and talk with, his daughters. His sincere affection for the girls was noted.
On a overcast Thursday morning in mid August of 1962 Professor Albert L. Irey died alone in the Central Ohio Psychiatric Hospital in Columbus. He was 87 years old, and had lived more than half his life there or in other hospitals. His former wife had remained in Vermilion where she completed her career as an educator. Sarah and Rosamond grew up, left town, and raised families of their own - far away. And all was nearly forgot.
Five years ago his great great-granddaughter sent me this lovely photograph of him with his children inquiring if I’d ever heard of her “infamous g-g-grandfather”. I had not. But when looking back, and familiarizing myself with the life of Mr. Irey, I often wonder how things might have been in that yesteryear - if...
YESTERYEAR'S NEWS: The following clips are dictated transcriptions from past issues of The Vermilion News. I think you will find them both interesting and fun...
It is currently reported that there will be an independent ticket in the field. Petitions: are being circulated by which Guy S. Davis, for assessor of real estate, Melvin Gross, for Marshal and M. A. Edson for Township trustee will appear on the ticket.
Bluff [sic], breezy, good-natured Al Rumsey is to transform his beautiful home at Rumsey Park into a Sailor's Home, at least that is the report being circulated. Mr. Rumsey has been thinking of this game for some time past and had made a will giving his property for a Sailors Home. We were unable to verify the report that it is to be done at once. Mr. Rumsey has been associated with the sailors all his life and being shipping master of the Lake Carriers Association knows the needs of the sailors.
His plan is a very commendable one and it is to be hoped will be carried out, as he desires when the time comes.
A meeting of the Council was held Tuesday evening to consider several matters. One was the grade for a sidewalk along the property of F. W. Wakefield on Main Street and otherwise improve the street. It has been thought advisable to build a break water to protect the settling base of the waterworks and Mr. Wakefield has made an offer to give up portion of land on the lakefront for improvements. The village waterworks department owns the land on the lakefront and it has been suggested that the property be improved. At present the street and other property of the town at that point presents a very rough and unkempt appearance when compared with other portions of the town. Mr. Wakefield has erected a fine residence it will grade and improve his premises and if present plans are carried out this section of the town will assume a newer and better aspect.
Another matter brought up was the proper drainage of the east End of Huron street.
The Council confirmed the purchase of at carload of crushed stone from the school building contractors the price being less than half of the usual cost of such material delivered at Vermilion.
John N. Englebry made an agreement to complete a section of the Toledo Street sewer at about the same rate as the other he put in some time ago. There will be some 150 feet in this section.
It has been found at the concrete is the cheapest and best obtainable. This will bring the sewer up to Ohio St. We believe the contract price is $3.80 per foot.
After discussing various town improvements etc., the Council adjourned.
E. J. Eddy, water tank inspector of the Nickel Plate, was crushed to death near Ried Avenue crossing at Lorain early Saturday morning. He leaves a wife and family at Conneaut. Mr. Eddy came to Lorain Friday evening on business and is supposed that he attempted to board a freight for the return trip and was thrown off. He was a brother of Clarence Eddy of this place and the second one to meet death on the Nickel Plate in the past few years. The sympathy of all is extended to the aged mother and the bereaved family.
In the Supreme Court at Columbus the case of Vermilion Village vs. the L. S. & M. S. Ry. Co., was dismissed for failure to file printed record.
Mrs. Elizabeth R. Dewey has been granted a divorce from Dr. Seymour B. Dewey by Judge Reed on grounds of gross neglect of duty. She has also been granted alimony in the sum of $3000 and share of the household furniture in the doctor's Cleveland home. Dr. Dewey is a Cleveland dentist. A few years ago he bought Riverside farm near Vermilion and the family have made their home here.
AMHERST
Victor Lange is now employed at the Lorain Stove works.
Amherst now has some fine gas wells.
Ray Redington is reported much better.
BORN – To Mr. and Mrs. David Baumhart, Friday, September 17, a baby girl.
Mr. and Mrs. John Ludwig are rejoicing over the arrival of the baby boy.
The ice cream festival given by the Yeoman ladies was well attended.
The Hickory Tree Aid Society met at the home of Mrs. Amos Thursday afternoon. A delightful time is reported.
The fight over the abandonment of the West side school was going warmer, and the matter may have to be taken into the courts.
John MacKay, age 56 years was killed on the L. S. & M. S. Tracks near the quarry switch Saturday night. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon 3 o'clock.
The new crate factory, which has sprung up here is doing a rushing business. It is controlled by Frank Heusner is located in the old blacksmith shop on Church Street.
Henry Palmer of the S. & S. Home at Sandusky fell in the Sandusky Bay and was drowned Sunday afternoon.
Charles M. Miller, Mayor of Lakeview, is critically ill from blood poisoning, which was started by trimming of a corn too closely. Already three operations have been performed to stay the progress of the poison.
James Carter, a Big Four engineer of Springfield, has filed suit at Bellefontaine against J. L. Mast grain merchant of West Liberty for $2500 damages alleging that mask 12-year-old son shot him.
The engineer was on his train passing through West Liberty when knocked from his seat in the engine By a rifle ball which hit him in the head. He charges Mast’s son with firing the shot and says the father was careless in permitting his son to handle the gun.
Word is gone for throughout Hobodum to steer clear of Fostoria, Mayor Tom Johnson, one of the numerous mayors of the city, has issued orders to give tramps the cold water cure. A fiery red haired hobo, who had slept off the jag in the police station, appeared before the mayor Saturday. Mayor Johnson then ordered the man stripped and the hose turned on him. The same sentence was metted out to four other tramps. Each man was sentenced to the 10 days on bread and water.
Rev. John V. Potts, residing east of you Bucyrus O., who for nearly 50 years has preached at the Reform faith in this section of the state, died in Galion, September 18, age 75. He was one of the old-time circuit riders and was known all over the northern and central parts of the state.
Dr. J. J. Boone, Mt. Victory, has been indicted by the grand jury for failing to report a birth in compliance with the new registration laws.
He is fighting the case, alleging that the law is unconstitutional, because no pay is provided for the doctor, who is required to make the report.
The home of Charles I. Gibson, general manager of the American Sheet and Tin Plate Co. of Youngstown was blown up by dynamite early Sunday morning. The family was asleep in upstairs rooms and escaped injury. Enough dynamite to blow the house and occupants to atoms was used but was carelessly placed on under one side. No clue to the perpetrators. Men employed in the plant of which Mr. Gibson's head, are on strike.
The sale of $1,200,000 general mortgage 5 per cent bonds of the Lake Shore Electric Ry. Co. is announced by E. W. Moore, president of the road. Proceeds will pay off the entire floating debt of this property.
“The Lake Shore Electric," said Pres. Moore, "will have no further capital requirements to meet for a long period. The road is today in condition to handle an increase of 30 per cent or more in traffic. It has surplus of power from which it is applying to connecting roads and its track and equipment are in excellent shape."
BUCKMAN – at Toledo, O., Friday, 1909, September 10th Henry Welling Buckman, aged 75 years, seven mos. and 9 days.
Henry Welling Buckman was born in Annearundel Co. Maryland, February 1, 1834, and when five months of age his parents moved to Florence, Erie Co., Ohio., and he lived in Erie and Huron Counties until ten years ago, when moved to Toledo.
In 1864 he was married to Anna Sherwood, who with three children survive him.
During the Civil War he served a 2nd Lieut. in Company C 166 Regiment, O. V. I. He was also a member of Forsyth Post G.A.R. Toledo.
Mr. Buckman was a man of exemplary character and the kindest disposition, a great lover of nature. He took delight in field and forest, was very successful in agriculture and horticulture lines. He made many friends and will be greatly missed by them as well as his family.
His body was taken to Norwalk Monday, for burial and funeral held from Laible’s Chapel. Rev. H. S. Powell officiating. – Wakeman Press
Marshal Pete Callan resigned Wednesday. So far no one has been appointed to take his place. This is the third resignation within six months. Wm. Boland is serving temporarily.
John Corbin and Burdette Parsons were home from the lakes for a short visit this week.
The Village Board of Education held a meeting last Monday evening and came to an agreement with Mr. Linglebach, whereby he is to serve as janitor for the next year receiving $45 per month during the months school is in session.
It is rumored that “Wood Works” is soon to be started. The plant was sold some time ago two out-of-town parties and at present we cannot verify the rumor that it will be put in operation next week.
Wallpaper at cost at Davis store.
A big flow of gas is been struck on the Hecker farm near Wellington.
The many friends of Miss Florence Corbin will be glad to learn that she is on the road to recovery although not able to return home yet. Her father is still with her.
Mrs. Mary Simons died Sunday afternoon at the home of her daughter in Wakeman. She was the mother of S. W. Simons of this place. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Rev. A. G. Rupert of Berlin Heights officiating.
A daughter was born last week to Mr. and Mrs. Gall at their home in Detroit. Mrs. Gall was formally Lena Knott of Vermilion.
Mr. W. F. Washburn who was operated on at Lakeside Hospital is recovering nicely in the family hopes to have him home next week.
The band concert last week was well attended despite the chilliness of the weather.
Mrs. Wesley Pelton daughter Flora Miss May McGraw are spending a few days with relatives at Elyria.
Mrs. Robert Mooney, 40, of Wellington suicided in the parlor of the Park Hotel, Oberlin, Thursday Tuesday noon.
Word has reached here that Capt. F. H. Rae was obliged to leave his boat at Duluth and go to the hospital suffering with an attack of tonsillitis.
Det Parsons was home from the lakes the first of the week.
Born – to Mr. and Mrs. Austin Troxel, son September 14.
Henry Counter, who left here several years ago to take up the life of an actor, was in town this week. He has made a success of his work.
Some mystery miscreant took a ladies bicycle from a shed at the home of J.A. Klaar one night last week. Miss Nellie will be very thankful for the return of the wheel.
The following from the Sandusky Register will be of interest to our readers.
HURON, Sept. 22 – There is a mystery in the death of George Bartlett, east side resident whose body was found in the slip here this morning. The three questions, which villagers are asking, each other are:
Did he faint and fall into the water; did he stumble on the dock and fall into the water, or did he intentionally jump in?
Coroner Southwick, who made the investigation, believes either of the first two questions would be worthy of affirmative answers. He does not make any statement as to the latter. He says, however that the report that Bartlett was dead before he struck the water is not true.
Bartlett was a sick man. He went to the office of Dr. Woessner this morning and did not find the physician in. He walked down on the dock and while there waived at some persons on another dock. Shortly after he was seen to plunge into the water. What caused him to do this those wo who witnessed the act cannot say.
Mr. Bartlett was 68 years old. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Gerald Jenkins and Mrs. Carl Hornig of Vermilion and Misses Miranda in Elsie of Huron. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The burial will be made in McMillan Cemetery.
800 Columbus school children, who [are on] the third floor of buildings not properly equipped with fire escapes were dismissed from school by order of the layer.
James L. Mickey 78, formally postmaster Fostoria died from lockjaw caused from a mashed finger which he received while helping to move.
H. C. Holland of Youngstown is believed by physicians to be dying from too much sleep. Two weeks ago, apparently in the best of health he fell asleep in the chair at his home. For two days all efforts to waken him were in vain. He was then placed in bed and slept until Sunday, when he awakened and remained awake for 15 minutes and then slipped back intosound slumber. He is gradually growing weaker as it is impossible to awaken him to give him nourishment. Youngstown physicians are greatly puzzled over the case.
Hmmmmmm....
NOT VERMILION - BUT OF INTEREST:Some things never change...
Caselton (my great-grandfather) as you will discover over the ensuing weeks was a musician / fifer in the Union Army during the American Civil War in Company K, 67th Regiment of the OVI. As you will also discover everyone (and I mean everyone) had it tough during that war.
One of the things I found exceptionally interesting while reading his diary is his humanness view of the experience. He was neither a hero nor an enemy of the Republic. But the range of his emotions – his views of the conflict – may be an eye-opener for persons who’ve never had the unfortunate experience of war.
Anyway, in his words…
THE ARMY LIFE OF CASELTON ROSCOE PT.6: …getting discouraged. and hope the South will gain their inde¬pendence. "\Ye do not think we have any business here among the Eastern troops. w e belong with the South¬western troops, then if they can't have' their own way, they can't run up to Washington to settle their quarrels.
…Free, while lightning lances driven, the Traitors' flag in shreds is riven."
October 10, 1863. We have been on Folly Island nine months and I am longing for this cruel War to end, so I can enjoy the comforts of civilized life in a free country. Have not seen anything like civilization, not a white woman, and a very few black women in the whole time.
This island is like a sand desert, when the wind blows it drifts in piles, some thirty to forty feet high. We heard today that Gen. Rosencranze [sic] was driven back to Chattanooga until reinforcements could come. He has nearly all the Rebel Army to contend with. I am very anxious about brother Ransom, am hoping he is safe, but other men who lose brothers and sons who say, if he is killed. we can only mourn with the rest, and say he died fighting for his Country, which is the noblest thing man every [sic] said. Our forefathers fought for our Liberty once, and we are fighting for it again. I still hope he is safe and able to fight on. May the Lord watch over him and guide him on his way; shield and protect him from the enemy's deadly fire and support him under the trials and afflictions we are destined to endure.
Our men have had to work under a perfect shower of shells from Fort Johnson and James Island Batteries and others. We have many men killed every day. I have to go to the front, to help with stretchers carrying in the wounded. I am having lots more work than I did, and am getting so tired of this place, nothing but a constant road of cannons and bursting of shells since the first of July, and they still keep at it day and night.
December 7, 1863. We are at Hilton Head, South Carolina. We broke camp a few days ago at Folly Island and went into camp here today. Have tents pitch¬ed and ready for drill. Our Regiment composes one Bri¬gade the 67th Ohio, 62nd Ohio, 39th Illinois and 85th P. T. V. We are not at liberty to tell persons we are here. We have camped outside of the breastworks that surrounded the town. The breastwork is a regular fort, picketed with casement guns to sweep the ditches. There is [sic] over a hundred guns on the breastwork, which bears on every point approaching the town from the back side.
…Moses Martin, sergeant; appointed sergeant from corporal January 1, 1862; killed in battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.
Orzo J. Lowell, sergeant; died at Cumberland, Md., February 19, 1862.
William Merriam, sergeant; lost left arm at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861; discharged October 30, 1862, by order of war department.
Franklin W. Wilcoxson, sergeant; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861; paroled May 27, 1862; discharged by order of war department.
William Freeman, sergeant; discharged at Romney, Va., June l, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry Bailey, sergeant; appointed corporal January 1, 1862; sergeant January 1, 1863; transferred to Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 31, 1864, by order of war department.
William W. Meeker, corporal; appointed corporal January i, 1863; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
William Holden, corporal; appointed corporal July, 1863; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
Jesse G. Turner, corporal; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861; paroled May 27, 1862; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.
John H. Woodward, corporal; appointed corporal January i, 1862; killed at battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862.
James K. Alexander, corporal; appointed corporal January 1, 1862; wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862; discharged January 7, 1863, by order of war department.
George Blanden, corporal; wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862; discharged January 28,. 1863, by order of war department.
George W. Loring, corporal; discharged at Washington, D. C, October 6, 1862, by order of war department.
Charles Lewis, corporal; discharged at Charleston, W. Va., October 21, 1861, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Frederick A. Davis, corporal; wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August, 9, 1862; transferred to Invalid Corps December 12, 1863, by order of war department.
Omar Osborn, corporal; appointed corporal January 1, 1862; discharged January 8. 1863, by order of the war department.
Albert O. Smith, corporal; appointed corporal January 1, 1862; wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862; discharged November 24, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability!
William INI. Barber, corporal; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by order of war department.
William Furniss, corporal; appointed corporal January 1, 1863 ; transferred to Invalid Corps, January 5, 1864, by order of war department.
DIAL UP: I don’t suppose that many youngsters understand the origin of the expression “dial up”. My assumption is that they would clearly understand the meaning, but where it came from may not be so clear.
This is an artful view of one of the old rotary phones at the museum. Depending on your age and where you grew up you might remember the Woodward prefix that had to precede all the telephone numbers dialed in the Vermilion area.
The small telephone book aside the old phone is from 1922 when many of the local numbers were comprised of only 2 digits. The number at The Vermilion News was 19.
When the new patient was settled comfortably on the couch, the psychiatrist began his therapy session. "I'm not aware of your problem," the doctor said. "So perhaps, you should start at the very beginning."
"Of course," replied the patient. "In the beginning, I created the Heavens and the Earth...
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'".
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, "Grandma's 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.
MARY WAKEFIELD BUXTON'S LATEST BOOK "The Private War of William Styron" is available in paper back for $15.00 with tax and can be purchased locally at Buxton and Buxton Law Office in Urbanna, ordered from any book store, Amazon.com or Brandylane Publishing Company. A signed, hard back edition may be purchased from Mrs. Buxton directly for $30.00 by writing her at Box 488, Urbanna, VA 23175 and including $6.00 for tax, postage and packaging.
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
P.O. Box 437
Vermilion, Ohio
44089
Telephone: 440-967-0988 - Cell: 440-522-8397
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Vol. 15. Issue 29 - September 23, 2017
Archive Issue #758
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