AQUA VERMILION: ...But of course it is a joke; Aqua Vermilion. But it was hard to resist doing. For water is scarce in many parts of the U.S.A. right now - while at the same time our city's water department is in the red.
Go figure. Is there an irony here or what?
Several years back the mighty corporate minds of America decided that it was a real wise decision to move industries to the south where cheap labor was readily available. And so they did. And so they did make some profit.
But the realities involved are that when ye move industries and, consequently, populations what ye encounter (over time) are some rather serious logistical and environmental problems.
Understand that some nincompoops would very much like to move the water from the Great Lakes to those areas. As a friend recently said to me, "Those same folks failed to understand the reason industry was located in this area in the first place". Ergo; the dullards of corporate America are now engaged in seriously engineering a process that can only be termed as bringing the mountain to Muhammad.
We must learn to expect no more, and certainly no less, of these folks. They are us.
May Wilber
MAY: May Wilber is a young lady that none of us could have known. She died on January the 18th of 1893 at 9 years of age. She was the eldest daughter of Harriet and Miller Wilber. The family lived in a home on the property that is now occupied by the Vermilion (Ohio) United Church of Christ Congregational Church on State Street (State Route #60) in Vermilion, Ohio.
It would appear that the photo was taken shortly before her death. Her demise was all the more tragic due to the fact that she along with 2 brothers Jesse (1), Roy (2) and a sister, Ruby (also 2 - Her and Roy were twins) all passed within days of one another. They died of what folks called the "Black Diptherea". What caused this is anyone's guess. I have searched and found no record of an epidemic of this nature in this region of the nation nor in Ohio during this time frame. It appears to have been an anomaly.
But what a pretty little child. The story surrounding this family is exceptionally fascinating, and, in some respects, likely fed the popular urban legend surrounding the place commonly known as the Gore Orphanage. This wonderful photograph is courtesy of "Viewer" Bobbi Riley of Santa Maria, CA.
"The Old Vermilion O. Postal Office"
WELDMASTER: This is simply a follow-up pic of what was fomerly Vermilion's Post Office. It is for the benefit of folks who, for whatever reason, are far from home.
The biggest difference between this pic and those that have appeared in past editions of "Views" is that the roof over the clock-tower is finished with a metal roofing material.
At this time it is unknown if there are any lodgers in the building. In any case, most would agree that the changes to the structure are dynamic.
Cool!
HOT, HOT, HOT: This week the musical piece underneath "Views" is "Fire" that was recorded by the Pointer Sisters of Oakland, CA. (June, Anita, and Ruth) in 1978. The song was written by Bruce Springsteen.
When I attended Cleveland (Ohio) State University I took a course in American Sign Language. The instructor was a woman who had grown up in a deaf home. Both her parents were hearing impaired. She told of trying to outsmart her parents when she was a teen. Sneaking in after hours was a chore. Because turning a light on was, to her parents, like slamming a door.
Part of the course required that each student choose a song and perform it before the class in sign. To demonstrate she performed "Fire".
It was great. Think about it.
THE '08 VAAS CALENDER: The new Vermilion Area Archival Society calendars for 2008 have been printed and are now on sale for $5 each.
This year the subject of the calendar is the late Don Englebry's remembrances of "Growing-up in Vermilion". Very nice.
Those who want to purchase a calendar can find them at Brummer's Candy Store on Main Street in Vermilion. And those who need to order them by mail can send their check,or money order to the VAAS, P.O. Box 14 in Vermilion, Ohio 44089.
I will not, personally, be selling these items via mail or email orders.
After "Smitty's" Bait
SOME NEW BIOS: Recently I've added 2 new (or relatively new) biographies to theVermilion Biographies section of "Views".
One is, perhaps not a real bio, but a story about Morris "Jib" Snider. And the other is a brief bio of the well known Vermilion entreprenuer Warren "Smitty" Smith.
"Smitty's" bio features more pix than I've ever used in any of the other biographies. But it makes for a pleasant read.
Thus far, I've done almost 25 of these vignettes. By next year at this time I'd like to have at least 25 more. And I'm working on it.
The newer pieces will feature more pix and, in some cases, utilize new software approaches to production - to hopefully make them more fun for digital readers.
But in the meantime I hope you enjoy those that have been writ.
Faith Kishman - November 2007
PODCAST #51: This week the Vermilion Views Podcast #51 features Vermilion native Faith Kishman speaking at the November meeting of the Vermilion Area Archival Society about how she became interested in genealogy - and specifically presenting some artifacts / letters she uncovered whilst researching the background of her mother's family. This is the last part of the session at Vermilion's Ritter Public Library. Tis a 20:21 audio.
For the benefit of all - kindly take note of the fact that I have produced an archive (that can be found in the "Links" section of the page) that will allow "Viewers" an easier way to access all past podcasts.
Note: (1)that the podcasts are in the archives; (2)that one can easily listen to them on-line and / or copy them (for free) to their PC or Mac for later listening; and (3) that all have also been preserved, by myself, on a separate hard-drive and on CD's. Anyone unable to listen to, or acquire the audios on-line and wishes to acquire a copy of any of these audio casts and / or recordings of persons who have spoken at a Vermilion Area Archival Society meeting during the last 12 months can do so by contacting me, and paying a small cover fee for recording materials.
LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Looking for the latest information about VHS Class Reunions, The Vermilion Area Archival Society, Eden Valley Enterprises events, and Hope Home in Kenya. Follow the link to the Vermilion Locals page. Something new (mit a few new pix added) for your enjoyment.
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
"Ooh, I love your magazine. Especially the 'Enrich Your Wordpower' section. I think it's really...really... really...good." -Homer Simpson
Vol.5, Issue 36, November 24, 2007
© 2007 Rich Tarrant