Hidden Gems: Vermilion History Museum
Have you ever wondered about Vermilion in the olden days? The Vermilion History Museum is the best place for you! I took a trip there recently, and learned a few interesting things.
The museum is actually two separate museums. Downstairs is where the printing press is, and upstairs is where Rich’s grandparents and parents used to live.
There were some interesting machines called linotypes. The Vermilion History Museum is unique because it has two linotypes instead of one! At first glance, they reminded me of computers with different keys. The right side had white keys for capital letters, the left had black lowercase keys, and the middle blue keys were fractions and punctuation. I watched as Rich demonstrated their use and it was quite interesting!
I also experienced a history myth busting moment: We’ve been taught in school that Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. That is not true, since presses (such as a winepress) were created in the medieval times. Instead, Gutenberg invented the moveable type, which promoted literacy among the “common people”. Prior to Gutenberg, monks would take a year to write one book, so literacy was limited to the upper class and clergy. Gutenberg’s moveable type made it possible for 10 books to be written in one year!
The History Museum sits where the old Vermilion News was (727 Grand Street). However, the Vermilion News was also a hub for political activity. Many politicians would come in to interview and get their name out in Vermilion, too. The News would also print church bulletins. As I looked around inside, there were many signs for events such as the “Clam Bake,” the “Fish Fry,” and “Dumping Rubbish Prohibited.”
Rich Tarrant’s grandmother was part of the Ritter Public Library’s founding. The original library stood where The Old Vermilion Jailhouse now stands. She also was a prominent suffragist and was heavily involved in the temperance movement.
As you may know, the Wakefields are an important family in Vermilion’s history. Wakefield Brass made its home in Vermilion, and one of Main Street’s charter members, Margaret Wakefield Worchester, grandfather started it. The Wakefields were also instrumental in city government; Vermilion had a Mayor Wakefield in 1913, and they founded the Chamber of Commerce.
Vermilion’s growth took off in the 1950s! Vermilion provided the only road from Cleveland to Cedar Point, and many CP enthusiasts stopped to eat, shop and stay in this area. Restaurants especially started popping up on Liberty Avenue, and it gave rise to what exists today. It’s still a business hub.
There is more interesting history on Rich’s website, which is called Vermilion Views. In the archive section, you will find stories such as Mary Wakefield Buxom’s remembrance of her grandfather F.W. Wakefield, as well as a mini biography of the Rev. Jotham Goodell (he and his family emigrated from Vermilion to the Oregon Territory). The Vermilion History Museum is now open weekdays from 11AM-3PM.
Hayley Carter, MSV Intern