Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: By the first decade of the 20th century Mamoru and Marie Okagi were established restauranteurs in the little Village of Vermilion. During their early years the name of the eatery was the “Vermilion” restaurant.
The photo on my home desk this week is the Vermilion restaurant c. 1910. It was located on the south side of Liberty street in the building now housing the Symphony Massage and Spa business. The shop next door (right / west) was J.A. Klaar’s Harness shop. On the other side (left / east) of the eatery was an empty lot used for storage by the Pelton-Mcgraw / Trinter-Unser / Unser-Seely General Store. (Those are the various names of owners through the years and I’m not certain who owned the place when this pic was taken.)
Okagi was a Japanese national. His wife was French. Before she met and married Okagi she had worked in Elyria, Ohio as a nurse. Together they made their restaurant famous throughout northern Ohio. Mary, dying of cancer, committed suicide in May of 1942.
BEFORE ANYONE ASKS: Yes, Okagi was in Vermilion during WW2. And no, he was never incarcerated. He was questioned by the FBI – but that’s all. I suspect (only suspect) that he had information for the feds that made him an asset. They never bothered him. Before and after the war he often visited his homeland. I assume he had many relatives in that country.
In the latter part of the 1950s or early 60s he turned the restaurant over to his foster-sons, Russ Vasbinder and Cecil Thomas, and went to California. While living in L.A. he remarried. He died there in December of 1958 at the tender age of 76.
On the shoptop this week is a snapshot of the lunch counter inside Okagi’s. I’ve not had this pic very long and was very surprised to learn that there was such a counter in the place. Although I was about town when the restaurant was in operation, I never entered the place. I think I was under the impression (in my youthful years) that it was a high-class restaurant.
I should confess, however, that when I was a kid I didn’t care for restaurant food. It was only when I was about 14 (after I went to work in one) that I was really became comfortable with eating out. (I still prefer eating at home.)
But this was Okagi’s lunch counter. And I don’t recognize any of the faces or names in this pic.
FOOTNOTE RE: THE BRIEFS SECTION: For months and months the Briefs part of the page have been (to be redundant) brief. But this week there was a figurative “ton” of stuff to transcribe. It caught me off guard.
I had skipped ahead to 1918 files one day last week in order to do a little research about the Spanish Flu epidemic in Vermilion for Jordanna Joy (a reporter for the Lorain Journal). And when I returned to my regular review of 1912 News files, I was surprised to find so much stuff waiting.
Don’t’ get me wrong. It is all interesting (at least to me). But as I transcribe vocally using Dragon Dictate software my voice tired. I don’t generally speak so often or so much.
Additionally, the transcriptions I make with the software are not 100% accurate (about 80%). Consequently, it is necessary to proof every word and sentence, so things make sense.
Anyway, this week in 1912 things seem to really jumping around the village. I can hardly wait to see what’s in store next week.
Historically,
AND WHEN THE SUN ROSE ON SUNDAY LAST: Geo and I walked out onto our front porch at the Olympic Outing Club to discover that a new pond had formed in what, in a manner of speaking, is the front yard of many of the homes at the club. The geese were having a good ol’ time. I call it Lake Olympia.
It was gone by Thursday.
NOW SHOWING: My Work During the Pandemic: During these days of safe distancing / stay-at-home I have initially busied myself working with a Theta V 360° camera.
Last week you may have seen a still – and perhaps one of the videos taken with this instrument. Over the last few days I’ve done two more videos of rooms in the museum; one at home; and one still shot with this camera. I’m finding that a still 360° works better sometimes because it allows the viewer time to look around. The videos are “timed” recordings and run out.
I’ve placed two in the VHM Theatre (link below) and some are on several Facebook pages. But working between two computers and at least three Facebook pages is cause for some confusion (at least for me).
I’m not very happy with the vids. They need some work. And I need some experience with the camera. The camera is operated via my cell phone and I don’t care for cell phones (or any phones for that matter). But be that as it is, using this 360° camera is actually the first time I’ve ever become more acquainted with my cell phone. Most of the time I don’t turn it on because of all the robo calls. The phone has been more of a convenience for me - until now.
Nonetheless, the videos hopefully afford folks better access to the museum during this time in our lives. I hope you like them. When the weather gets a bit better (hopefully this week or weekend) I want to do a 360° of the Olympic Club and some other work outside the museum.
Anyway, have a look. And stay safe.
In the meantime all the video and audio files can be seen (depending on your browser) at:and / or...
and / or...
MY NOTES: What follows is the information I sent to Lorain Journal reporter Jordanna Joy re: The Great Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 – as it pertained to Vermilion. The article she wrote was never published in ink. But it was online. She didn’t use everything you find here – but I didn’t expect her to use all of it. I’m publishing the notes here because I want to keep them handy. Moreover, I believe readers might find them of some interest as well.
JORDANA -
I scanned through some of the old Vermilion News weekly issues starting with Effie Baumhart’s death from the flu in November of 1918. What I discovered was that most of the attention was given to people and events surrounding WW1. I don’t really find that unusual. There were 2 wars going on – 1 with Germany and the other with germs / the Spanish Flu pandemic. WW1 was getting most of the attention.
The flu was not ignored. Generally it seemed that folks were trying to stay away from crowds just as they are today. But the rules pertaining to gatherings and various businesses were, from what I gather, up to the Mayors and Councils of individual communities.
One thing I found particularly amusing was that some Vermilionites seemed annoyed by the fact that on “paydays” many Lorainites came to Vermilion because the saloons in Lorain had been made to close (or had shorter hours) due to the flu. Some mention was also made of the fact that Lorain had been hit very hard by the pandemic – so I guess that explains it.
What follows is mostly a list of Vermilion residents who died from the flu following Mrs. Baumhart’s death. Some did not opening say that the flu was the cause of death – their cause of death was attributed to pneumonia which I believe was caused by the flu. Most were rather well-known locals.
EFFIE CLARA WASHBURN-BAUMHART – B. 02-10-1883 – D. 11-01.1918
CELIA KAMPS – B. 1902 – D. 10-27-1918
FLOSSIE A. ABELL-KNITTLE – AGE 20
ALBERT WAKEFIELD COPELAND – B.8-23-1887 – D. 11-15-1918
LEON “LEE” TISCHER – B.5-22-1886 – D. 11-17-1918
MRS. OZZIE PELTON-WAGNER – AGE 47
WHOLE FAMILY ILL – THE A. L. WILTING FAMILY WITH 5 CHILDREN – DECEMBER 1918
EMILY TIMMS-COPELAND – B-5-12-1878 – D.12-12-1918
MICHAEL SCHMIDT DEAD – FORMER OWNER OF VERMILION’S PICTURE SHOW – HE HAD MOVED TO HURON.
MRS. CHARLES BAATZ-KUHL – AGE 32
I only followed the deaths in Vermilion from Effie’s demise to March 1st 1919. I don’t doubt that there were more. Some before and some after this time.
During this time one headline read: U.S. HEALTH SERVICE ISSUES WARNING – INCREASE IN ALL RESPIRATORY DISEASES AFTER THE INFLUENZE PROBABLE
PARTIAL EFFIE BIO: Effie Clara Washburn-Baumhart was born on 10 February 1883 (d. 1/11/1918) was a descendant of one of the areas earliest settlers. Her father, Wheeler Fairchild Washburn was born in Vermilion in 1841. Wheeler’s great grandfather, John Beardsley, who had been born in Stratford Connecticut in 1735 had served as a Private during the American Revolution and had migrated to the area following that war.
Her mother, Francella A. Sawyer Washburn, was born in 1848, came of age in the Avon and Amherst areas. She and Wheeler were married on 19 April in 1874. Effie was one of the couple’s 2 daughters. They also had a son named David. The couple had owned a farm in Brownhelm Township, but sold it in 1909 and moved to town. Both (as one obituary put it) “stepped into the great beyond” within a week of each other in the early months of 1911. The causes of their deaths were never stated. Think of that what you will. But it certainly would be easy to believe that love may have had something to do with it.
But to briefly return to Effie: She married local druggist / entrepreneur Albert David Baumhart on the 19th day of February in 1906. In 1908 she gave birth to a son named after her husband. And in 1914 son Charles was born. Effie died on November 1, 1918 robbed of her life by the “Great Influenza Pandemic” of 1918-19. The influenza actually killed more people than did the “Great War” (i.e. WW1). It was apparently a terrible side effect of that conflict – of troops living in close quarters and being rapidly deployed to and from the war theater.
Charles, the second son, was born on March 30, 1914, which is undoubtedly the year when the shadows of Effie and the baby were captured. Although he was 30 years my senior (I only knew him as an adult) I recognized him immediately – even without a moustache over his lip and a cigar in his hand. Later in his life many folks around town referred to him by the nickname “Chub / Chubby”. I don’t have any idea as to when he acquired that appellation, but it could have easily been the day this picture was taken. He certainly was a charming and rather chubby looking little fella. Charles was the last Mayor of Vermilion when it was still a village. He died on 15 October 1973.
Their son, A.D. jr. “Dave” later became the U.S. Congressional Representative for the 13th Ohio District. He died in 2001 in Lorain.
The other photo shows the family – A.D. with the cigar holding son, Charlie’s hand. Effie is in the white dress behind them. Dave jr. is the youngster dressed in white squinting at the camera. They are standing on the west breakwall of the Vermilion River. This photo was likely taken in the summer months of 1918 – just before Effie’s death.
Hopefully, this will be helpful to you
Rich…
03/26/2020
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...
After the usual routine of reading the minutes of the previous meeting and their approval, the Mayor suggested that those having business with the Council, make it known at that time so that they would not have to wait until late in the evening.
Joseph Unser, of the firm of Unser & Seeley, groceries, asked the Council permission to place a gasoline equipment consisting of a case containing a tank, between the curb line and sidewalk to the convenience of principally of autoists. After some discussion the Council expressed itself, as a whole, not in favor of placing such a tank. One thing against it being that other dealers would also want to place similar tanks in like positions. It was suggested to Mr. Unser that the contrivance be placed close to the fence at the rear of the store with a door in the fence.
G. B. McConnelly, as one of the trustees of the Stove Plant Allotment, presented to counsel with a deed of lots at the east and west end of the Center Street. This was to be done so the street can be opened if it ever becomes necessary, without undue expense to the village. The deed was accepted and ordered recorded.
Then follow the reports of the various committees given by the chairman of the committee:
Street Committee: Grand Street sewer. No report. Bailey sewer. Report that Mr. Bailey was willing to pay for the difference in size of pipe and half the expense of digging to replace the 6 inch pipe across Perry Street with a 10 inch. This was made under this supposition that the pipe across Liberty Street heading North was 10 inches. Later it was found that the latter pipe was also 6 inches. As no work can be done for some time it was decided to let the matter rest, until it could be further looked into. It was decided to move that catch basin and lower it, so as to take off the water, as now “stepladder was required to reach the top” as someone expressed it. Several other catch basins were ordered repaired.
It was then suggested that as the Lake Shore Railroad Company had not done work as provided for in for in ordinance and as several other matters, such as planking several street crossings, connecting up the Toledo Street sewer etc., had been neglected, the company requested to send some official here to talk over the matter, who could act upon them definitely. The clerk was requested to notify the company.
The Fire Chief reported all equipment in good condition. A spray nozzle was needed, and that some were rather careless in handling gasoline. His report regarding the nozzle was referred to the fire committee. He also reported two fire alarms during the month.
Sealer of Weights & Measures, McConnolly, reported that his outfit had arrived but was short several articles and thought it best to hold up bill until the matter could be looked up. The equipment was reported as being first-class.
Public Grounds: Report that the comfort station was in operation and recommended that a caretaker be hired to look after it as well as the parts of any other town property. The suggestion was thought to be a good one probably result in saving money for the corporation as the men hired by the street Commissioner has been doing such work. The proposition was referred to the committee to be brought up at a future meeting.
It was also reported that superintendent Irey asked if the town could first furnish a place for the schools to plant a tree on Arbor Day. The matter was referred to the committee with power to act. The schoolyard, it was explained, is so shaded now that no more trees could be planted there.
Finance committee: recommended that a note for $500 borrowed from the Erie County bank be paid.
Sidewalk committee reported several walks in bad order.
Fire committee: engine heater allowed to go out as the weather now permitted. Recommended that nozzle be purchased.
Street lighting committee: nothing done. Mr. Coen said lights would be fixed soon and new ones installed.
The Mayor suggested a light inspector and that the Marshal should have this added to his office. After some discussion this was left over for further thought.
The Mayor also reported $15 in fines paid into the corporation funds.
His honor, then asked the Council whether they wish to charge a fee for dance hall license or not and that, he had been holding up the application of George H. Blanchet on that account. The Council decided to charge no fee.
He also asked what should be done about a health officer, and said that there were three methods, any one of which could be adopted. The appointment of a health officer to act with the Council. The appointment of a Board of Health of five members, or allowing the state board to appoint an officer. It was finally decided that a board of five members would be the best.
The street commission reported that the Shore Road was partially underwater and in bad condition near the Black place, also that the road bridge across the river was in a dangerous condition and that he had done some necessary work on it. The clerk was instructed to notify the county commissioners of its condition.
In the discussion following, upon the drainage of the streets in town in general, it developed that the commissioners or trustees had changed the direction of flow of the water along the State Road so it now came into the town sewers instead of the creek as formerly, thus materially adding to their condition during heavy rains. This matter will be again taken up.
An ordinance was passed calling for the construction of the sidewalk on the east side of Jefferson Street between Ohio and South Street.
A petition was read asking that a sidewalk be provided for, on the east side of Exchange Street from the south end of the present stone walk to the crosswalk at the mill, or the crossing moved north. It was thought that the crosswalk should be raised and a proper walk placed. Referred to the sidewalk committee.
The “dog ordinance” was brought up and it was the sense of the Council that it be enforced.
It was also stated that the electric cars were not stopping on the East River Rd. crossing. This matter is to be again taken up.
It was thought best that the rubbish gathering be changed to the 16th day of April, owing to the weather conditions.
Communication from the Lake Shore Railway, in regard to the night watchman at Decatur Street was read. The company have had a man on the crossing counting the rigs and pedestrians and have proven conclusively, to their own satisfaction that no night man is needed, for during the three nights very few passed over the crossing. One night, not one and strange to say, no automobiles. This observation was taken since January 1, 1912 and proves nothing, as whether conditions have been such as to render it impossible to make a fair estimate.
After passing upon the bills and some discussion including barbed wire fences in the corporation, the Council adjourned.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the state board of health has authority to compel cities to install sewage disposal and purification plants. This case was appealed from Greenville.
Emma J Bonnette is granted a divorce from James T. Bonnette the common pleas court., Monday afternoon on the grounds of habitual drunkenness and gross neglect of duty. Attorney Henry Schoefli representing plaintiff.
Attorney George W. Ritter presented the Court of Common Pleas a bill for $1,085 for defending Dominic Selvaggion, the Italian convicted of the murder of a fellow countrymen, at Kelly’s Island on last September. The claim was referred to the County Commissioner look who on Tuesday sliced $600 from the amount. The bill as presented called for about $50 per day for every day the trial was in progress.
Mrs. Anna Weiss, of Vermilion, has filed a suit in the Court of Common Pleas at Elyria to recover the sum of $5,500 from John Smith, the South Lorain transfer man. According to the petition, Mrs. Weiss, was imprisoned in the Cuyahoga County jail for 24 hours and later bound over to the grand jury for bigamy, but no bill was returned. She claims this was brought about by Smith.
It seems she was formerly Anna Welch and after she married Charles Weldon, she discovered that he had another wife living and she asked to have this marriage annulled and Weldon was arrested for bigamy. Smith signed a bond and Weldon skipped. After Mrs. Weiss had married again Smith believing she knew where Weldon was attempted to secure the information which she refused to give so he, it is alleged brought about her arrest for bigamy, not knowing of the annulment. Mrs. Weiss says she was compelled to part with $500 before she could secure her release from the Cuyahoga County courts and she asked for the $500 in addition to the $5000.
Rubbish day has been postponed until April 16th on account of the weather.
Filled with joy at the thought of meeting his bride to be, Dr. Russell Jewett, of 1933 E. 66th St., Cleveland, came to Vermilion Sunday forenoon, little thinking that within three hours from that time of his arrival here, she would be ground to pieces beneath the wheels of a train and he maimed, perhaps for life, would be on his way to a hospital. Such was the case
The lady in the case was Miss Bernice Lightner of 217 Arlington St., Youngstown, oh. She came to Vermilion Saturday to take part in a house party of Oberlin Junior’s at the home of John Sherod, just west of town. Engagement of the young people had been announced at Christmas time and Miss Lightner had left Oberlin in February, where she was studying music in the Conservatory to prepare for the wedding. Receiving an invitation from some of her classmates to come and spend Easter Easter vacation with them, she accepted.
Sunday Dr. Jewett came to Vermilion to see her, arriving at 11 A. M. The day was springlike and like many others of the town they started out for a walk. One story has it, that upon arriving at the Nickel Plate track on the east side of the river, he found out it was about 1 o’clock and there was a chance of their being late at dinner at the hotel and started to take a shortcut by crossing the bridge. When near the west end No. 3 the westbound fast train came upon them from around the curve and before they could reach the end of that structure and safety, he was hurled from the bridge and she was dragged beneath the engine and mangled beyond recognition.
The engineer reported that they did not seem to hear the warning whistle until too late and then they attempted to escape by running, but both fell just before the engine struck to them. Dr. Jewett who was hurled to the mud some 30 feet beneath the bridge, sustained a badly broken right leg, just above the ankle, two ribs broken, the tip of his right elbow crushed and severe cuts and bruises and probably internal injuries.
The remains of the girl were taken to Beeckel’s morgue and the doctor to the Brass Cos. building, nearby and here he was cared for by Dr. Oli who is a friend of Dr. Jewett, Sr., until he could be taken to the train and conveyed to St. Joseph’s Hospital, at Lorain. Dr. Jewett, Sr., went immediately to the hospital to help care for his son.
Sunday night relatives of the girl came to Vermilion to see about taking the body to her home. Her parents are reported as both being semi-invalids. They are both musicians, the father having been an instructor in music in the public schools. The girl who was about 20 years of age was an accomplished musician and popular. It is also stated that she is the second of the family to meet a tragic death. A brother having been killed last year.
Dr. Jewett, Jr., is about 28 years of age and has been a practicing physician for several years. He is popular among his associates who are deeply shocked and grieved at the terrible accident.
The funeral services of Miss Lightner was held at Youngstown Tuesday afternoon.
Maryette (Seeley) Allen, was born at West Richland Summit County, Ohio, on March 8, 1830, and departed this life at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Darby, near Vermilion O., March 26, 1912, at the ripe age of 82 years and 18 days.
She was united in marriage with Peter L. Allen, October 4, 1848. To this union were born six children, for of which proceeded her to the land from which no traveler has ever returned; and but two daughters, Mrs. Upton Darby, of Vermilion and Mrs. William Whitney, of Lakewood, O., Three grandchildren and a host of friends are left to feel keenly her departure. She was a true a devoted mother. She found her highest joy in the home life and was ever ready to minister to those who needed loving care and counsel. She delighted all the services of God’s house and giving the weary itinerant preachers entertainment and her most hospitable home, many of whom had proceeded her to the home of the blessed. During her long illness she was ever so patient, and her trust in God was an anchor, and her peace was constant and abiding. Her last words to the pastor, were: “He is sufficient if we trust Him, and all is well.”
Funeral was conducted from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Upton Darby Thursday, March 28, 1912, at 2:30 P. M., By Rev. T. H. D. Harrold of the M. E. Church, of which she was a lifelong member. Remarks as requested, were based on Rom. 8–18.
Burial was at West Richfield, O., Friday at 3 p.m.
“Mother ‘tis hard to break the tender cord
When love is bound the heart,
Tis hard, so hard, to speak the words:
“We most part.”
Dearest loved one, we must lay thy body
To the peaceful graves embrace,
But the memory will be cherished
Till we see thy heavenly face.”
Those who attended from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Whitney, Miss Ruth Whitney, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Hall, Mrs. Robert T. Hall, Lakewood, Ohio; Mrs. F. C. Peasley, Mrs. F. E. Wildman, Norwalk, Ohio; Mr. C. E. Shall, Miss Frances Eckert, Cleveland Ohio; Mr. Charles Brown, East Liverpool, O.; Mr. and Mrs. T. Earley, Birmingham, Ohio.
Mr. A. R. Rumsey, Chief Commissioner for the Lake Carriers Association will be presented by the millionaire, Mr. K. D. Bishop, of the firm of Bishop–Babcock–Becker company, Cleveland, Ohio, with Sleepy Mac.
This horse is only four years old and has trotted a very fast mile, making quarters and 30 seconds.
He stands 18 hands high and is very handsome. No doubt he will make one of the fastest horses in this country.
BORN – to Mr. Mrs. Theodore Schmitz, a son, Friday, March 29, 12.
The funeral services of Mrs. Jacob Kilmer were held on Wednesday.
The various quarries commenced work Mond
Robert Ladrach who has been seriously ill the past week from pneumonia is reported better at this writing.
The funeral services of Mrs. Zirklisski was held from St. Peter’s Church on Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Lindenmeyer officiated.
Mrs. Henry Lapp, 56, born in Vermilion and a resident of the North Ridge for many years on Tuesday last succumbed to complications of diseases after a long illness. She is survived by a husband, three sisters and a brother. A large number from here and Brownhelm, and a few from Vermilion, attended the funeral which was conducted on Thursday afternoon by Rev. A. G. Rupert, Berlin Heights.
Mr. Elver Huessner is on the sick list.
Mr. Fred Zurcher is better at this writing.
Died – Mrs. J. Keullmer at her home Monday morning at 2:30.
Mrs. F. Berger is weaving carpets, and is ready to weave for anyone.
Ladrach’s milk wrote route was started Monday, April 1st.
Mrs. Gilmore who has been sick was taken to the home of her daughter Mrs. Al Sweet is some better and is expected home sometime this week.
Rugby is improving at present. The vacant houses are filling up quite fast. If the place keeps on blooming the big department store will soon open up.
Born – to Mr. and Mrs. Oheling, a daughter, Tuesday, April 2.
Mr. Jack Patton is back in the barbershop again after being absent for several days.
Master Teddy Is able to get around on crutches after being laid up with a broken bone for several weeks.
Mrs. Anna Schellenberger who fell and broke her arm a short time ago is not gaining as rapidly as we would like to have her.
Mrs. Lewis Welfare was very unfortunate in her new home. She was carrying a lamp globe and she caught her foot on a rug and fell, breaking the globe and cut the palm of her hand in several places.
Miss Ada Hoffman who has been sick for the past two weeks is returned to school.
Misses Margaret and Marion Sage are absent from school this week on account of illness.
Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Ladrach and family who for the past year have been living in Macedonia have moved into the house and are running the factory of the Diamond Cheese Company.
Mrs. Jacob Kilmer, a well-known woman of this place died at her home early Monday morning of blood poisoning. She has been confined to her bed for the past five weeks. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband and four children. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon. Burial at Brownhelm cemetery.
Fred Schwensen nephew of C. Schwensen of this place, arrived in Vermilion Sunday night from Germany.
Wm. Troxel fell from the L. S. & M. S. Bridge at the undergrade Sunday, cutting a bad gash in his head. Several stitches were taken.
Mrs. Scholl of Lorain, formally Miss Eva Lynn Vermilion is reported seriously ill at St. Joseph’s Hospital the doctors give but little hope of her recovery. Her cousin, Mrs. I. W. Nicholas was called Tuesday and visited her again today.
A baby boy was born to Mrs. John Klein of near Wakeman, Tuesday, while enroute to St. Ann’s Hospital Cleveland, via the Lake Shore Electric. The smoking department was cleared and the woman was made as comfortable as possible. She left the car before it reached the station and carried the baby to the hospital where it is reported both are doing well.
[NOTE: I don’t know that this was a first. But it worthy of note.]
M. Wagner, who returned from Florida last Thursday has our thanks for some fine oranges brought from the “Land of Flowers.”
All owners of dogs should from now on have a care and keep them within bounds. The dog ordinance is to be enforced. We have, here in Vermilion, been very fortunate not having children bitten by dogs. There are many worthless cur dogs running at large some without owners and all will be dealt with if not cared for.
The new gas tug Marie S. built for Messrs. Schwensen and Ingwersen by T. J. Ball was launched Saturday afternoon. The boat is probably one of the best of its size ever built in the section for fishing. She is about 35 feet long and propelled by a Towners may well feel proud of their little craft.
Helen Swift and Hannah Wendt, Oberlin College students rescued Percy L. Sperr, a cripple, from a stump in the middle of the Vermilion River Monday.
Sperr and Harry Topliff were canoeing, when the craft upset. Owing to the ice cakes in the river Topliff was unable to help Sperr, who reached the stump and climbed upon it, while Topliff swam to the shore. The girls put out in a rowboat after dodging huge pieces of floating ice took spur aboard.
Ms. Swift, 19, lives in Boston and Miss Wendt, 23, in New York. Sperr 26, and Topliff live in Houghton, Mich. Sperr is an associate editor of the Oberlin review.
Mrs. F. A. Eldridge, wife of Dr. Eldridge is very ill at this writing with little hope of recovery.
Miss Mary Conry, teacher of the 6th and 7th grades in the school has been unable to teach for several days on account of sickness.
Mr. Samuel Reed who is been confined to the house on account of said past two weeks is reported better. He is cared for at the home of Mr. David Barnes east of town. Mr. Barnes is acting as janitor of the town hall and Cong’l church since Mr. Reed’s illness.
Richard Barber West, (colored), was born in Berlin Heights, August 20, 1879 and died March 27, 1912, aged 32 years, 7 mos., 7 days. He lived all his life in Berlin with the exception of six years which he spent in Cleveland.
During his last illness he was very patient and considerate for those around him.
He leaves to mourn his death, a mother one sister and four brothers.
Funeral services were held from the home on Valley St., Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Rupert. Mrs. F. Connor Miss Alma Hauser sang three very appropriate songs.
The family wish to extend their most sincere thanks for the many acts of kindness and assistance which have been shown them by their friends and neighbors.
Last week we stated that the land purchase by N. A. Foster was a portion of the stove plant addition. This was in error. It should have read Driscoll – Tischer allotment.
Secretary I. H. Sullivan of the State Board of Arbitration, who was in town to confer with the fisherman and owners in order to settle the strike, accomplished very little. He found it necessary to confer with the executive committee of the fishermen’s Union.
the five children of wedded life, four have died, only one now living, Randel Schuck, born October 6, 1843, a partner in the prosperous lumber firm of Gilcher & Schuck, located on Water street, a stone's throw from where his father and grandfather found their first shelter. Gottlieb Schieble. The Schiebles had their former home in Switzerland, in the village Fisselsbach, Canton Aargau, and emigrated to America in 1832. Gottlieb was a mere lad of eleven years, when his parents, John Louis and Maria Schieble left the old homestead to better their condition in life. In the same year they settled in Richland county, O., six miles west of Shelby, and moved to Huron village, Erie county, in 1836. In 1842 they made Sandusky their permanent home. Gottlieb, born February 27, 1821, started for himself in 1834. There must have been something of the idyllic life of an Alpine shepherd boy in him, when he hired himself to James Foreman in Sandusky, in 1834, to take charge of a thousand or more sheep, that found an abundant pasture ground, and gratis, where Sandusky stands today. Foreman (old settlers will remember him well as an outspoken advocate of the doctrines that found a champion in Bob Ingersoll) paid him three dollars per month and board. In 1836 he started to work for L. S. Beecher; a few years later he became a sailor and crossed the lakes till he entered the port of matrimony with Catharine Homegartner in January, 1850. Of the seven children of wedded life, five are living, Maria Price, Joseph, Frank, Henry and William. Gottlieb resides on Clinton street, Sandusky, and is in easy circumstances. He owns a small farm of about fourteen acres near the brick mill in Margaretta township. His father died in the first cholera ('49) and his mother, Maria, in 1882.
Johann Fehrenz came here in 1834.
Gott Erhalt's I "
It was a balmy day in the spring of 1833, when the Fehrenz family said good by to friends, neighbors, and made their parting call to the dear ones slumbering in the little graveyard of Welgsweiler in Rheinpfalz, one consolation it was that trusted friends, the Schuck family and Peter Gilcher and Fred Reinheimer took passage on the same boat to share their lot. Without question many a tear was shed when the songs of the old fatherland died slowly away in the stillness of the night and when they timidly directed their thoughts to what would become of them in a strange land. John Fehrenz felt confident that his strong muscular arms and his trade as blacksmith, would well support his loving wife and his two children. He was in the prime of life, being born on June 17, 1795, and his wife, Julianna Steinhauer, was ready and willing to help him; as for the children Philippine was in her twelfth year and Charles in his fourth, and they should share in what they honestly expected to accomplish in their new home. It is well that providence does not acquaint us with our destinies,…
SKETCH FROM G-GRANDPA’S DIARY: I wouldn’t go so far as to say that my g-grandfather was an accomplished artist. But I’m still infatuated by his work.
This is a sketch from the last page in his 1864 Civil War diary. At the top are the fanciful letters “F.& A.M.” meaning “Free and Accepted Masons”.
The Square and Compass is one of the most prominent symbols of Freemasonry. The "G" in the middle represents God, otherwise known inside Lodges as "The Grand Geometrician of the Universe", since Freemasonry demands belief in no specific faith, simply a belief in a "Supreme Being".
A lodge apparently makes use of three symbolic lights; one of these in the East, one in the West, and one in the South. There is no light in the North, because King Solomon's Temple, of which every lodge is a representation, was situated so far north of the ecliptic, that the sun and moon, at their meridian height, could dart no rays into the northern part thereof. The North, therefore, in Masonry is a term for a place of darkness.
The five pointed star which appears both on the alter and the cloth below in the sketch is known as the Masonic Blazing Star has been declared to be a symbol of:
1. Divine Providence
2. The Star of Bethlehem
3. Prudence
4. Beauty
5. The Sun
As is obvious my g-grandfather was a very active member of the organization – even while fighting in a war.
Little Billie was having problems in English class, so his teacher decided to stop by on her way home to speak with his parents. When she rang the bell, Little Billie answered. The teacher smiled and said, "I'd like to talk to your mother or father."
Little Billie said, "Sorry, but they ain't here."
"Little Billie!" she said, "what is it with your grammar?"
And Little Billie said, "Beats me, but dad sure was mad that they had to go bail her out again!"
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. 18. Issue 5 - April 4, 2020
Archive Issue #890
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© 2017 Rich Tarrant