Vermilion Ohio, A Good Place to Live
SHOPTALK: On my computer desks this week are 2 pix of my g-grandfather Caselton Roscoe. Both are Vermilion pix – both were taken (probably) in 1912. The smallest child is my aunt Alice Margaret Roscoe-Lindsay. She was born in December of 1911. The older child is my mother Ella Gwendolyn Roscoe-Tarrant. My mom was born in May of 1906. Both are cutie-pies. These pix were an arbitrary choice of mine. Sometimes I just take one from a file and find another related photo from another folder.
Caselton was born in Townsend, Ohio in November 1835 and died in Vermilion in May of 1918. Of all my relatives I probably have more records about and from him than any other. We have his diaries and letters that have allowed me an opportunity to get to know him quite well. My thought about him is that he was truly happy to have grandchildren.
He was (as was his father) a farmer, carpenter and a millwright; a veteran of the American Civil War; and a musician. His entire tool chest with all his tools is on display at the museum.
Having read several of his diaries and many letters to and from him I am amazed at how much he travelled. After the war he went to California. That was his longest journey. But he also visited a brother in Indiana, went back and forth to Toledo quite often and attended many of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) and R.A.M. (Royal Arch Mason) conventions and reunions in many places about the country. He like to fish, shoot and swim. In one of his diaries or letters he mentions walking from Milan (where he lived) to Huron to go swimming in the lake. And in another place, he writes about taking a boat from Milan to Lake Erie, visiting Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands. And after his son (my grandfather) purchased the print shop and newspaper in Vermilion he visited him quite often. Following the death of my g-grandmother, Helen (Forster), he came to Vermilion to live with his son. He died here on May 15th 1918.
ALMOST FOILED BY ALEXA: I’ve been using an Amazon Echo device for several years. It began at home where it was somewhat of an amusement. Then I set it aside for almost a year until I thought it might be useful at the museum. And as it turned out that seemed to be the case.
Instead of trying to broadcast music, etc. to devices set around the museum via my computer and a Bose speaker system I found that Alexa (i.e. the Echo device) could do a better job with less muss and fuss.
In fact, it so impressed me that I bought another one that I could use in the apartment above the print shop. And then…
The other day I had been watching some YouTube stuff about a musician named John Prine and I was so impressed that I told Alexa to play some of his music – and that’s what happened.
Normally, when I leave the museum, I just let the device play. More often than not it stops during the night, and the following day I ask it to play again. But this time, when I returned, it was still playing Prine music. I thought it unusual (I didn’t think he’d recorded that much), but no matter. I requested that Alexa play the local radio station. Instead she said she couldn’t understand my request, and the Prine music continued. I requested that the music just stop – and Alexa said, again, she couldn’t understand my request, and the Prine music continued. Finally, I just unplugged the device and made another request. Again, she didn’t understand. This went on for awhile.
It took most of my day (not constantly, but off and on) to get the device to work right. I set it up with my smart phone, and it just wouldn’t connect.
Damn thing!
Well, Alexa is now back. I guess I should’ve politely requested her to play John Prine instead of telling her. You have to be careful with these things: they’re always listening(;
Historically,
GEORGE SPRENG, SR: Flitting around some old movie files on my computer the other day I came across a short piece I caught of my good friend George Spreng as he was painting the walls and ceiling in the living room of the museum on August 28, 2013. Everybody was working around the museum (except me) preparing the apartment over the print shop to become an official part of the museum. George didn’t want me to take the short video of him – but he didn’t have much choice: he had a paintbrush in his hands and I had the camera. I recall thinking how good a job he was doing.
George did a lot around the museum and was a member of the Board. Every time I use a door he fixed or look at a good paint job around the place, I think of him. A little over two years after this pic was taken (October 19, 2015) George died – a victim of cancer and heart problems. He was only 71 – a few months older than myself.
I find myself complaining sometimes because he up and died. He was really and truly a good guy and a great help for me and a whole bunch of others. RIP.
OF A CERTAIN AGE: “I live upon a raft of words. / My compass is the wind / And the changing tides of time / My friend.” When I recently came across an article, which appeared in The Vermilion News on July 19, 1917, I became curious about the person who authored it. It is a historical sketch by a gentleman named Christopher G. Leimbach recounting various developments in the Brownhelm area over the previous half-century or so of his life. He was born in 1853.
It’s an interesting piece that mentions going from candles to lard fueled oil lamps to electricity; from the old one-room schoolhouse with slab seats to a “modern building”; from using oxen in the fields, to horses, to machines; from sickle and cradle to reaper and then binder.
A hundred years after the fact this information is informative of course. But it also makes me stop and think about my own life – what I’ve seen transpire in my lifetime. It really doesn’t seem all that dramatic. However;
Just the other day a young girl about 10 or 11 years visited the history museum and was puzzled by an old dial phone on display. I asked her if she knew how to work the apparatus. She stuck a finger in one of the dial’s cells, but didn’t really know how to work it beyond that.
When we showed her how the dial turned she moved the entire dial with her fingers, but still didn’t really understand how it worked. I believe that even when we illustrated to her how to dial the phone she probably still didn’t understand how it worked. [NOTE: It is a bit odd even to me who grew up with the device]
Anyway that’s not what really seemed odd to me. The little girl didn’t understand how one listened and talked with the handset part. Nor had she ever heard a dial tone. It had never occurred to me that a person wouldn’t know how to use that part of the device.
The point I’m trying to make here is that all the things (i.e. improvements technological and otherwise) that seem so obvious and common to many persons (such as myself) are not so obvious, not to mention common, to young people. As an example, the jump from dial phones to push button to touch tone cell phones that do everything but cook dinner (and that may someday be quite possible) is enormous. These changes tend to pass us by so quickly and subtly that they are nearly imperceptible to many of us - at least to those of us
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...
Wednesday, when Miss Bertha Holl a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Holl, arrived home from school she found the house locked and key missing. She went to her brother’s home but did not find it there. Returning home, she found the door unlocked and entered. While at work around the house she noticed one of the rooms in disorder but thought the children had been careless and thrown things around. A few minutes later she had occasion to go upstairs while climbing the stairs heard a slight noise and thought she saw someone. Becoming frightened she ran to a neighbors. They made light of her fears and in a few minutes, she went home again. A little later Mr. Holl found out about $20 which he had saved, missing. The upstairs rooms were in disorder bearing evidence of a search for plunder. The burglar or burglars were probably in the house at the time Miss Holl arrived and escaped when she ran to the neighbors. In their haste they left $1 in the box also overlooked some change in another place. Mr. Holl says that this is the second time someone has entered their house within the last month. The first time they took about $17.
Mr. Holl now regrets that he did not bank his money as he should have done after the first robbery.
The village council held a special meeting Monday to settle up the railway matter. After the meeting was called to order, Mr. Handy asked that the Council go into “executive session” and several citizens who had attended the meeting were obliged to retire to the outer regions for half or three quarters of an hour. All seemed happy after the “executive session”, and nothing further of any important importance regarding the railway developed.
The lighting committee reported for a new light at the corner of Lake and Washington streets also one on State Street near the residence of M. A. Friday. At first there was some objection raised as several other lights are needed, but the committee explained that other lights would be arranged for in the spring. The report was then accepted.
The matter of James Nolan's sidewalk at the end of Washington Street, was discussed and it was thought that it should be placed in line of the street. The street committee will attend to the matter.
The meeting then adjourned.
So-called Halloween or Witche’s [sic] Night and Corn Night will soon be here. Some, who should know better, have an idea that they can commit almost any act they happen to think of without being punished, on these nights. This is not so and if the guilty parties are caught, they are is liable as at any other time.
The most pleasant features of the Halloween are the parties where suitable games are played and the young enjoy harmless amusement.
There are many harmless pranks indulged in but anything that in the least tends toward rowdyism should be done away with.
Theodore Washburn has been appointed administrator of the estate of Alonzo L. Newberry, deceased, and given authority to settle a claim for damages by the estate against the Lake Shore Railroad Company. The petition states that Newberry was killed by the Lake Shore and that the latter company is willing to settle for $500.00 and the account is now pending in the Common Pleas Court.
Jacob L. Nieding has been appointed administrator of the estate of Katie Fey–Beatty.
Don't miss the grand opening dance and Halloween party at the Fireman's Hall, Friday evening Oct. 28. A grand time assured everyone in attendance. Music by Miss Corine Kalt. Tickets 50c per couple. Souvenirs to all in attendance.
The L. S. & M. S. Railroad Co. has ordered that the standard color of the company property for depots and other building shall be changed from the orange yellow which has predominated for a number of years to that of the olive green, in keeping with the standard adopted for the coaches of the entire New York Central system.
[NOTE: History trivia buffs should take note of this article. The olive green color remains on the remaining local depots about town.]
Mrs. Peabody was brought home from St. Joseph's Hospital Sunday.
Several from here won fine prizes at the Elk’s Carnival in Elyria last week.
Mrs. L. Peabody has so far recovered from her sickness as to be removed to her son’s at Amherst.
The gas diggers have begun work on a well for George Blanden.
Mr. Tom Bottomley of Vermilion was the Sunday guest of his sister, Mrs. W. B. Houseman.
Clara Durand of Florence and Clarence Post of New London were united in marriage Tuesday, October 25.
Jonah C. Bartow, an uncle of W. B. Bartow, an inmate of the Soldiers Home at Sandusky, died Monday morning. The remains were brought to Milan Tuesday afternoon and a funeral service was held at the M. E. Church conducted by Rev. W. H. Oswalt. The burial was in Milan Cemetery.
Jonah Champion Bartow was born at Vermilion, O., June 24, 1831, where his boyhood days where spent, he attending the public schools of that place where he received a fair education. Sometime after the death of his father his mother remarried, her second husband being Moses Jones, and the family moved to Michigan, later returning to Wood County, O., And finally to Milan., where he worked for three years as an apprentice learning the Masons trade, which he followed to a considerable extent as long as he was physically able. In the year 1853 he was married to Miss Rebecca Richards, who died some eight years ago.
To this union were born to children, Clara, now Mrs. Obert Sutliffe, of Peru, Huron County, and Ralph who also resides in Huron County. These, together with one brother, Decatur Jones, of Sandusky, and a sister, Mrs. Loana Disbro of Montgomery, Mich., are his nearest surviving relatives. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having entered the 67th Regiment, O. V. I. November 7, 1861 and serving until January 17, 1865, at which time he was mustered out of the service at Columbus, Ohio, receiving an honorable discharge. He was at one time a member of the M. E. Church of this place, but later identified himself with the Presbyterian Church at Peru, where he resided with his daughter for a time after the death of his wife. About three years ago he went to the Soldiers Home where he remained up to the time of his death, October 17th, due to his advanced age. – Milan ledger.
The Toledo State Hospital for the insane is coming in on the "probe" deal.
NEW YORK – the next attempt to cross the Atlantic in a balloon will probably be made on a Western course – the opposite direction from that attempted by Wellman.
Mrs. L. B. Sampson wife of editor of Milan Ledger, and little daughter, had a narrow escape from death from asphyxiation Saturday evening. A stove had been set up during the day and gas from this was the cause. Mr. Sampson arrived home just in time to render aid. Both were unconscious.
Norwalk, O. – George Baryas, one of the best-known and most prominent and wealthy farmers of Huron County, died Thursday night at his home in Townsend, after a long illness. He was a former representative in the Ohio legislature.
RUBBISH DAY NEXT TUESDAY
Miss Lottie Goodell of Berea, Ky., visited friends here latter part of the week.
Lewis Wegner was taken to Marine Hospital Cleveland last week suffering from an attack of typhoid.
Mrs. Hattie Haven of Vermilion and Mrs. John Reis of Broadway are visiting relatives in Cleveland. – Lorain News.
We are glad to report that Mrs. F. H. Rae who is been quite ill, is again able to be up around the house.
Mrs. Binkley of Sandusky who was injured in an auto accident here several weeks ago was removed from the Maud Elton to the hospital at Sandusky yesterday.
The lady employees of the F. W. Wakefield Brass Factory, nine in number were most delightfully entertained at supper Tuesday by Mrs. Henry Schmoll. It was in the nature of a surprise to the young ladies.
Captains Moody, Gegenheimer, and Bailey made short visits home this week.
Mr. John Feiszli had his silo filled one day this week.
The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Palmer has been ill for the past week.
Mr. Fred Gegenheimer took dinner with his brother, Capt. Charles Gegenheimer on the boat, while it was in port at Lorain, Monday.
Katie Kishman is able to be out again.
It is reported that James Cuddeback is confined to his home again.
The South Road at Stop 140 his being macademized by our supervisors. It was badly needed.
The well being drilled on the C. Johnson Farm is now down about 100 feet and no water.
One of A.R.’s bears was shot on Tuesday on account of being sick. Mr. Parkes of Lorain took his hide. A. R. will replace it as soon as possible.
Our $12 phone rate expires November 1st. Several of our neighbors think it will be cheaper to pay carfare than to pay the additional cost.
Bert Lambert is recovering from his recent illness.
Miss Downey, the state library organizer was in town Friday in the interest of a public library.
The seniors are preparing for a play to be given at the opera house Saturday night, November 5th. Dr. Cure All is the title.
Toledo, O. – After nearly 5 hours of intense agony, during which he frothed at the mouth and snarled and snapped like an angry dog as he passed from one violent convulsion into another, Harry Kaihler, died of hydrophobia in a straitjacket in the Lagrange Street police station.
Kaihler was bitten on the finger by a collie three weeks ago. Sunday morning, he was seized with convulsions.
Hmmmmmm....
George Mordorf, corporal; promoted to sergeant July 2, 1864; mustered out with company.
Isaac C. Capen, corporal; promoted to sergeant March 4, 1863; killed in battle September 19; 1863.
Francis M. Miller, corporal; discharged October 18, 1862.
George L. Smith, corporal; died December 4, 1862.
Jasper F. Webster, corporal; promoted to second lieutenant May 3, 1864; to first lieutenant February 1, 1865; mustered out with company.
John White, corporal; promoted to sergeant October 15, 1863; mustered out with company.
Roderick Russell, musician; discharged March 26, 1863.
Franklin Andrews, promoted to corporal March, 1865.
Emerson Andrews, mustered out with company.
Squire Abbott, mustered out with company.
Henry E. Burbank, not on muster-out roll.
Isaac Baldwin, died June 12, 1863.
Daniel S. Barber, discharged February 21, 1863.
Oliver W. Benschoter, died December 28, 1862.
Albert A. Blair, mustered out with company.
James C. Burkholder, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 27, 1864.
Walter C. Beardsley, captured September 19, 1863.
Oliver M. Butler, mustered out with company.
Marcus Crawnell, wounded December 15, 1864; mustered out with company.
John Daniels, died January 19, 1863.
Hezekiah S. Drake, promoted to corporal March 1, 1865.
John J. Dunning, discharged July 16, 1863.
William Dunham, killed at Kenesaw Mountain June 25, 1864.
Floron Dalzell, died January 28, 1863.
Henry E. Dwight, mustered out with company.
Henry D. Fisher, mustered out with company.
Alpha B. Falley, discharged June 23, 1863.
George L. Fowler, promoted to sergeant July 1, 1864; mustered out with company.
Ralph G. Fuller, mustered out with company.
James Ford, transferred to Mississippi Marine Brigade March 11, 1863.
Alfred Ford, discharged for wounds May 13, 1865.
Peter Grimer, transferred to Signal Corps October 22, 1863.
Oliver Gardner, mustered out with company.
Daniel W. Harris mustered out with company.
THE REMINGTON 12: This typewriter is likely the oldest one at the Vermilion History Museum. As some may know the E. Remington Company started out in 1816 as the designer and manufacturer of rifle barrels. They didn’t produce their first typewriter, however, until about 1876.
The very first typewriter they created was known as the Sholes and Glidden typewriter. Christopher Sholes is credited with inventing the typewriter keyboard as we know it today. For one thing he came up with the QWERTY key layout that we are now familiar with. The first Remington typewriter featured such a layout. In later models they added the SHIFT key as well as colors (i.e. tan and red).
While the early Remingtons were a successful product Remington sold that part of their business to the Standard Manufacturing Company in 1886. The Model 12 model as seen in this photo began being produced around 1920. The cover on this model was considered to be noiseless because of the way it was fitted on the machine.
Over the years Remingtons were the typewriter of choice for many authors. Among them were Mark Twain, Quentin Crisp, Rudyard Kipling, Agatha Christie, Margaret Mitchell and William S. Burroughs.
This particular machine is in A-1 condition (except for the ribbon). Our local Cub Scouts seem to love these old machines.
A sergeant was passing the barracks after lights out, when he heard some voices from inside. He slammed open the door, and screamed: Listen, you guys! A few minutes ago, you all heard me say good night. What you must realize, is that when I say "Good Night," what I really mean is "Shut up!!!"
The room instantly fell silent. But after a few seconds, a small voice could be heard from somewhere in the far back of the dark room: "Good Night, Sergeant"
LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: After giving it much thought this link has been "put-down". During the last year most of the folks who used to use this page as a bulletin board have acquired their own and, consequently, no longer need this forum from "Views". I have, however, kept links (in the links section) to Larry Hohler's "Hope Homes" in Kenya - and to Bette Lou Higgins' Eden Valley Enterprises sites. They are historically and socially relevant projects. I suggest that you visit these sites on a regular basis to see "what's shakin'".
Persons interested in the history of the Lake Shore Electric Railway (which was the subject of a recent past podcast series) - "the greatest electaric railway system on the planet" may want to go to Amazon.com and purchase a book called "Images of Rail - Lake Shore Electric Railway". It was put together by Thomas J. Patton with the help of my friends DENNIS LAMONT and ALBERT DOANE. It'd make a nice gift.
Another great book with Vermilion Roots is, "Grandma's Favorites: A Compilation of Recipes from MARGARET SANDERS BUELL by Amy O'Neal, ELIZABETH THOMPSON and MEG WALTER (May 2, 2012). This book very literally will provide one with the flavor of old Vermilion. And ye can also find it at Amazon.com. Take a look.
MARY WAKEFIELD BUXTON'S LATEST BOOK "The Private War of William Styron" is available in paper back for $15.00 with tax and can be purchased locally at Buxton and Buxton Law Office in Urbanna, ordered from any book store, Amazon.com or Brandylane Publishing Company. A signed, hard back edition may be purchased from Mrs. Buxton directly for $30.00 by writing her at Box 488, Urbanna, VA 23175 and including $6.00 for tax, postage and packaging.
THE BEAT GOES ON: This page is generated by a dreaded Macintosh Computer and is written and designed by (me) Rich Tarrant. It will change weekly ~ usually on Saturday. Bookmark the URL (Universal Resource Locater) and come back at your own leisure. Send the page to your friends (and enemies if you wish). If you have something to share with those who visit this page, pass it on. And if you see something that is in need of correction do the same. My sister, Nancy, is a great help in that respect. It only takes me a week to get things right. And follow the links. You might find something you like. If you experience a problem with them let me know. Also, if you want to see past editions of this eZine check the new archives links below.
If you're looking for my old links section (pictured) I've replaced it with a pull-down menu (visible in the small box next to the word "Go"). If you're looking for links to more Vermilion history check that menu.
How the old links menu looked
P.O. Box 437
Vermilion, Ohio
44089
Telephone: 440-967-0988 - Cell: 440-522-8397
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Vol. 16. Issue 34 - October 27, 2018
Archive Issue #815
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