Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: This week are pix of Mill Hollow – now a Lorain County park called the Mill Hollow Bacon Woods Park – part of the Lorain County Metro-park system. Both show the park long before it was a park. I guess I am one of the lucky ones who knew the area when it was essentially unsullied by corporate preservationists in search a picnic area to sully in the name of progress.
THE MILL IN THE HOLLOW: This 1876 "snapshoot" of the mill in the place that eventually became Mill Hollow - Lorain Metro-Parks Vermilion River Reservation - has appeared in several local history books. It is the only photograph of “the mill” that I've ever seen. But I'm certain that deep inside a chest in someone's attic or closet there are others.
The positions of the Bacon House and the mill are marked in the photograph to allow readers an idea as to how they were / are situated in the hollow. Just visible to the left of the house is the road which led into the hollow from the northeast.
A mill existed when Benjamin Bacon purchased the property in 1835. The house was constructed in 1845. And when Bacon died in 1868 the mill was sold to a man named John H. Hyman / Heymann. When Mr. Heymann purchased the mill from the Benjamin Bacon family in 1868 water powered the mill. Destroyed by fire in 1876 it was powered by steam when it was rebuilt the following year.
The accompanying drawing affords one a better idea of just where the mill was located in the hollow. [However; I am nonetheless compelled to go and see what is left myself. My brother-in-law, Dave Wilkes, told me that the foundation - as well as a "ditch” that originally provided waterpower for the mill - still exist.]
As most folks know the river winds through the hollow in what may be termed to be a "U" shape. So - to power the mill a "ditch" was cut between the two arms of the "U" shape to let water through to provide power for the mill. The mill pictured in the drawing, however, appears to be powered by steam. Ergo the drawing must be c.1877.
I note that the owner's name "Heymann" is also spelled as "Hyman" in other histories of the place. Variances in the spellings are not uncommon in historical records. But it's helpful for interested parties to understand that they do exist - and what they are.
In 1876 the mill burned to the ground and another - a steam powered mill - was built the following year. Bacon's son, Frederick, bought the mill back in 1879. And sometime in 1890's it was sold to an "A" and "D" Christman. They - however incredible we may currently find such an accomplishment to be - moved it to the Village of Vermilion.
Apparently, the mill that once occupied the site of what is currently the "Mill Manor" eldercare facility on south Exchange Street was the place where the mill had been relocated. The owner, one David Christman, his wife, Elizabeth, and his children, George, Maggie, and Arthur, lived in a home on nearby State Street.
And lastly a brief anecdote sent to me by Vermilion expatriate K. (Dickason) Kvach - now living in Virginia - after reading a piece I wrote about Mill Hollow in one of my web pages:
"...You wrote about the Bacon family--here's a good story for you about a woman who lived in the huge ramshackle house at the top of Mill Hollow on [sic]East Lake Rd. (Vermilion Road) right before you went down to the Hollow (and it had a huge, wonderful barn behind it) She was a Bacon and quite elderly even when you and I were kids, but I just can't think of her first name--anyhow my dad was great friends with her and was her doctor. He'd go out to visit her and they'd talk Vermilion history, etc. and one day she invited him to look through this gigantic run-down house of hers, just crammed with antiques and junk (sometimes I'd go with him so I can tell you that I - probably 8-9 or so - thought that it was a badly kept museum) He found two or three original Currier and Ives paintings stashed away in a corner - at least that's what he thought, and with her permission he took them to (I think) Case Western Reserve where it was verified that they were originals. On another day she offered to give me an antique woman's side saddle - I don't remember having it at home so I guess I wasn't allowed to accept it, but I do remember how thrilled I was that she offered it to me..."
A wonderful memory among memories of a place that is as wonderful today (at least most times) as it was in a yesteryear.
Historically,
Albert H. Hart Sr. (1887-1956): went into business on August 2, 1912 after he acquired a store located in what was once known as the Krapp and Goodsell Building [Pictured - where Lee's Landing is today). He then purchased the aforementioned building on the northwest corner of Liberty & Main Streets, put in a central heating system, took out a wall that once divided the room, and rebuilt the store front. When the building was ready, he moved his drug store to this site.
n June of 1920 Albert H. Hart (pictured in his first store) brought a property from John E. Stang of Sandusky, Ohio. It was known as the Warner property and identified as lots 72-73 & 74. The warranty deed is dated November 3, 1920
ACKLEY: THE MUSIC MAN: The Grand Army of the Republic (aka. G.A.R.) was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army, Union Navy, Marines and the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War. It was founded in 1866 in Springfield, Illinois, and grew to include hundreds of "posts" across the nation. It was comparable to present-day veterans organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and AmVets. It dissolved in 1956 upon the death of its last member Albert Woolson of Duluth, Minnesota. But back in the early years of the 20th century it was still a very strong and active organization all across our nation.
In Vermilion the G.A.R. Chapter was known as the Delker Post. It was named in honor of Captain Henry Delker. Delker was born in Baden, Germany on the 4th day of July in 1836. He passed from life (as near as I can tell) at exactly 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 1890 in Vermilion, Ohio. He was, oddly enough, a belated casualty of the American Civil War. Wounded in the Battle of Nashville in December of 1864 the bullet he received on that battlefield 26 years earlier had finally proven fatal. But that is another story.
In the early years of the 20th century the Delker Post of the G.A.R. organized the band seen posing for the accompanying portrait. It was taken in Exchange Park about 1911. In September of that same year Vermilion hosted a big band convention inviting bands from all over the region to attend. Although some of the band members pictured may have been veterans from the War of the Rebellion, most were actually relatives of veterans (like my grandfather) or just local musicians who were talented and enjoyed being part of the company.
Pictured in the Top Row: John Krapp, Alfred Buell, Clarence Walper, Pearl Roscoe, Jake Baumhart, John Becker, Miles Lawless, Otto Kuehlman, George Becker, Phil Darley, and Charles Horton. Middle Row: Tony Becker, Carl Blair, Ralph Risden, Charles Krapp, T.J. Ball, Ed Law, Fred Morgan, Creight Powell and John Malik. Bottom Row: P.B. Morgan, August Schwensen, Will Krapp, Earl Childs, Fred Krapp, Walter Murschell, Henry Reis, Cliff Squires and E.B. Ackley the band director. Ackley is also pictured in the middle inset.
Band Director Ackley was truly an interesting personality. He was born Eugene Baker Ackley on the first day of November in 1871 in Illinois and died in Sandusky on the first day of September in 1957 at the tender age of 85 years. He was, of course, a consummate musician. But he was also a talented businessman. In fact, when he died, he was board chairman of the Western Security Bank in Sandusky.
He began his musical career while a youngster as a trouper with the traveling Gorman Minstrel Show and with that show played in every state in the union during the 1880s. In the late 1880s a member of The Great Western Band, then performing at Cedar Point, noting the unusual musical ability of one member of the Gorman troupe (namely Ackley), got in touch with him and brought him to Sandusky to join Western group.
The Great Western Band had been founded in 1867 by a man named Charles Baetz, one of the early (1888) general managers of the Cedar Point Pleasure Resort Company. The Western Band played for both daily concerts and dances at the resort. Shortly after he began performing with the band it “disbanded” [sic] and he formed his own band and with it continued to perform at Cedar Point.
However, his band was but one of many he organized and directed over ensuing years. Vermilion’s award winning G.A.R. Band was but one of them. In addition to it he directed the Zenobia Shrine band in Toledo. And in Sandusky he organized an orchestra that played for numerous formal events in the region. He frequently acted as a guest director of a large Sandusky High School orchestra and organized a large and valuable library of music for the school. In his spare time, he operated (of all things) a pool and billiard parlor and was also engaged in the wholesale tobacco business. He was also an active member of local Masonic lodge becoming a Master Mason; a member of the Shriners in Toledo; the Sandusky Elks, Eagles, Odd Fellows and director of the Erie County Ohio Automobile Club.
When he passed away, he was serving as the chairman of the Good Samaritan Hospital building fund and, as previously indicated, board chairman of the Western Security Bank. So, to be sure Band Director Ackley, the music man passed, but the harmonies he put together during his lifetime certainly did not. He had simply passed the baton.
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...
On July 6, 1911, one of the engineering assists visited Vermilion for the purpose of inspecting the water purification plant, the following report was submitted:
In a report of October 6, 1910, [sic] information may be found regarding the method of operation of the Vermilion water purification plant. The method remains unchanged accepting that the filters are operated for a longer period of time each 24 hours than they have been previous to this summer. The filters are operated at the present time 14 to 18 hours each day. The consumption during the summer season, at which time the resorts along the lake are supplied, is, on average, 300,000 gallons per day. This increased consumption probably does not overwork the filters more than before, owing to the increased number of hours which they are operated. At the time of the inspection only 0.7 grain of alum was being used, which produced an excellent flock and caused no trouble whatever in the operation of the filters. The filter is washed once each day. The suction line has not been changed, but still draws from the bottom of the settling tank, with the same results as previously noted.
QUALITY OF WATER. Three separate bowls were collected for an analysis. One of raw water from a tap connected with the raw water pump; one of settled water from the top of the filter; and one filtered water from a tap on the efficient effluent piping. Chemical and bacterial samples were shipped to the laboratory for analysis, the results of which show the filter to be producing a water of excellent sanitary qualities. The raw was not seriously polluted, so that the purification required of the filter was not great. The number of bacteria while not extremely high, is probably increased during transportation. The chemical results, together with the absence of bacteria of intestinal origin, indicate the water to be wholesome and suitable as a public supply.
The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce held a special meeting Saturday evening for the purpose of considering a proposition for the location of the barrel and box factory here. A letter from Mr. Miller who was at the head of the concern was read. He stated a proposition on the old duplex stamping plant. It was decided that insofar as Mr. Miller had not stated anything as to what he would do in return for what he wanted the secretary should write to Mr. Miller and ask him to state the same so that some action could be taken.
Mr. F. Driscoll stated that a man had been in Vermilion looking for a site for a reduction plan for the refuse from the fish houses. He said it was badly needed as the fishermen had no place to dispose of the fish refuse excepting to dump them into the lake. This matter was referred to the industrial community for investigation. The meeting then adjourned.
Capt. Joshua Bailey would be pleased to recover $34.00 which he lost over a week ago upon the street. He went into the Erie Co. Bank and drew the money and put it into a watch pocket and as he thought, pinned it securely. When he attempted to get it, it was missing. He thinks he probably failed to get it into the pocket and lost it on the street.
Dominic Salvaggion [sic] and Rocco Klawetch, Kelly’s Island murder suspects, were ushered into the presence of Judge Scott B. Stahl in the Court of Common Pleas Tuesday morning, but did not enter pleas to indictments returned against them, as it was thought they would.
As the men are both without means Attorney George W. Ritter, was appointed by the court to conduct their defense. They will be arraigned next Friday morning.
Salvaggio and Klawetched [sic] were handcuffed before they were led to and from the county jail. They had nothing to say.
Henry Christian, the Florence tp. farmhand who upon two different occasions, last summer, pulled spikes from the tracks of the Lake Shore Railway Co., once near Vermilion and later, just outside the eastern limits of Sandusky, will serve a year in the penitentiary. The sentence was imposed by Judge Stahl in the Court of Common Pleas.
The Lorain W. R. C. Has brought suit against the G.A.R. to recover a piano and other large furniture. They claim to have been barred from the Lodge room.
It is expected that every criminal case with the exception of the Kelly’s Island murder indictments will be off the Common Pleas docket by the last of next week. Several may be taken up this week and half a dozen are assigned for next week.
Matters have moved quickly in the Common Pleas court ever since the Port Clinton man took the bench, and he is given credit for the state of affairs.
Up to the time of going to press (1:00 P.M.) Today, nothing has been heard of Chris Kropf, age 75 years. Mr. Kropf has been in the habit of buying potatoes, etc. of the farmers to peddle about town, and Wednesday night he went to Joe Myers place on the West River road to buy potatoes. He left there with his rig about 10 o’clock at night and has disappeared as completely as though the earth had swallowed him and his outfit.
Searching parties have been out and still no tidings. What has become of him is a mystery.
Mr. Kropf lives with a daughter and a native of Switzerland. He was in town selling “truck” Tuesday. A son, John Kropf lives south of town.
[NOTE: This should prove to be interesting.]
Geo. L. Krapp who left here a few years ago for parts unknown returned Saturday and is employed at the Krapp café. The past several months has been spent in St. Louis.
Negotiations are underway to bring a basket factory to Amherst.
The funeral services of the infant son of T. Rego was held from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Friday morning and remains interred in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Mrs. John Ludwig entertained her old classmates Saturday evening, to a genuine old fashion husking bee. Apples, cider, pumpkin pie and other farm delicacies were served. A fine time is reported.
Mrs. Simpson, who is on the sick list is being cared for by her daughter from Marion, O.
Herbert Schmidt who for several years has conducted a bazaar here, has gone out of business.
Huron now has a postal savings bank in connection with its post office and Wm. Tyler takes care of the business.
The Huron Cement, Tile and Brick Company of Huron with the capital stock of $10,000 has been incorporated in the office of the Secretary of State at Columbus. The incorporators are H. H. Anderson, F. William Kurzenberger, Charles J. Varina, W. F. Black and Hazel Kehren.
Three indictments each for first degree murder were returned against Rocco Klawetch, alias Rocco Levecchia and Dominic Salvaggio by the grand jury at 3 o’clock Friday afternoon. Each defendant is charged with the knife killing Antonio Barlaina, alias Antonio Imberlino; Vinzienzo Barlaina; alias Jim Barlaina, alias Vinzienzo Imberlino, and Antonio Viscarlo.
Each of the indictments also alleges that the murderous acts were committed during the commission of robberies. The indictments contain counts accusing the men of committing the crimes with knives and shooting their victims with revolvers. The defendants are the two men said to have been guilty of three murders at Kelly’s Island, and brought back to the state from Pittsburgh by Sheriff Reuter.
[NOTE: I had trouble following these names. I wonder how the judge took it?]
An indictment against William Fenton and Clarence Parker for burglary and larceny was also returned by the grand jury. There were two secret indictments. Seven matters were heard, one ignored, six true bills returned and forty-four witnesses examined.
It has been given out that Vermilion is to have a postal savings bank to be opened Nov. 21, 1911. As yet Postmaster Kane has received no official instructions but the “News” will publish the instructions in full.
Amherst postal savings bank, the first third class bank to be open, was open Wednesday.
There are over 30,000 Eastern Star members in Ohio, according to the report of Grand Secretary Jeanette S. May. The grand treasurer Elizabeth M. Walton, reported that there was $9000 in the treasury of the grand chapter. 3200 registered at the meeting of the grand chapter in Cleveland.
Charles Poyer, with his mother, moved to Vermilion from their country home last April, died Oct. 16, 1911, at the age of 39 years and 4 months. He had been in poor health for some years and everything was done for him to aid his recovery. He leaves to mourn his death his mother, Mrs. Lenora M. Poyer, one brother, D. M. Poyer and two sisters, Mrs. Rae N. Hollis and Mrs. Maude H. McQueen, besides a large number of friends.
His wife preceded him some eight years ago last January and his father by about a year, his Burial having taken place October 16, 1910.
During all his sickness he was ever hopeful and when Rev. Harrold called on him Saturday afternoon he spoke of their moving to another house and said he will enjoy the sunny room upstairs where he could get out on the veranda and expected to improve. He was well read on all subjects and well qualified for a business life, which if health had permitted would’ve made a success. We several times spoke to him of the Great Physician and that he should fully trust him, and he responded, “that is our only hope.”
The funeral was conducted from the home at 1 o’clock Thursday, Oct. 19, 1911, by Rev. T. H. D. Harrold, and after a few remarks from the text found in 1 Sam. 20 – 3, “There is but a step between me and death”. Burial was made at Maple Grove Cemetery.
P. J. Havice has so far recovered from his fall as to be able to come to town. He fell the distance of about 11 feet while picking apples one day last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Griesel and daughter and Miss Elsie Hahn visited their brother-in-law, Ed Wendt at the hospital Sunday. Mr. Wendt was taken very suddenly with appendicitis and was operated upon. He is doing as well as can be expected.
The lady employees of the Wakefield Brass factory are anticipating a pleasant time at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schmoll Friday evening.
The Carey summer home in this place was closed today for the winter. Mrs. W. P. Carey and Mrs. Manning leaving for Chicago this noon, their sister Mrs. M. J. Haley and daughter Genevieve of Helena, Mt. accompanied them and will go to their Montana homes.
W. A. McCurdy, state school inspector, of Columbus, visited our schools today and said he was pleased the state that he found them above the average. He said he had no fault to find with the manner in which they are conducted. This is certainly encouraging.
BORN – to Mr. Mrs. George Page, a son, Sunday, October 22, 1911.
Harvest Home services to be held at the German Reformed church next Sunday.
Farmers – Have you noticed the improvement made at the Birmingham Flour and Feed Mill.
Miss Agnes Squires of Wakeman made a success with her hats last Thursday and Friday, but was just as unfortunate on her journey home by losing her purse. She will return on the same days of next week with hopes of better luck.
BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. Philip Zilch, Oct. 23rd, a baby girl.
Miss Alice Brill of Amherst is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brill.
The work of raising the Congregational Church was begun Monday. It is planned to build a basement, install a furnace and make other improvements and repairs.
Mr. Ed Shattuck, last Thursday made a trip to in his auto to Avery on business. He was accompanied by Miss Alice Shupe and Mrs. Chas. Curtis of this place and Mrs. I.W. Hoag of Berlinville.
…ran, who came to Sandusky in 1832, just at the time of the first cholera outbreak, and rendered efficient service during its continuance. He died in July, 1845. Dr. Elwood Stanley came here during the cholera epidemic of 1849, and rendered efficient service during that and the subsequent cholera periods.
Waitsell Hastings commenced the practice of medicine in Oxford town ship as early as 1811, but he afterward moved to Parkerstown, a hamlet of Groton township, where he died. Dr. Strong succeeded Dr. Hastings in Oxford, and was, in turn, himself succeeded by Dr. Carpenter. The latter subsequently moved west, and Dr. George Carpenter took his place. Dr. Isaac Rogers, a Botanical physician, also practiced in Oxford. At Huron Dr. Ansolem Guthrie located in 1813, but after four years removed to Canada. Dr. McCrea, a former resident of New Jersey, practiced in Huron township at a very early day. Dr. Charles H. Leggett came here in 1830, and practiced at the village about two years. He was drowned in the Huron River in 1832. Dr. George S. Haskins settled at Huron in 1832, and Dr. Joseph Caldwell in 1833.
The first physician of Berlin township was Dr. George S. Baker, who located here in 1822. Dr. Xenophon Phillips, Dr. Guthrie, Dr. Harkness, Dr. Fay, Dr. Daniel Butler, also David Butler, — the latter a “root and herb" physician — practiced here, but all were not resident practitioners. Among others of later years were Professor L. B. Hill and Dr. George S. Hill. In Margaretta, Dr. Hartshorne established at Venice as early as 1817; Dr. Samuel Carpenter at Castalia in 1824, and at the same place Dr. M. J. Morseman came in 1836 Drs. James F. Wilson, R. C. Luce and J. D. McKim were also quite early physicians of Margaretta. Dr. Strong seems to have been the pioneer of the profession in Vermillion. Dr. A. E. Merrill, formerly probate judge of the county, and F. C. McConnelly were settlers of a later day.
Dr. George Hastings applied the healing art to the people of Groton township as early as 1810. He died in 1864. In Perkins Dr. Richard P. Christopher performed a like service commencing in 1815, and in Milan were Drs. Goodwin and Guthrie.
The first steps looking to the organization of a medical society were taken while the lands embraced by Erie county were included within the territorial limits of Huron, and at a time when the idea of establishing such a county as Erie was unconceived. On the 10th of April, 1824, an order was promulgated by the press (the old Clarion), which being copied herein will fully explain itself.
“MEDICAL NOTICE.—Pursuant to an act to incorporate medical societies for the purpose of regulating the practice of physic and surgery in this State, I hereby notify the medical gentlemen, resident in the counties of Richland, Huron, Lorain, Sandusky and Seneca, that a meeting will be holden at Norwalk, the last Tuesday of May next, at 10 o'clock A. M., for the purpose of or-…
STILL CURIOUS: : I am unable to say anything much about this counter chair / stool so I am running this again; A fella stopped by last week and showed it to me telling me that someone said it was originally from Hart’s Drug Store. I really don’t know.
He took it to the store (now Big Ed’s Soda Grill) to see if they wanted it to place in their window. He wanted $50 for it – but the grill owners didn’t want it. Consequently he brought it back and gave it to me. He thought that if it was a Vermilion thing it should stay in Vermilion – somewhere.
I don’t have any proof that it was ever in the drugstore. I also haven’t been able to identify it. I searched through the internet for a similar seat to no avail.
So in short, I can’t tell ye anything about it, other than the fact that it is old.
Benny Cohen was pulled out of the ocean by a lifeguard. His wife ran over sobbing, "Benny! Benny, what happened?!"
"Madam, please don't get hysterical," said the lifeguard. "I'm just going to give your husband some artificial respiration and he'll be fine."
"What!" Mrs. Cohen yelled. "My Benny gets either real respiration or nothing."
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 “Tripping: A Writer’s Journeys.” Signed copies of her new book can be purchased for $15.00 at the Southside Sentinel office or by mail by writing Rappahannock Press, Box 546, Urbanna, VA and adding $6.00 to cover mailing costs and tax. Contact:glongest@ssentinel.com.
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 34 - October 26, 2019
Archive Issue #867
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