THE FIRST SHALE : I call this picture Gorgeous. What more can be said? For those unfamiliar with the location this is the first shale bank along the Vermilion River just past the Olympic Outing Club. Above it is the Moes property. There are still some old cottages just above the cliff. I've never known anyone who lives there (they're summer homes) - but I know they're there.
This photo was taken last Sunday morning at, perhaps, 7:00am. The dew had been heavy in the river valley (as you will later see). A mist was just visible in the sunlight over the stream, and heavy sunbeams leaned down through the treetops splashing into the grass on the field below. As we move into autumn the view becomes even more spectacular.
CHAPPELLE CREEK: Speaking of views this is both a pretty and a curious view of Chappelle Creek west of Vermilion. Along with Old Woman Creek near Huron this particular stream is extremely beautiful. There are few places along the lake where passers-by can get a clear uncluttered view of the - relatively undeveloped - waterway where it meets Lake Erie. Although surrounded by condominiums, a campground, and a retirement center, the creek has not been ruined. Although it doesn't resemble what one sees in this picture it nonetheless remains accessible to both the eye and a few hikers.
Almon Ruggles, the gentleman who surveyed the Firelands, constructed a grain mill along this stream in the early 19th century. Prior to that time he had built a mill along the Vermilion River. But after it was washed into the lake during flooding season he built another along this stream. By following some rudimentary directives I found in historical narratives of that period of local history I determined that his mill was located along Mason Road (west of Joppa Road) several miles south of the mouth of the creek. The spot is so perfect for milling that a home and a farm with mill capabilites still exist in that area.
RICHARD: This is a new segment for the "Views" page: Familiar Faces. I thought it might be a nice place to show some faces of people from the past, and some from the present.
This is one Richard "Ben" Whitt. Rich graduated from Vermilion High School in 1928. Records show that he was considered to be one of (if not the best looking boys in his class. He married a beauty queen (literally) named Gina (Regina) - so I guess the observation was very legitimate.
I only got to know him after he retired as the manager of the Sherwin-Williams Linseed Oil Mill in the Cleveland Flats. He lived at the Olympic Outing Club. I was the caretaker. I found him to be maticulous, outspoken, often over-bearing, and a great deal of fun. How all of that could possibly be possible is something I don't try to understand.
Example: He used to stand outside my cottage and whistle for me to come out and open the bar so he could drink some beer. Very amusing.
But Rich was a go-getter. If you wanted something done he'd get it done. And get it done correctly. In that respect he was an excellent teacher. But it was not a feature of his personality that everyone appreciated. I guess that's why I really liked him.
SPIRITUAL PRESENCE: And this is part of the VHS Class of 1963 forty-one years later. While having received some mild chiding for not having been present for this particular celebration I will point out that I most certainly was there. If one looks to the left of the group toward the back - behind Stephen Birch and Susie Strittmather Stwan - next to Frank Homitz I am there. Although, granted, it was a spritual presence it was extremely palpable.
For the sake of folks who were actually unable to attend this gathering I'll try to name some of the names of those I recognize in this group: (Left to Right) Cheryl Hall, Frank, Steve, Susan, Sue Gentry(?), Larry Wood, Paul Davis, Susan Hite, Donna Davis, Pat Hathaway, Judy, Gail, Sharon Kumpf, Barb Wiencke, Pat Freeman Mastin, Nancy Schmidt, Molly, Carol Schmidt, Ed Kumpf, June, and Noreen.
Whilst travelling down this lane of memories let me mention some folks who aren't there because they never graduated (at least not with this particular class): Marilyn Graven; her parents were missionaries in Southeast Asia; Onyx Falls; he was killed with John Bushong just before the Christmas Dance when were were in 8th grade; Lynn Beth Abel (Coach Braden's sister-in-law); King Felton (I remember him only because of his first name); Bill Baker (my best friend who died during an Asian Flu epidemic when we were in 7th grade); and my other friend, Tom Jones (who moved into the Firelands District after they were displaced when the 4-lane highway was built from Vermilion to Lorain).
Yuppers, friends! I am always with you in spirit.
THE OOC: I've wanted to do a photo like this for a number of years. Actually it is a series of 5 photographs stitched together, and reduced so that it might work better for this webpage. Like the photo at the beginning of this edition it was taken last Sunday (9-12-04) in the early morning light of the Olympic Outing Club.
Here evidence of the heavy dew can be seen by the path my wife, Geo and our dog Perry, take across the field as they walk toward our cottage. The path that Perry and I took a bit earlier when we walked to the river is also evident.
I didn't know for certain that this (the photo series) would work as it did when I took the picture(s) - but it is what I had in mind.
Actually I might have taken and even wider view. And I believe it isn't yet light enough to get a real good photograph. However; one of the things I was trying to avoid was the generous number of cars that are parked in the field as the day truly commences. I intend to wait some weeks - until the weather gets a bit colder and the leaves are changing - and get a better picture with more light. So stay close.
CLASS REUNION UPDATES: Again members of the Vermilion High School Class of 1959; your class reunion will be held between October 8 and 10, 2004 here in town. Those looking for more information on the subject can now visit the Class of '59 website by clicking on the highlighted text. To my knowledge Roger Boughton is responsible for this site. I will mention that a visit to this particular website is worth ones time. Roger informed me that he now uses some Vermilion pix from some of my websites on his electronic newsletter. Maybe you didn't belong to this class, but I'm sure you know someone who does. And I think you'll enjoy reading some of their memories of those days. Note that Roger will not be sending out a newsletter by snail-mail any longer. The webpage will be the reunion notification/information center from now on. He's got new stuff on line as he gets it - and it's interesting. So take time to go there.
Also Buffalo Bill Hlavin has asked me to find a 1958 football program for him. I'll look. But I'll also ask class members tuned into this site to also look and let Bill, Roger, or myself know if you have one.
Persons interested in having their VHS (and vicinity) reunion plans posted on this site are welcome to do so. I can't provide anyone with webpages to post their activities in depth, but I can provide a link to existing pages and/or post some activity items here. All anyone need do is contact me at my email address and pass along their material electronically.
As news regarding VHS reunion activities comes to my attention it will appear on this web page. So stay tuned.
The Beat Goes On: The page is generated by the 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 bookmarks. 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 let me know and I'll send them to you.
Links to other sites on the Web
Vol.2, Issue 26, September 18, 2004
© 2004 Rich Tarrant