Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: Both pix on the computer desks these weeks are very close in time. Both date around 1937. The interurban tracks still run down Liberty through town – and the overhead wires remain. The pix aren’t terribly different. But one allows a closer view of the buildings / businesses along the street from Grand to Main / Division.
I’m not sure there’s a traffic light at the corner. But the overhead street lights on the intersections are obvious. [I wonder if they lit the intersections better than all the lights along the street provide today?]
There are four restaurants along the road: Butlers (Family Restaurant), Leidheiser’s, Okagi’s and the White Inn (on the north side of the road).
Butler’s building, at one time, was owned by the M&E church that had occupied the southeast corner of Liberty and Grand for many years. The church used it much like a restaurant for a time. It was, in essence, a “Fellowship Hall” type place.
There are lots of details in these pix and are fun to just look at.
BACK TO GLASS: I started developing more glass negatives toward the end of last week. Several were family pix. You will see two of them, with a story, below. But those are only the beginnings.
Not all were in good shape. But I developed them anyway. One is of a raging river. I’ve no idea where it was taken. Another shows a group of people fishing in a river. I suspect that it’s the Huron River, but don’t know for certain. And there is what could have been a great pic of the Square in Milan, Ohio. But it’s damaged.
The pic I found particularly interesting is of a Vermilion parade on Ohio Street. It’s in good condition and consequently very informative. One very cool thing about this pic is that I have another of the very same parade that was probably taken a few minutes before or after [I’ve yet to decide] the other.
Given some of the subject matter of the photographs, as a collection, I can safely date them c.1906.
AS A MATTER OF FACT: This is one of the glass negatives I developed Friday morning (10.05.18) after writing the preceding words, and I am just flabbergasted. As you will note in another article you will find below I have said those pix would’ve “knocked my socks off” were I wearing any. Well, this one would’ve knocked me on my butt were I not already sitting on it.
Wow, wow, wow!
In the past I have seen color-tinted postcard pix of the Ball Park at Crystal Beach. But this is the very first time I’ve actually come across a real photograph of it.
My grandfather continues to entertain and impress me with his photographs. Though I never really knew him I have become familiar with him through these wonderful photographs.
Again. Wow!
Historically,
THE BUG: Several weeks ago when Vermilionite Marlene Feldkamp asked me to write an article about the town’s old amusement park Crystal Beach she asked me if I had a picture of “The Bug” - a ride at the park. I didn’t think that I did so I used another pic for the article. And then:
Just a few days ago I was going through some of my digital pix and I came across the photo seen above. It was with another, and I overlooked it because 1.) It’s not a particularly good pic and 2.) Because I was more interested in the other photo.
Anyway, here is the photograph she asked for. Sorry Marlene.
IT’S A GOOD THING I DON’T WEAR SOCKS: Though I’ve been retired for about a decade I think the only thing that has really changed is that I don’t receive a paycheck for my time. Now, that’s not really a complaint. It’s just an observation. The compensation for doing what I do (i.e. slogging through history) is very rewarding: The photographs that appear with these words are prime examples of the recompense I gladly receive for my labors.
Some time ago (VPJ 03/09/17) I wrote about the process I was using to develop glass and film negatives. To briefly reiterate: One of my brothers (some knew as “Al the Bugman”) had developed many of them using conventional photo processing methods. That process requires chemicals that, because of their very nature, are not easily or economically disposed. So, to make a long story short, I circumvented that process with a digital camera, a light table and a computer, putting together a “Digital Darkroom”. The photos that accompany the column this week were produced therein.
In June of 2017 I temporarily suspended my work in the digital darkroom while recuperating from hip replacement surgery. By that time I’d cleaned, developed, identified, printed and stored approximately 350 glass negatives. While I certainly intended to resume the work within a few months I was distracted by other matters and didn’t return to it until now (i.e. the very end of September 2018). Ergo:
Working in the digital darkroom is like riding a bike: You never forget. But the one thing you do forget is the overwhelming feeling of surprise as each image materializes on the computer screen. It’s a good thing I don’t wear any socks because they would’ve been knocked off when the accompanying shadows came to life on the monitor of my iMac. Even if I didn’t know who or what I was looking at I would have been impressed by the extraordinary detail of these images. [That’s not always the case.]
The portrait of the lady and gent with the children on their laps is that of my g-grandparents, Ernest “E.T.” and Clarissa Bottomley. The children are their granddaughters, Clara Houseman (right) and my mother baby Ella Roscoe (left). Mr. Bottomley was born in England in 1855 and migrated to the U.S. with his family when he was about seven years old. His mother died during the passage. As a youngster he had worked with his father in the paper mills on the East Coast until his marriage. G-grandmother Bottomley was born in Minnesota in 1858. Clara Houseman was born in Milan, Ohio in 1900 and her cousin, my mother Ella Roscoe, was born in Vermilion in 1906.
The five young people in the other photo are the Bottomley children. The girls (L-R) are Ella Bottomley-Houseman, Ethel Bottomley and Elizabeth “Bessie” Bottomley-Roscoe. The boys are (L-R): Tom and Ernest “Lee” Bottomley. Ella (b.1882) was little Clara’s mother – the little girl on her grandfather’s lap. Ella was married to a fella named Worlie Houseman (b.1874) who operated the grain mills in Birmingham and Vermilion. Ethel (b.1893) eventually married a well-known Vermilion farmer named Norris Welch. And Bessie (b. 1877) was, of course, married to Vermilion News editor Pearl Roscoe. Bessie named her first daughter after her little sister Ella.
Ernest (b.1884) went by his middle name “Lee”. He eventually made his home in Cleveland where he owned and operated several businesses. He was a machinist by trade and was also an inventor. His younger brother Tom (b.1887) graduated from Vermilion High School in 1907. It was, by the way, the first full 4-year term graduating class at Vermilion High. He became a Cleveland pharmacist and made his home in Shaker Heights.
As previously stated, “Even if I did not know who or what I was looking at I would have been impressed by the extraordinary detail of these images.” The wallpaper, curtains and images in picture frames, along with the clothing and jewelry [note the necklace on baby Ella] just knock my socks off. Or at least they would were I wearing any.
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 regular monthly meeting of the village council was held Monday evening. Various subjects of interest were discussed including the providing of a tool house for the scrapers and other property of the village. This will be again brought up.
It was decided to build a 50 ft. breakwater at the foot of Washington Street to extend from the one to be constructed by James Nolan.
A petition signed by residents of Washington and Lake streets asking for a light at the intersection of said streets, was read and referred to lighting committee.
The public grounds committee was given the authority to paint the bandstand one coat of paint and make other repairs.
The council decided to go over the West Shore road with the idea of stoning the road which will be done this fall, if weather permits.
The Council ordered the painting of the road scrapers.
The clerk was instructed to notify the village school board to raise the sidewalk on the west side of school grounds.
W. A. Tischer was present in behalf of several residents in the Northwestern part of town in regard to a sewer but the Council preferred to look over the ground before giving a decision.
Capt. Henry Walper was present to see if anything could be done about his water meter. He claimed it was working overtime and then some and that although he and his family had been at home but part of the time since July 1, according to his figures the meter was running up a bill of over $200. He gave the exact figures. The mayor informed him he should go to the waterworks board. He replied that he could get no satisfaction as they did not have time to investigate before he returned to his boat and to wait until he return for the winter.
After discussing other matters of interest and payments of the bills council adjourned.
Henry Schwensen, age 16, second son of C. Schwensen, the baker, drew his savings from the bank recently, fitted himself out with new clothing, and Saturday, left for parts unknown.
The boy has worked at the bakery, but has had a desire to join the U. S. Navy. His father supposed he had talked him out of the idea, but as his whereabouts is still unknown it may be possible that he left home with the intention of enlisting.
Mary M. Eddy has filed suit for divorce and alimony from Clarence A. Eddy on charge of gross neglect of duty. Mr. Eddy is at present in the Santa Fe Isle of Pines. The couple have one child, a daughter.
Three contracts were awarded as follows:
For repairing bridge number V. 112, Vermilion Township, to Truett and Rikeman.
For backfilling and re-toning roadway across bridge number M. 103, Milan Township, to Truett and Rikeman.
For improvements to bridge number V. 101, Vermilion Township, to Shchomer and Englebry.
The prohibitionists of Erie County have come forward with a ticket for the county offices. George H. Peeke Chairman, and H. L. Peeke secretary of the prohibition County convention, have certified the list of nominations with the County board of elections.
Following is the ticket:
For Representative – James Buck, of Berlinville.
For Clerk Of Courts – William S. Lipus, of Berlin Heights.
For Sheriff – Angus Cole, of Huron.
For Auditor – Charles L. Soutar of Sandusky.
For Commissioners – William Dotson, Berlinville; Jacob Hornig, of Vermilion, and John Cole, of Huron.
For Treasurer – Edward Lincoln, of Sandusky.
For Recorder – Ed. M. Coff, of Berlin Heights.
For Infirmary Directors – E. J. Beecher, of Wakeman; Samuel Bell, of the Soldiers Home, and Clayton Morey, of Perkins Township.
The nomination of Joel Burkett of Fremont for State senator from the 13th senatorial district, has also been certified to the board.
A man claiming to be W. Dawl, from nowhere in particular was taken to the county infirmary Saturday morning, suffering with a broken leg and badly bruised. He claimed to have been thrown from a fast train. The doctors here rendered the necessary medical aid and having no money Director Morse took him in charge.
This Inez Arndt is recovering from a severe attack of illness.
John Brandan is reported critically ill.
The committee is busy locating sites for hydrants this week.
There are now 318 pupils enrolled in the various Township districts.
Mrs. Wm. Guild was operated at St. Joseph's Hospital Lorain Sunday.
John and Jacob Sabiers have opened a new grocery store in the ship's Schuyler block.
Adam Jaeger is still very ill and his many friends fear for his recovery.
Born – to Mr. and Mrs. Adam Letz, a daughter, Monday, October 3, 1910.
Miss Cora Baker is recovering as rapidly as can be expected and will probably be brought home from the hospital this week.
Mrs. Charles Edwards who underwent an operation at Memorial Hospital at Elyria, was brought home Saturday.
Henry Petty is congratulating himself on his luck as a few days ago, when walking through the woods, he found several missing pigs and a litter of 79 young ones.
Miss Mary Behrendt, age 42, died Friday afternoon after an illness of several months. A mother, three sisters, Mrs. Stang, of Elyria, Mrs. John Wurmnest in Miss Hulda Behrendt, survive.
The funeral services of Mrs. Sarah A. Straw, a well-known resident of Amherst, was held on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the home. Several sisters are left to mourn their loss.
Prof. Jones is reported on the gain.
Mr. Mrs. Ed Boone of Florence were in town Saturday evening calling on relatives.
Henry Peabody attended the funeral of his aunt, Mrs. Nat Peabody Tuesday forenoon.
This Katie Kishman is slowly recovering from her recent sickness.
Mrs. William Huff is on the sick list.
N. Wagner of Vermilion is buying grapes in this vicinity.
Charles Johnson had a valuable dog hit by the limited Monday.
A. R. Rumsey received his Saxony rug Saturday, the largest rug in the state, size 32 x 52', weight 740 pounds, for his new building.
C. W. Kishman has finished picking and shipping his peaches. He reports good shipments and good prices.
The Lorain artists that have been doing the decorating at the park have completed their work and is pronounced by critics as a fine piece of work.
Will Newberry is building a new fruit cellar this fall.
Miss Clara Dalzell has been sick for a week past.
Mrs. Ezra Betz is very sick with typhoid fever.
Miss Geraldine Shupe, widow of the late Clarence Shupe, died at the Toledo State Hospital Monday morning. The remains were brought to Milan and a brief funeral service was conducted at the cemetery Wednesday afternoon, by Rev. W. H. Oswalt.
Geraldine M. Jones was born at Joppa, Erie County, Ohio, November 23, 1847. Died in Toledo Ohio, September 26, 1910 age 62 years, 10 months and two days. She was married to Clarence E. Shupe by Darwin Fay, Justice of the peace, on September 23, 1883. Mr. Shupe died September 20, 1907.
They are survived by one son, Alva C. Shupe.
Alva Jones, of Sterling Michigan, a brother of Mrs. Shupe, attended the funeral. – Milan Ledger.
The water works department in Cleveland is attempting to revise water rates in that city and the method of charging residents according to the number of rooms in a house is pronounced unfair. This is the same plan that is used in Vermilion. A family of six may live in a house of six rooms and $5.00 per year, while two persons may reside in a 10 room house and pay $7.00 dollars per year and yet not use even one third as much water as the one who pays $5.00. Although the rates prevailing here were not made by the present B. P. A. we believe it is now time to make a revision and do away with some of the obsolete methods have changed [sic]. And again, it does not cost any more to pump a thousand gallons for a private residence than for the L. S. & MM. S. Ry. yet the former must pay about four times as much. Why so much difference?
A family pays $2.00 extra for a sprinkling permit and uses the water two or three hours a day for at least three months in the year while his neighbor is asked to pay $5.00 extra for the use of his power washer two or three hours each week. Just think this over. Ask what your friend who lives in Norwalk, Sandusky, Oberlin or Elyria pays.
Call 19 when you have an item.
Charles Baumhart who has been very ill for several months at his home at Oberlin is reported slightly improved.
Sorosis holds the first meeting of the year at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Kane tomorrow (Friday) evening.
Born, Friday afternoon, two Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Higgins, of Lake Avenue, an eight pound boy. – Elyria Telegram.
F. M. McClintock, who has had charge of the Linwood Hotel and the grocery at the park for the past few seasons, has purchased the Oberlin, a bakery and restaurant of W. D. Hobbs at Oberlin.
NOW is a good time to discuss the Library question again.
Born – Monday, Oct. 3, 1910, to Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Christian, a daughter.
The Crystal Theatre will be opened on Saturday night this week under new management with new machine and first-class class films.
William Leidheiser Mrs. Emma Leidheiser were in Ashtabula last week to witness the launching of the new fish tub, Charles A. Potter. The tug is expected here the first of the week will be added to the fishing fleet of the Leidheiser brothers company.
Edward, the two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Baumhardt fell and broke his collarbone Sunday. The family were visiting at the home of C. Sprankle at Brownhelm when the little fellow fell from the granary door.
The Edna D. took another party of Vermillion nights to the island fishing grounds for a day sport Sunday. Fred and Myron Englebry, Dr. Derr and Steve Stevenson were among those who went.
Clarence, the little son of Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Coen was taken to a Cleveland hospital the first of the week for treatment. The little fellow has been ill with stomach trouble for the past several weeks.
Mrs. A. A. Pearl of Norwalk, daughter of Mrs. Margaret White of Vermilion, lies very ill at St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain. Mrs. Pearl has been ailing for a long time and underwent an operation last week hope of securing relief.
Latest news from the bedside of Charles Delker who has been ill for the past several weeks is that he is somewhat improved. The malady from which he suffers is pronounced "myelitis", a disease of the spine causing partial paralysis. His many Vermilion friends hope for still more encouraging news.
The "Golden age" has arrived in the harbor for the winter.
Born – to Mr. and Mrs. George Ashley a son Saturday.
Mrs. Mary Wright is picking grapes on the island.
Frank Holiday who formerly resided here is reported seriously ill with typhoid fever at Flint, Mich.
Mrs. C. Sperry as reported a little better at this writing.
Hmmmmmm....
Simeon Huntington, sergeant; wounded at Stone River; died from wounds January 19, 1863.
Alonzo R. Sharp, corporal; discharged for disability June 1, 1863.
Henry J. Bly, corporal; discharged February 17, 1863, for wounds received at Stone River.
Joshua B. Davis, corporal; transferred to First United States Engineers July 29, 1864
William D. Taylor, corporal; promoted to sergeant January 25, 1864; mustered out with company.
Francis L. Pease, corporal; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps April 6,1864.
William B. Rice, corporal; promoted to sergeant January 25, 1863.
Jacob Merkley, corporal; mustered out with company.
John W. Ward, corporal; discharged for disability March 8, 1863.
George W. Hill, musician; died at Perryville, Ky., November 12, 1862.
William P. Barton, wagoner; mustered out with company.
Harper Austin, mustered out with company.
Seth A. Barton, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 4, 1864.
William P. Bartow, no record found.
William Burrell, died in service.
Allen M. Curran, promoted to sergeant January 25, 1863.
William H. Carpenter, discharged for disability January 15, 1863.
Edwin Claflin, discharged April 5, 1865, by reason of accidental wound. Robert Cullen, mustered out with company.
Wilbur F. Cowles, promoted to first sergeant January 25, 1863; captured at battle of Chickamauga.
William H. Covell, transferred to Marine Corps May 3, 1863.
John W. Dodge, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 4, 1864.
Milton C. Dodge, missing in battle at Chickamauga September 20, 1863.
Simeon A. Davis, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 3, 1864.
Charles B. Dennis, mustered out with company. Henry M. Elwood, discharged for disability December 20, 1862.
Sidney W. Faxton, discharged for disability January 28, 1863.
James C. Fitch, discharged for disability May 29, 1865.
Amos W. Fox, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps July 1, 1863.
Alfred Foreman, discharged for disability January 14, 1863.
Theodore Ford, wounded,in battle at Chickamauga, Tenn., September 19,1863.
Alfred Grant, discharged for disability January 24, 1863.
Leonard Gay, discharged for disability January 10, 1863.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN NORTH KOREA: One of my brothers, Phil, took this portrait off a wall in a N. Korean enemy headquarters when he was behind enemy lines in that country on 1 October 1950. This is, obviously, current N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s grandfather Kim Il-Sung.
The People’s Assembly unanimously elected Sung President of North Korea in 1948. He was then proclaimed the "Eternal President of the Republic”.
I don’t know where I found this thing. One day I was just going through some old papers and came upon it. I would not call it a “war prize”. But it is an artifact.
Husband: When I get mad at you, you never fight back. How do you control your anger?
Wife: I clean the toilet...
Husband: How does that help?
Wife: I use your toothbrush....
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. 17. Issue 31 - October 6, 2018
Archive Issue #812
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