MAIN STREET VIEWS: For weeks I've been concerned about the marker I ordered for the Vermilion Area Archival Society commemorating the life of Vermilion's Lester A. Pelton.
I made formal application for the marker from the Ohio Historical Society in May. The OHS approved it shortly thereafter. But after that things did not go well. Or, at least, they didn't go the way I would have preferred.
But to make a very long story short the marker finally arrived in Vermilion on Tuesday. And it was, very sincerely, an act of God that (1) I happened to be present when it arrived and (2) that it (the plaque) is perfect.
Amazing!
While all that sounds, perhaps, simple. It wasn't. And I'm not kidding one bit when I thank God for the way all of this transpired. I, very certainly, could not have arranged for it to have worked any better.
I know this because I tried. And it didn't work.
Vermilion "expat" Mary Wakefield Buxton has written her 11th book "Middlesex Memories." It is a collection of stories that extol life and values of rural Virginia where simple pleasures abound and happiness is delivered up not in journeys to exotic places, but in one's very own back yard.
Mary is a columnist for the Southside Sentinel in Virginia. Over the years she has forwarded me several pieces (which keep on my computer) and I can honestly say that I admire her writing style. [NOTE: Several books she has authored can be found on the shelves of Vermilion's Ritter Library.]
For more information you can visit her website @ www.marywakefieldbuxton.com.
Mainly,
Another Goodly Gathering
VERMILION CHILDREN - 1949: This was a good week for pix (and other stuff). Vermilionite Dave Rathbun and his sister Diane have been going through some family things and were kind enough to give me this 1949 pic of Miss Kropf's 6th Grade Class at South Street School.
I've not been able to identify all the youngsters in the pic (yet) - but I recognize several. I see Glenny Fulper's smiling face in the middle of the crowd. Then there's Diane (Rathbun) in the second row (second girl from the left). On down the row is Ray Beursken (now a retired Vermilion Postmaster). Skip the girl just to the right and my sister "Ginny" Wilkes shyly peeks at Paul Ludlow's camera. And at the very end of that row (on the right) is Harriet "Ketty" Cisco. The fourth girl (from the left) on the bottom row is a rather chubby Linda Leidheiser.
Miss Kropf is not in the pic. I'm guessing - but believe the room where the pic was taken was what I knew as the Music Room located on the west end of the second floor of the school. Behind the kids is a small stage.
Perhaps some astute "Viewer" can i.d. all the faces in this pic. So stay tuned...
"...He would later reflect that he 'was probably the skinniest kid in the parish'."
THE SKINNIEST KID IN THE PARISH: John “Johnny” Patrick Kilbane. The name rolls off the tongue like a good Irish name should. But who was this guy - and what’s he got to do with the pretty city of Vermilion, Ohio?
Persons familiar with the history of prizefighting may know that Johnny Kilbane was a popular 20th century featherweight boxer who held the title from 1912 to 1923. He held that title longer than any other fighter in that division. It was, incidentally, also the second longest world boxing title held by any fighter in history. Only Joe Louis held a title for a longer period of time.
Born on West 28th Street in Cleveland - in a heavily ethnic neighborhood known as “the Angle” - on April 9, 1889 he was the only child of Mary (Gallagher) and John Kilbane. His mother died when he was three, and his father lost his eyesight when he was ten. He attended St. Malachi's School on old Washington Avenue. Having neither brother nor sister, nor any immediate family aside from his father, and very few friends to shepherd him, he would later write that he was “just one of those little kids that run wild...”.
In time Johnny's father remarried and two girls were added to the family. To contribute to their support he left school after the sixth grade and took a job as a laborer on the ore docks along the Cuyahoga River. His years at St. Malachi’s had not been entirely fruitless. While there he had developed a passion for the stage. He had a reasonably good tenor voice, took a few turns at playing the violin, and loved to dance. And whilst his teachers did not discourage his dream of becoming an actor they did encourage him to participate in gymnastics. He would later reflect that he “was probably the skinniest kid in the parish.” Their motive was somewhat suspect and he once quipped that he “presumed that they did not want me to die on their hands.” He was likely correct.
Yet Johnny’s dream of being on center stage persisted - even on the inglorious ore docks where he had, willingly and unwillingly, participated in his share of brawling and street fighting. During his teen years he began frequenting West Side dance halls where his natural dancing abilities easily made him a favorite of the ladies on the floor - but due to his frail appearance took him little further. And it was in pursuit of this passion that brought him one night in the winter of 1906-07 to the old La Salle Club on W. 25th Street that would forever alter the course of his life, and also propel him down on a path that would lead to Vermilion.
A washed-up Irish fighter by the name of Tom Sharkey was there to put on an exhibition match with another fighter named Otto Craig. The match was a no-brainer - but was well attended by a crowd of prominent Clevelanders wanting to see the man who had stood in the ring with other Irish fight heroes like Corbett, Jeffries, and Fitzsimmons. And midst the heavy cigar smoke, the lights, and the general excitement of the event Johnny Kilbane opted to trade the spotlight of the stage for that of the ring.
Confiding his new passion with a boyhood advisor named Perk Gibbons, who ran an elevator in Cleveland City Hall, Gibbons was skeptical - but not wholly critical of his young friend. At the time another friend of Gibbons named Jimmy Dunn was training for an upcoming lightweight match at Crystal Beach in Vermilion. Gibbons gave the boy a note for Dunn, loaned him 30 cents for the fare on the Lake Shore Electric interurban to Crystal, and sent him off in search of his dream.
Upon his arrival at the lakeside park he discovered that Dunn’s sparring partner had injured his hand. This meant that there would be no training exhibition that day unless someone could stand in for the injured fighter. Disappointed Westsiders who knew Johnny elected him for the task, and he accepted. And the youngster who had never before had a pair of gloves on his hands so impressed Dunn with his desire and speed that he invited the youngster to become his pupil. The rest is, of course, boxing history.
On February 22, 1912 Johnny Kilbane fought Featherweight Champion Abe Attel in Vernon, California in front of a crowd of 10,000 people. After a battle that lasted for at least 16 rounds Kilbane won the title by a referee’s decision. During his career he would fight over 140 times, and lose only 4 matches.
But back to Vermilion. Johnny Kilbane established a training camp about 2 miles east of Vermilion Village. It was located on the lake just north of Lake Road on the west side of what is now Helen Drive. The railroad intersects the property. The inset photograph shows Johnny throwing a punch in a sparring match at Kilbane’s Camp. The larger photo is that of Johnny (right) and Jimmy Dunn (left) his mentor, manager, and friend.
After he retired from the ring in 1923 he maintained the camp as a recreation and health camp for young men and boys. About 1929 the New York Life Insurance Company, that held the mortgage on the property, assumed management responsibilities of the facility and renamed it Camp Hakoah. Most the buildings still exist on the property.
Johnny Kilbane is one of those exceptional athletes whose life didn’t end when his athletic career was finished. After his boxing career, Johnny refereed boxing matches, operated a gym, taught physical education at local schools and for a time worked in real estate. In 1941 he entered politics and was elected to the Ohio State Senate. He later served as a member of the Ohio State House of Representatives, resigning that post in 1951 when he became the Cleveland Municipal Court Clerk. Johnny lived in Cleveland his entire life growing up in “the Angle” on W. 28th Street, near old River Ave, and then on W. 74th Street and Laverne Avenue. And on May 31, 1957 he died in Cleveland bested in a final bout with a formidable opponent called cancer.
And that is what John “Johnny” Patrick Kilbane, whose name rolls off the tongue like a good Irish name should, and who once thought of himself as the “skinniest kid in the perish” had to do with the world and Vermilion O. in a yesteryear.
Ref: Johnny Kilbane - Biography by Dan Taylor published in the Cleveland Press in 1952; Johnny Kilbane Memoirs, www.johnnykilbane.com; Special Thanks to Dennis Lamont; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 6/12/08; Written on 6/8/08 @ 12:50 PM.
HISTORIC DOCUMENT
RATHBUN'S STORE TAKES SHAPE : Those who lived in Vermilion, O. from 1917 to the mid 1960's understand that George Rathbun's Store on Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion was more than just a store - it was an institution.
This document was among the things that Dave Rathbun and his sister Diane gave me during the week. Although it's not the original it is, nonetheless, an item of interest.
When George moved from the lake to land in the early years of the 20th century he purchased the store that so many folks - like myself who came of age in the 1950's - vividly remember (cheese wheel and all).
Some of the things that I would like to point out to those - like myself - who remember George's store are contained in the "Goods, Wares, Mechandise Chattels, and Effects [sic] to wit" section of the document.
I specifically names the cash register, and ice box in the purchase agreement. And you know something? I think that all of those things were still part of the store in the 1960's.
Who doesn't remember old George sitting at the back of the store behind the ice box next to the stove smoking his pipe? It was a great place. And George was a wonderful man.
AS I MATURE
I've learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and
give in.
I've learned that no matter how much I care,
some people are just assholes.
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust,
and it only takes suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.
I've learned that you can keep vomiting,
long after you think you're finished.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do,
unless we are celebrities.
I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a
relationship is at first,
the passion fades, and there had better be a lot of
money to take its place!
I've learned that 99% of the time when something isn't
working in your house,
one of your kids did it.
I've learned that the people you care most about
in life are taken from you too soon,
and all the less important ones just never go away.
Early Gangsters in Vermilion, O.
THE ELUSIVE STORY OF LOYOLA ON-THE-LAKE: Almost two years ago (VPJ 7-27-06) a mysterious place called Loyola-On-The-Lake first made an appearance in this column. Postcard pictures of a rather substantial building (pictured) had surfaced on the internet several years earlier but no one seemed to know anything about the building nor where it might have been located.
Finally the pre-eminent interurban historian (Birmingham resident) Dennis Lamont discovered that the old Lake Shore Electric railroad had a stop (#123) called the “Loyola Stop” along Lake Road east of town. It was located between Camp Hakoah (#122) to the east and the area now known as Sunnyside (#124) to the west. A few weeks later Dennis found an old map (printed with the 2006 article) indicating that the Jesuit St. Ingnatius College apparently owned a sizeable piece of land along the lake in that area.
Inquires made of Loyola University in Chicago, St. Ignatius School in Cleveland, and the Jesuit Province in Detroit concerning the property, while helpful, were not exceptionally productive. Consequently both the mission and fate of the Loyola-On-The-Lake Summer School of Science remained illusive and the matter was - at least for the time being - shelved.
But thanks to both the curiosity and persistence of another local historian - Albert “Al” Doane - of Amherst, Ohio the subject is no longer one of local history’s mysteries.
In 1892 one Father Knappmeyer - a Cleveland, Ohio Jesuit - initiated plans for the purchase of a villa outside the hustle and bustle of the city that might be used as a retreat site. In 1901 a Father Schulte was commissioned to buy 92 acres of land just east of the Village of Vermilion, Ohio. Early reports indicate that the land boasted some 1,200 feet of frontage along the lake. A later report suggested that there may have been as much as 2000 feet of lake frontage. Whatever the case, the land was purchased, and in 1904, at the grand expense of $600, the Jesuit Brothers and Scholastics of the former Buffalo Mission constructed a three story frame building (pictured) on concrete pillars.
The mission of the project - aside from providing scholastics a place of respite - also allowed the same a place where they could hunt and study rocks, fossils, and other artefacts that might be found along the lakefront. (Ergo; it was very literally a summer school of science.)
The villa actually faced the lake. The photo shows it from behind. The building could accommodate from 35 to 40 men. Fresh water was pumped from the lake to a cistern, and then to a water tower in the center of the building. Showers were located beneath the porch on the right side of the building. The living quarters were located on the second and third floors, and lavatories for the men were located in the tower. The kitchen was on the left side of the building, and the dining room, along with a large indoor recreation area, overlooked the lake. Covered porches surrounded the villa on all sides. All in all, it was apparently a very charming accommodation.
Charming or not the villa was hardly immune from tragedy. On Friday September 14, 1917 a fire in the kitchen quickly spread to the rest of the building and the entire structure was quickly reduced to a smoking mound of ash. Everything was lost - save some articles from the chapel that were rescued by one of the brothers and several neighbors who had been alerted by phone. One Father Neustich who had been working about the villa that morning, but had returned to Cleveland that afternoon said when hearing of the blaze, “But dot is impossible, I vas just dere.” Unfortunately, however, it was not only possible - it happened.
The property had been valued at, and insured for, $7500 in 1917. The rector, one Father Sommerhauser, sought permission from Rome to sell the villa because “the debt on the college was so heavy”. However; after consulting with a friendly real estate broker he was advised against the sale. He was told that if they could retain ownership of the land for another 10 years they could realize no less than $60,000 for the property. And in a letter to one of his successors, Father Thomas J. Smith, he later advised that “...In 1919, Lorain is in a wonderful boom; land between Cleveland and Lorain cannot be purchased (i.e. land with Lakefront) for any price.” It was - to put it mildly - an extremely good piece of advice.
Sometime between 1933 and 1938 a second building was constructed on the foundation of a farmhouse that was originally on the property. In time Lake Erie took possession of it, and the Jesuits refurbished a garage creating another cottage. By then ownership had been transferred to the Jesuit communities of St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University.
In 1992 the property was finally sold with the proceeds to be used to help support Jesuits in their retirements. Today lovely condominiums known as “Vermilion Shores” occupy the site. And thus the elusive story of Loyola-On-The-Lake is elusive no more.
Ref: A Very Special Thanks to local historians Al Doane and Dennis Lamont; Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 5/26/08; Written 5/22/08 @12:54 PM.
George Krapp's Market
FRESH MEAT: I have actually been remiss in following up on this pic. Vermilionite Jim Smith gave it to me some time ago - and I've been meaning to take it to Esther (Krapp) Jackson and see what she might tell me about it. But I have not.
And I might have forgotten about it were it not for a phone call I received while I was in the local supermarket from a Grafton, Ohio man named Ken Kropp. Ken is (I believe) one of the late Vermilionite Harvey Krapp's grandsons.
The pic has appeared in "Views" before - but I've not done enough homework (as mentioned) on it or George Krapp to say much about it except to say that it's a mesmerizing photograph. I'm not sure if this market was the one on Division Street, Liberty, or Grand. And that's what Esther Jackson might be able to tell me - assuming that she's familiar with the pic.
The photograph came the long way to me - through Berlin Heights. Sometimes that's how things work. [EXAMPLE: the Fischer Family pix and information I've received came from California. And some of the Lester Pelton information and pix came to me from Wales, UK.]
In any case, I hope quite procrastinating and get the scoop on this pic (and another) from Esther in the near future.
The Krapp Family like the Fischer Family had key roles in the development of the community of Vermilion, O.
Podcasts - "forever under construction..."
PODCAST #150: This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #150 takes thee on the second leg of a journey from Cleveland, Ohio to Toledo on the Lake Shore Electric interurban. Although I've done some of this before this time I've tried to improve upon my video reproduction for net viewing. The original production is courtesy of interurban hisorian Dennis Lamont - and it's darn good. So enjoy.
Also, please note that all the video (MP4) podcasts (when used) are done in the "Quicktime MP4" format. If you don't have "Quicktime" it's easy to find and free to download.
NOTE NOTE:Past podcasts are not available in the on-line archive. They just take up too much disk space. But if one really, really, really wants to acquire a copy of a past cast it can be had by contacting me and I will place it on a disc and send it to ye for a minimal fee.
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'".
Pay particular note to the "Hope Homes" page during the next few months. They've recently received a significant grant from the Dolan Foundation and are constructing a Manual Training Center for their children and for other young people in that community. This is an exciting project.
Although this years Vermilion High School Class of 1959 reunion is over classmates may want to stay connected with each other through organizer Roger Boughton. Ye can connect by mailing him @ 2205 SW 10th Ave. Austin, MN. 55912 or you can just emailRoger.
Where's Alice? I found this link interesting. You just never know what Vermilion expatriots are up to - or where their up to doing it. Alice Wakefield is one of those people. So check out his link. Methinks you'll be surprised: Talking Turkey.
The Beat Goes On: The page is generated by the dreaded Macintosh Computer and is written and designed by (me) Rich Tarrant. It will change weekly ~ usually on Saturday. Bookmark the URL (Universal Resource Locater) and come back at your own leisure. Send the page to your friends (and enemies if you wish). If you have something to share with those who visit this page, pass it on. And if you see something that
is in need of correction do the same. My sister, Nancy, is a great help in that respect. It only takes me a week to get things right. And follow the 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
For Persons who would like to donate to the cause (to keep these "Views" on-line you can send whatever you would like to me at the following address. And THANKS to everybody who has already donated to the cause. I doth certainly appreciate it):
Rich Tarrant
1041 Oakwood Drive
Vermilion, Ohio
44089
Telephone: 440-967-0988 - Cell: 440-522-4459
or you can use PayPal:
"Humanity I love you because when you're hard up you pawn your intelligence to buy a drink."
-e. e. cummings (1894-1962)
Vol.7, Issue 31, October 17, 2009
Archive Issue #344
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© 2009 Rich Tarrant