OLD NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

RAILROAD MAN AND OTHERS HURT

Ralph case, a brakeman and New York Central, was knocked from his train just west of the river bridge late Wednesday afternoon, and had his left leg crushed just above the ankle. Hearing a peculiar sound, he had climbed down the side of the moving car and swung out to see if the brake beams we’re dragging. He did not notice the switch bar and struck it with such force that he was thrown from the train with his left foot across the rail and the wheels passed over it.

Doctor Heinig was called an administered first aid, and accompanied him to the Sandusky hospital on the train then due.

The foot was removed.

Case is married and resides at 2329 Broadway, Toledo, Ohio. Is probably about 25 years of age.

Mr. Thomas J. Ball met with an accident while at work at the boat plant Monday. He was using a power saw and in some manner got his finger fingers too close for comfort. He had his gloves on and noticed the end of the glove had been drawn in but so quickly was the end of the finger and glove taken off that he did not realize it until the blood spurted. It was the index finger of the left hand.

Two of our nearby farmers are carrying their right hand neatly wrapped up this week, the result of coming in too close contact with the preparation used in spraying fruit trees and vines. Francis Haber has three fingers and the palm of his hand burned and Edward Gardner, a young man employed on Sunnyside farm east of town was also nursing burns.

John Lane of State Street who is looking after farm duties on the Decker-Lenz place east of town suffered quite a severe bump on the nose one day this week when the crank of the engine used in spraying came off and struck him between the eyes. However, he is again able to resume work.

Thursday, while E. J. White was engaged in plowing on his farm in Brownhelm Township, the plough suddenly gave way, throwing him onto his face. Three severe dress the wounds and at that last report they were healing nicely.

FLAW IN BRIDGE REPAIR

Having heard some complaints regarding the manner in which the road bridge across Vermilion River has been left, occasion was taken to examine the roadway and make a few inquiries.

Through the center of the bridge there now runs a heavy timber which rises a little above passing paving on either side of it. From this place projects the ends of the bolts, with the washers and bar on which are used in fastening the timber in place. Some of these ball ends project from half to 3/4 of an inch and not only danger the feet of any horse drivers across the structure but are also liable to cause the bursting of auto tires. If the team or automobile keeps to either side of the dividing timber all would be well but the division can not be readily seen and the bolt ends are scarcely discernible so, if one does not keep far enough, it may prove disastrous to hoof or tire. No less than 4 auto tires have already been blown by these projections. What will be the result when the heavy summer traffic begins?

Had the washers and bars been counter sunk in the timber and the ends of the bolts cut off flush with the surface as they should have been there would be no occasion for complaint for some time to come. This matter should be attended to at once and prevent damage suits which will probably result.

20 GRADUATES THIS YEAR

A class of twenty, 9 girls and 11 boys will be graduated from Vermilion High School this year. The names follow:

Anna M. Williams, E. Marian Hahn, Minne Malcolmson, Florence C. Englebry, Maud E. Gegenheimer, Mildred E, Sanders, Grace M. Brown, Maud Lois Beeckel, Alta M. Leidheiser, Charles L Nicholas, James W Keenan, Myron D. Miller, Clarence F. Feiszli, Roland L. Leadrach, Floyd E. Hull, N. Warren Cullen, Marius R. Smith, Arthur D. Nieding, Robert P. Nuhn and Linwood S. Shaw.

THE FIRST ARREST OF WAR

The first German spy arrested in Vermilion was a Welshman. Thus spoke Mayor Williams today. And thereby hangs a tale.

Yesterday, a man was noticed on the Nickel Plate right of way, doing something, apparently making observations and sketches of the tracks, etcetera. No one knew who he was so Marshal Tischer was summoned and asked the stranger what he was doing. His answer was, “None of your business”. Arrest followed. Appearing before the mayor, he handed him a card bearing the name of Ed Morgan. After asking a few questions his honor discovered in the suppose spy, a distant relative, a cousin, in fact, whose parents were natives of Wales.

Mr. Morgan proved to the satisfaction of all that he had official business connected with his operation here doing work for both the railroad and government.

The room occupied by Harts Drugstore is undergoing some repairs and interior decorating this week, preparing preparatory to summer business. Some shelving has been removed which will give added floor space.

[NOTE: I believe this is the store where Lee’s Landing is located today (2025).]

RED CROSS MEETING

There will be a meeting of the Red Cross society Friday afternoon, April 20, at 2:00 at the Boat Club rooms for the purpose of appointing committees and laying out work.

All members are urgently requested to be present and bring any old linens they may have.

Myrta  A. Simons, secretary.

HURON

The grand jury of Erie County has indicted C. Dickerhoff for shooting to kill.

Robert Truitt opened the Gus Boomer saloon on South Main Street Monday.

Mrs. George Aish died at the hospital at Sandusky, April 12. Funeral was held at her late home here on South St. Sunday the 15th. Burial at Maple Grove cemetery, Vermilion.

The boats laid up here for the winter have all cleared for the seasons work on the lakes.

Captain Charles Montague has had a new style of concrete roadway constructed for his auto.

The funeral of Mrs. George Aish held at the Presbyterian Church last Sunday, was well attended. Several friends, besides relatives from Vermilion were here.

Shaffer brothers have the contract for shingling the Presbyterian Church and are all now are now engaged in doing the work.

Peter Hermes, a highly respected German citizen and resident of Huron for the past 50 years, passed away at his home on Huron St., Monday at the age of 75 years. Burial at Sandusky.

Ed Bond as enlisted in U. S. A. Huron will furnish a number when called for.

Huron has one of the best Red Cross societies in the state. They are ready to meet any emergency call at any time.

The Red Cross society met at the home of Mrs. J. H. McCormick Tuesday, for transaction of business.

BIRMINGHAM

Mr. And Mrs. James Henry motored to Vermilion Monday afternoon.

The farmers are busy drilling oats and planting potatoes.

BERLIN HEIGHTS

Mr. Hess attended the funeral of his grandmother Mrs. Schwartz at La Carne last Saturday making the return trip in an auto.

Mrs. Fred Fowler who has been suffering from the results of a ulcerated tooth is not able to be out yet.

The funeral of Mrs. Augusta Page was held from her home last Saturday afternoon at 2:00. Reverend Cady officiating. Burial in Riverside cemetery. Deceased was 82 years old.

Mrs. Lucy Daniels is suffering from the grippe.

Will Hamer who was hurt a week ago by a building falling on him is improving.

[NOTE: Good to know.}

Mrs. Fred Harpley is in Saint Joseph’s hospital, Lorain, being treated for appendicitis.

Ralph Stratton’s mother fell last Thursday morning breaking her shoulder. Her face was cut by the milk bottle she was placing on the porch at the time of her fall. As she stooped to set the bottle in its accustomed place, she became dizzy and fell. She is doing well as can be expected.

Miss Edith Cobb, who underwent an operation for appendicitis in Oberlin hospital, will be brought home tomorrow. (Wednesday)

J.M. Hendrickson, who suffered a stroke of paralysis Saturday night, died Sunday evening. He leaves a wife, nine children and 27 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His funeral will be held Wednesday at 2:00 PM. from the home on the farm east of Berlin Heights.

Gas is again being used for heating the school building.

The remains of miss Mary Stratton sister of W. N. Stratton, were brought from Coloma, Michigan, last Wednesday, and buried in Riverside cemetery.

AMHERST

Chris Nickel was arrested Saturday evening for allowing gambling in his cigar store and pool room. He pleaded guilty and paid a fine of $5 in cost and was reprimanded by the mayor.

Bart Fazey of South Amherst was bound over to the grand jury this week under charge of stealing supplies from the recruiting station at Elyria.

AXTEL

Mr. Anson Pease is reported on the sick list.

Miss Cora Palmer is reported on the sick list, a victim of the chicken pox.

Miss Florence Brooks is reported ill at the home of her father, Burr Brooks.

The farmers about Axtel are busy plowing and putting in oats this week.

LOCALS

Miss Mary Tucker of Fremont was the guest of Mrs. S. J. Neiding, for a short time yesterday, stopping off on her way to visit her former patient Mr. Ed Smith, the electrician who was taken to Saint Joseph’s hospital at Lorain, last week. He is reported as getting along nicely.

John Hunter has been confined to the house all week by illness. Today’s report finds him somewhat improved.

Miss Bertha Nieding who has been very ill the past three weeks as reported gaining slowly.

The fishing from this port is very light this week with the demand exceeding the supply. No freezing to any extent is reported. The Southwest Company’s tug, Seawing brought in good lifts yesterday and today about two tons, but these are exceptional.

NEWSY NOTES

Those opposed to the oiling the streets around the town should take a stroll over toward the parks right now in the wake of a few high-powered automobiles and breathed some of the resultant dust.

The April number of the Brownhelm Searchlight containing 16 well gotten up pages has just been issued. One more month and volume 3 of this interesting little school monthly will have been completed.

Medical experts who examine applicants for the army claim that 90% of them are wearing shoes that cramp the feet. If this is true of young men we wonder what percent of girls and women are doing likewise.

People like to ride on waves of patriotism about as well as automobiles. Look out for the noisy fellow, he too often does much for his country outside [in the way] of talk. The deep fellow who recently would go if summoned goes about his business and keeps his mouth shut. Give us the latter gentleman every tim.

French scientists after careful investigation have decided that blind soldiers make good wireless operators.

OK after declaiming against the waste of food many people continue to laugh at the old timer who used to make it a point to clean up everything on his plate.

A bumper apple crop is predicted for Ohio this year, in fact it is said that all fruit prospects point to a large yield except Peaches and perhaps cherries, which were nipped by the cold weather.

Of all the towns ever visited in my many travels, “Vermilion is the most fascinating”, were the words of a tourist as he stood gazing up and down Liberty St. Tuesday morning. It will be doubly so in a few weeks.

Those folks who are prowling along the railroad tracks and through vacant lots with a knife and basket are just common everyday people who enjoy putting one over on the high cost of living at this time of year by gathering a mess of greens. And they make pretty good eating, too.

Crystal Beach is preparing for the greatest season in her history this year. The formal opening will occur on Decoration Day as usual, but there will be extra doings this time that will be away from the ordinary announcement of which will be made later.

OBITUARY

Lucretia May Rice, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Rice of Huron St. was born in at Berlin Heights, Ohio, June 5, 1881; Was married to George Aish of Louisville, November 18, 1908; Died at Good Samaritan Hospital, Sandusky, April 15, 1917 at the age of 35 years, 10 months, and seven days.

Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Ash was a resident of Vermilion, and for seven years was engaged in teaching in the schools of Erie County. She had many friends throughout the county Since her marriage she had been a resident of Huron whereby her pleasing and unselfish quality she had won the esteem of the community. She leaves to mourn their loss a husband, at Huron, father, mother, and sister, Mrs. W. A. Christian, and one brother, Harry L. Rice of Vermilion, who have the sympathy of all.

Funeral services were held Sunday from the Presbyterian Church at Huron Reverend MacIntosh officiating, and burial made at Maple Grove cemetery, Vermilion.

VERMILLION 36 YEARS AGO

December 22nd 1881

-C. Nuhn is doing an extremely extensive business and selling out lumber for railroad ties for the N. Y. C. & St. L. He is interested in these portable mills which are constantly running in order to supply the demand for the various qualities of lumber.

At a meeting of our citizens held Monday evening to consider the matter of donating the necessary land for the location of the steelworks, the whole matter was placed in the hands of the committee to act for citizens, and to call a meeting of the same whenever they thought necessary.

Mrs. Sarah Mapes died at her home in this place on Friday, December 16, aged 80 years. She was born December 19, 1801, was married to Caleb Tisdale September 9, 1824, in Cleveland. Mr. Tisdale was one of the first settlers in Vermillion, he having cleared off the land on which his place now stands. In 1840 second 1846 Mrs. [sic] Tisdale was married to Moses R. Mapes.

December 29 1881

The members of the Congregational Church choir were each presented with a purse of $4.00 as a Christian Christmas gift.

Mrs. B. S. Horton received a Christmas present of a check for $100 last Saturday from her brother Mr. S. B. Grummond of Detroit.

January 5,1882

Conrad Bachmann has been appointed guardian of Julia Glick of Vermillion.

Mr. N. Fischer gave his son George a Christmas present of two shiny $20 gold pieces.

Little Ralph, son of Mr. C. Romsey is very sick with a lung complaint and is not expected to recover.

Mr. William Claus of Brownhelm Station met with sudden death Friday night. It is supposed he was on the railroad track and in some way he walked off from the culvert over the brook near the station, striking on his head and killing him.

January 12, 1882

Our popular druggist F. E. Wines in company with Captain George Durand, returned during the latter part of last week from a 10 day trip to New York City.

Mrs. Sally Brown died at. her home in Brownhelm December 31st at the age of 79 years.

Died- on Monday at 5:00 A. M. Mrs. Jenny Johnston, wife of Mr. Charles Johnston, Mrs. Johnston was 24 years old at the time of her death and leaves a little daughter seven weeks old. This is a very sad affair as only one year ago we chronicled the brilliant marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston.

O.F. Hatch had a rather narrow escape from being badly injured or perhaps killed, on Saturday. He was at the crossing of the Lake Shore and N. Y. C. & St. L. Railroad. And in some unknown way he saw that dust in a box in which quite a number of dynamite cartridges were packed, took fire. His attention was called to it just in time for him to get out of the way before the explosion took place, tearing out a large hole in the ground.

James VanCamp, a brakeman on the Lake Shore railroad, was fatally injured at Ceylon on last Saturday afternoon. While shifting cars from one track to another, a timber which he was using broke in such a manner as to throw him under the wheels, which passed over his right arm and shoulder, crushing them in a fearful manner. He was brought here and taken to the home of Mrs. Goff his mother-in-law and attended by doctors McConnelly and Quigley, and everything was done to relieve him. His arm was amputated at the shoulder, but he died about 8:00 Sunday morning.

January 26th 1882

Levi Mack of Sandusky died at the home of H. Sherart Monday and the 39th year of his age.

February 2nd 1882

Mr. Nelson Parsons is building and has nearly completed a pound scow for Parsons & Peck.

The funeral of Mr. Alan Pelton who lived about 3 miles West of this place took place at the Congregational Church here Sunday, January 29th, Reverend M. D. Chilson, pastor of the M. E. Church officiating as Mr. Mitchell pastor of this church was absent from town. Mr. Pelton was one of the oldest settlers of Vermillion having come here with his father in 1815 and lived here ever since.

[NOTE: This is the father of Lester Alan Pelton “The Father of Hydroelectric Power” who was born in Vermillion in 1829.]