Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: Atop the shop desk this week is a nice snap of Steve Martin’s meat market / grocery store back in the 1940s. Steve is the guy on the left and Louis MaKay is on the right.
Mr. Martin (I think) was of Hungarian descent. But his abilities and activities around Vermilion in the yesteryear remind me of some of the fella of Greek heritage that came after him. He was popular, and many local businessmen and others befriended him. They used to gather at the back of the store every now and then for a dinner and some fellowship.
And everybody in town got to know Louis MaKay. He was an exceptionally friendly and positive person. After Steve passed away Louis purchased the store and operated it until he retired.
Currently the store is the home of Bicycle Bill’s bicycle shop. (They’re good people too.)
On my home desk this week is a pic I’ve used in several places over the years. It is Vermilion’s first Boy Scout Troop. It was formed between 1912 and 1914 by Reverend W.K. Williams (pictured) of Vermilion’s First Congregational Church.
The photo was taken on the north side of Vermilion’s State Street schoolhouse (on, of course State Street). In the background is the Vermilion Grain Mill.
Rev. Williams was a very progressive minister during his tenure in town. I also have a pic of him with a troop of local minstrels in blackface at the township hall.
LOST IN THE 1860s: As may be obvious to some I’ve been lost in my g-grandfather’s diaries from the 1860s. Thus far we’ve scanned 3: 1864, 1865 and 1866 – but not in order. There is an earlier one, but I’ve only found a small portion of it. [NOTE: He enlisted in the Union Army 29 October 1861 and was discharged 17 January 1865.] While the war diaries are of great interest so too are his minutes following the war.
Thus far I’ve read through all three diaries. Initially I used various magnifying apparatuses to read them. But then (dummy that I am) I remembered that I have this portable I.R.I.S. book scanner. I’ve had it so long, and used it so infrequently, that I’d almost forgotten about it. So between my sister (Ginny) and I we’ve scanned three books.
The great part about scanning them is that when I place the scans on a computer I can enlarge them to better see (and study) the handwriting. His handwriting is passable, but there are times that it helps to be able to have an immediate closer look.
I’ve also come across some (names) and words that I have don’t understand. I often have to stop and search the Internet for some explanation or definition. Even then, it’s not always clear-cut.
G-grandfather was a carpenter / millwright so there are words and/or terms I am unfamiliar with: like a “stick” of timber or a “double-tree” for a wagon or a “husk” for a mill.
There is a good deal of information in these recordings. And I’ve learned some more about the author. For instance, I was aware of the fact that he was a Musician in the Army, but I was unaware that he played both the flute (which we have at the museum) and the drums. And I knew he played the violin / fiddle, but I was only marginally aware that he also played the guitar.
I’ve also become astutely aware of the fact that the U.S. Postal Service was extremely good in those days. These folks didn’t need the net to communicate frequently.
It’s all amazing stuff. I hope I have the opportunity to share these things with everyone in the near future.
Fifty-three Years Ago: It really seems like it was just yesterday – but on May 5th 1965 I was inducted in the U.S. Army and my life was dramatically changed.
Less than a year thereafter I found myself in a small army compound just inside Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base near what was then Saigon, (now Ho Chi Minh City) Viet Nam.
At night I’d look at the moon and wonder if I’d ever make it home.
I thank God that I did. Many of my contemporaries did not. Viet Nam is a beautiful place. But I did not want to remain there for eternity. Vermilion is my home.
Historically,
FRANK’S DRAWING: This is an interesting and unusual drawing made by Vermilionite Frank Homitz of the Ritter Public Library. It’s actually a very novel idea – a book pop-up pic of the library.
Note that this is (obviously) not today’s library, but the one built in 1958. Basically this was a time when the primary business of the institution was books.
That is but a part of that what makes this artwork of particular interest.
A TRIVIAL PURSUIT: According to a report published by the Ohio Department of Health Division of Vital Statistics; Estimated Population of Counties, Cities and Villages in Ohio, the population of the Village of Vermilion in Erie County Ohio as of the first day in July 1961 was a whopping 3, 507 persons. It also lists an additional 1,766 souls living in the Lorain County portion of the village. While the rule is / was that “a municipality of 5000 or more people” makes it a city there is of course one catch: It is specifically means 5000 or more “registered voters”.
Apparently at the time this survey was taken and published the Village of Vermilion-on-the-Lake (pop. 1,355) had yet to be annexed by the Village of Vermilion. And though V.O.L. had become a part of the Vermilion by 1960 it took a year or so for everyone to catch up and officially recognize the municipality as a bonafide city. Thus by the time the report was printed and made available to the public the report was obsolete. But it really didn’t matter; the community of Vermilion Ohio had not changed. It was the same before, during and immediately after the annexation and the aforementioned statistics published. [Hey folks, it was a small town where everybody knew everybody and everybody knew everybody’s business.] This is, by itself, a fact that was mostly good and sometimes (depending on precisely who did what – and to whom it was done) not so good.
Thus, what appears to be an objective “bare-bones” statistical list of Ohio towns and villages and their population numbers easily becomes a launching pad for numerous subjective / biased ruminations. But perhaps that is exactly what makes historical lists, of which I have several, so interesting.
I have historical lists of various Vermilion church ministers as well as some members of their congregations; lists of street names (and changes); lists of nicknames of various personalities; lists of soldiers and sailors who lost there lives in or due to the American Civil War, WW1, WW2, Vietnam and Iraq; and lists of Vermilion Mayors and Post Masters. Statistically they are bland mile-markers of days gone by. Yet for some they are portals to understanding more about our yesteryear. And for others they’re just plain fun trivialities.
For instance the nicknames, is probably the most amusing record. Who remembers, for instance, Chub, or Waddie, or Junkie Joe, or Ruby-Redlips, or Lefty, or Smokey, or Dirty Gerty, or Gyp, or Sheeny, or Porky, or Tug, or Tiny, or Skin, or Scud, or Romie, or Ding…ad infinitum? If perchance you lived in Vermilion when it was a village you will easily be able to put faces to those names. Few were derogatory in nature. And all were, believe it or not, affectionately dubbed and widely used. Moreover, behind every name is a story: Sometimes, as has been said, good – and some not so good.
And as trivial lists go it also may interest some to know that Vermilion’s very first Postmaster (c. 1811) was none other than the fellow responsible for mapping out the “Fire-Sufferer’s Land” of which our city is part: Almon Ruggles. And it was also in his house that the very first election was held in 1818. And here’s another postmaster tidbit: From 1836 to 1971 postmasters were appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate. Prior to 1971 an additional requirement was that postmasters had to live in the delivery area of their Post Office. Today they are chosen via a merit system. Vermilionite Ray Beursken was the last local person appointed to the office under the old system.
And then there are our Mayors: Our first village mayor was a fella named Joseph Clark in 1837. Our last village mayor was Charles W. Baumhart (1960 – 1961). And our first city mayor was Louis Rauh. Both Mr. Baumhart and Mr. Rauh were very interesting personalities But so are the numerous (38) other persons on the list.
And then there is the “Street Name Change” list. Of some interest on it is Thompson Street. It was changed to Edson Street to avoid a mix-up with Thompson Road in the township. And one proposed change that didn’t happen was that of Lake Street (north of Huron Street). It was to be named Pelton Street. These changes (or non-changes) are also worthy of further thought – trivial thought of course.
To be sure not much on any of these lists is news. Nor is any of it earth shattering. Most of this information is rather trivial. But given our current socio-political environment, all of it makes an absolutely wonderful pursuit.
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...
The village council met in regular session Monday evening and after reports from several committees took up the unfinished business.
The fire committee reported that the fire engine was ready to be brought home as soon as the condition of the roads would permit. The Brunk machine company had put in new flues, ground down the valves, put in packing and otherwise refitted the engine and it was practically as good as new. It has been tested that the shop and found O. K. The committees report was accepted.
The committee which was to look up the drinking fountain question was not ready to report. The water had been turned on at the watering trough but the sanitary conditions were reported very poor.
The L. S. & M. S. Ry. Franchise was brought up and read for the second time. Mr. Minium who had voted against it the first time, expressed himself as still against the section relative to the raising of the tracks but said in order to facilitate matters he would vote yes to a suspension of the rules. The rules were suspended by a unanimous vote and the franchise passed its final reading and passage. Upon this Mr. Minium voted "no." The mayor held that the motion was lost and that it required three-fourths majority to pass the franchise under the suspension of the rules. This was a surprise to Mr. Minium who voted under the impression that the usual majority would pass it. It brought up peculiar position, which no one could find any ruling for, so the franchise was passed to the next meeting for the final reading.
The matter of taking up the third track was laid over to the next meeting. The third track matter will probably be taken up then. The passage of the new laws relative to undergrade crossings and law permitting the railway companies to have six tracks if they wish may put a new face on this proposition.
The petition asking the council to pass an ordinance providing for the muzzling and proper care of dogs in the corporation was read and upon motion an ordinances to be prepared along these lines to be presented at the next regular meeting. If in compliance with the right request in the petition the Marshal will have an opportunity of shooting a few of the apparently ownerless dogs before long.
In the matter of the crossing at Adams Street the Council took action giving the Railway Company permission to buy a 40-foot strip along the right-of-way, to the Black farm crossing to be placed in a passable condition for travel. The Corporation will give the Railway Company 30 days to do this and if it is done will dismiss the suit now pending. Each party to pay half the costs. This agreement to hold good for not more than five years. Mr. Handy agreed to look the matter up as soon as possible.
The matter of allowing people to sell peanuts, popcorn, etc. in on the streets of the village was discussed and it was thought that $5.00 per month should be charged, which was agreed upon.
The petition asking for an undergrade crossing at Exchange Street, was read and laid on the table until the next regular meeting. The question then came up as to what had become of the iron water pipe belonging to the Council, stored on Toledo Street. It was found that the Board of Trustees had appropriated it for part of the pipe in the Linwood Park extension. This the Council took exception to as a pipe did not belong to their department. Action was taken asking that the pipe be replaced or paid for.
After ordering payment of the bills Council adjourned.
Next Wednesday evening is the regular meeting night of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. All members should make it a point to be present at this meeting as others may be as there may be matters of importance to bring up.
Last month, no meeting was held, there being no quorum present. There is the public comfort station to consider, then, as a lady suggested, why not call the attention of the railways to the fact that there should be some kind of a shelter at the Linwood Park stop. At present people who come to picnics and to spend a few days at the parks have no place to rest in comfort while waiting for trains any of the roads and often hundreds of people may be seen standing in the street or leaning against the railing's, etc. Tired, with the day's outing, and often it rains, and there is no shelter and we also are of the opinion that if the attention of the proper authorities was called to this that good would result.
Then, there is another very important matter to be considered. We have a good band. This band is a member of the Buckeye Band Association and this association holds a meeting every year. Last year it held a tournament at Shelby. Those from here who attended were surprised at the crowd. A half hearted effort was made to secure the meeting at Vermilion but very little enthusiasm prevailed until the attendance at Shelby opened their eyes. The meeting will be at Crestline this year and if the citizens and Chamber of Commerce will take up the matter now, this tournament or meeting can be secured for Vermilion in 1911. It will mean the bringing of several thousand people to Vermilion and will cost considerable but if the band can be assured the backing and go after it, it can be secured. Now is the time to act.
There are a number of things, which might be brought to the attention of the Council of which members of that body may have no knowledge. Vermilion is a beautiful town but it can be made more beautiful. People have been in California tell of the beautiful streets of the towns and cities there. The streets of Vermilion can be made beautiful. Not especially by the Council and town officers but by the citizens in general. There is a great deal in civic pride. Our streets can be kept clear of loose papers and rubbish. This is done to some extent but may be improved upon. Flowers can be cultivated with little trouble, and other things done to impress strangers with the town. They may desire to make a change of location and choose Vermilion; they may have a manufacturing business or something to bring with them. We can give no bonus for factories or furnish capital for some concern to run on but we can so impress people with the appearance of the town as to induce them to bring capital here. That is what we want.
We think the Chamber of Commerce has plenty to do and should be up and doing. When a meeting is held be there, and if you think of something which would benefit the town, suggest it, get the opinion of others, and perhaps your suggestions may prove a great benefit. Now don't forget the meeting next Wednesday evening and be there. EARLY. BRING YOUR NEIGHBOR.
Mrs. Casper R. Anschuetz, nee Mary L. Laeng, was born in New Washington, Seneca County, O. on October 18, 1863.
In the year 1869, she was married to Mr. Casper Anschuetz, four children were born unto them.
They live near Vermilion until the spring of this year, when they removed to their home in Findlay Ohio. After a short residence there, she was taken with sickness, from which she was not to recover.
She died April 26, at the age of 36 years, six months, eight days, leaving to mourn her death the husband four children, ages nine, seven, and six, and baby seven months old and her brother-in-law 91 years old, five brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the Reformed Church, Vermilion, Rev. A. C. Pretzer officiating. Interment at Maple Grove.
Allen Fullmer is reported on the gain.
Mrs. Wm. Rowe is reported very sick.
Gust Yeager has resigned his position as mail carrier and has been succeeded by Alan Hoffner.
Several valuable dogs have been poisoned of late. An effort is being made to bring the parties to justice.
S. W. Schacht and son were quite badly injured by being thrown from their rig Saturday afternoon on their way home from town.
The funeral services of the six months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Broskie were held from the Catholic Church and interment in the Saint Joseph's Cemetery.
The residence of Mrs. Henry Smith was entered by burglars on Thursday night. Mrs. Smith and her daughter live alone on the Ridge Rd. near Brownhelm Center. Nothing of any value was taken.
Mrs. Henry Ackerman is gaining slowly from her recent illness.
A class of five will be confirmed at the German church Sunday.
A little boy came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Reiber. No wonder John wears such a smile.
A number of our people attended the funeral of Henry Nieding Wednesday at Ceylon.
The storms of the last few days have put our phones out of commission.
An auto capsized near Sugar Creek, throwing the occupants in the ditch, last Thursday. No one was hurt.
There ought to be a law and a strong one forbidding a man under the influence of liquor to operate an automobile on our public highways. It is getting dangerous to meet them on the road.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Toomey, a son, May 1st, 1910.
Philip Beagle has sold his farm to Oglebay Norton & Co.
BORN – to Mr. Mrs. John Pippinger a daughter Friday, April 29.
A baby daughter arrived last week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Newton Holzhauer.
BENTLEY – at his home in Florence Township, Erie County, Ohio, Tuesday, April 26, 1910, John Bentley, age 79 years, 10 months and 22 days.
Mr. Bentley was born in Florence Township, Erie, Co., Ohio, June 4, 1830, where he lived a life of usefulness. He was a kind and pleasant, generous and beloved by all who knew him.
He was the youngest of a family of seven children, all of them deceased.
He was married December 28, 1853, to Jane A. Miller, of Florence Township, who died July 11, 1904. To this union were born two children, a son and a daughter. He is survived by the son, three grandchildren, many relatives and friends who mourn his departure.
He is gone, but not forgotten, Never shall his memory fade, Sweetest thoughts shall ever linger About the grave where he is laid.
The funeral was held from the home conducted by Gibson Lodge F. & A. M. Of which he had been honored member for nearly 50 years.
The burial was in Birmingham Cemetery, Rev. G. L. Diehl officiating, Mrs. Flora Wooden soloist. – Wakeman Press.
The news this week is a 10 page paper, look it over carefully, if you are not a subscriber, come in Friday, Saturday, Monday or any other weekday and let us put you on our list. You want to be up to date and know what's doing here there is no better time than right now to start your subscription.
Census enumerator Powell is having quite a time with our farmer friends. Some time ago a schedule was sent to them to make out to give to the numerator. For some reason or other, very few of the farmers have been seen fit to make out the schedule, some apparently thinking it some gold brick or taxation scheme. Now this very thing is putting Mr. Powell behind in his work, which must be finished by a certain date. Our readers must remember that these schedules are sent out by the Government for the purpose of obtaining information relative to agriculture – every person should be interested in assisting the Government in securing this information. If you have received a blank form to fill out, do so at once to the best of your ability and have it ready for the census man.
Mrs. Henry Lais of Norwalk and sister Miss Helen and Otto Myers of Elyria escaped death by a narrow margin in an auto accident on one of the Milan Hills Monday. The machine became unmanageable going downhill and turned turtle.
John Henry Gast, 17, an employee of the Castalia Portland Cement Co. was fatally burned in an explosion at the plant Tuesday morning. He died a few hours later.
Fishermen report good catches of herring.
Mr. George Baumhart is reported quite ill with pneumonia.
Albert Mr. Albert Hart is in Oberlin this week in charge of the drugstore of C. C. Baumhart during his illness.
Crystal Theatre is now open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings. Good show guaranteed. S. J. Nieding, Mgr.
C. C. Baumhart was unable to leave his house the first of the week on account of sickness. – Oberlin Tribune.
Is the fruit killed? It is hoped it is not. Reports have been varied. Some say "Everything killed," others "Not hurt much," others "That enough remains to load both tree and vine with all they should carry."
Edward Ackerman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Ackerman was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital at Lorain Tuesday evening and operated on for appendicitis. He is recovering as fast as can be accepted expected.
Mr. Henry Nieding, age 62 years, died Monday morning at the home of his son George, at Ceylon. The funeral was held from the home Wednesday morning. Mr. Nieding was a brother of Mrs. John Walter of Vermilion.
The jury for the Ten Thousand Dollar damage suit of Minnie Volk vs. W. S. Pace, on trial before Judge Reed in the Court of Common Pleas, returned a verdict for the plaintiff, for $500 and interest, $546.50 in all.
Hmmmmmm....
…William Donelson, substitute, mustered out July 7, 1865, by order of war Department
Dewitt C. Dolph, drafted, mustered out June 19, 1865, by order of war department.
Jerome Degarmer, drafted, mustered out June. 9, 1865, by order of war Department
James Doughty, died March 22, 1862, at Grafton, W . Va.
William Delaney, died February 14, 1863, at Washington, D. C.
John Feififer, substitute; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.
Wallace R. Bord, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war department
Marcus Farnsworth, died September 1, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Burton Farnsworth, discharged September 13, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Henry Fox, drafted; died December 25, 1864, at Savannah, Ga.
John Ferguson, discharged February 14, 1863, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
David Gates, died March 21, 1865, of wounds received March 19, 1865, in battle of Bentonville, N. C; veteran.
Gilbert Gordon, captured November 18, 1864, near Atlanta, Ga., while foraging; mustered out May 24, 1865, on expiration of term of service.
David Golispie, drafted; died May 26, 1865, at David's Island, N. Y.
Edwin T. Hood, wounded July 20, 1864, in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga.; discharged February 17, 1865; veteran.
Robert Hamilton, drafted; mustered out May 30, 1865, by order of war department.
John Horner, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war department.
William Harpman, mustered out December 31, 1864, on expiration of term of service.
Sidney Hooper, discharged April 10, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
George Howarth, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry, November 10, 1862.
Edward Hotchkins, discharged December 26, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Michael Hennessey, Wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville; transferred to Seventy-eighth company. Second Battalion Veteran Reserve Corps October 19, 1863.
William Harris, died December 7, 1862, at Fairfax Station, Va.
Charles Hart died February 16, 1863, at Washington, D. C.
Hiram K. Horr, mustered in as William K. Horr.
REMEMBER THESE PLACES (?): My friend Frank Homitz brought these souvenir bottle openers into the museum on Thursday and let me take a pic of them.
Until I saw these I was unaware of the fact that Maggie (Snyder) once owned the Patio Bar at Mitawanga. I knew she owned the Liberty Tavern (now Rudy’s) in town across from the Ritter Library. Way back when most local referred to the Liberty as “Maggie’s) until Stan Kowalski bought the place. Then, of course, it was known as “Stan’s”.
I may have visited the Patio Bar once or twice during my youth – but I was never real familiar with the place. It is still (by the way) known as the Patio.
Cool artifacts.
A mountain woman went to the doctor and was told to go home and come back in a couple of days with a specimen. When she got home she asks her husband, "What is a specimen?" He replies," Heck if I know. Go next door and ask Edith. She's a nurse."
The woman goes next door and comes back in about twenty minutes with her clothes all torn and with multiple cuts and bruises on her face and body.
"What in the world happened?" asked her husband.
"Damned if I know," she replies. "I asked Edith what a specimen was, and she told me to go piss in a bottle. I told her to go shit in her hat, and then all hell broke loose
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. 16. Issue 9 - May 5, 2018
Archive Issue #790
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