The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Archival society releases 15th annual calendars
A trip back in time to old favorite restaurants and drive-ins is in store for the Vermilion Area Archival Society’s 2020 calendars titled “The Places We Dined.”
The released calendars for next year ring in the 15th year of their sale, with each year featuring different topics and old photographs of Vermilion as it used to be.
Establishments such as Lake Erie Drive Inn, McGarvey’s, Goody Goody Bar and the A&W Root Beer stand are just a few featured in the calendar, according to the society’s cofounder and board member Sandra Neiding.
“Some of those places are still in existence, some have changed their purposes and some are long gone,” Neiding said.
The Area Archival Society had taken inspiration for the project from the Brownhelm Historical Association’s calendars, which are sold annually as well, she said.
The Vermilion Archival Society’s 2019 calendars also have proved popular, which features the Flood of 1969, and needed to be reprinted, Neiding said.
Between 200 and 250 calendars are printed each year for sale.
Many of the buildings featured in the calendar date back to the early 1900s with some originating as far back as the mid to late 1800s, she said.
One store, Baumhart’s Drug Store, dates back to 1896 and was famous for its soda fountain and homemade ice cream, Neiding said.
Another popular pop shop was Hart’s Corner Drug Store, which was revitalized into Big Ed’s Main Street Soda Grill, 5502 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion, and still has the original soda counter.
One of the city’s oldest buildings dating back to 1834 also is featured in this year’s calendar, at one time known as the Lemon Tree Lounge.
Neiding said the building was used for multiple different establishments over the years and currently is home to Woodstock Cafe, 665 Main St. in Vermilion.
“It’s just sort of a walk back in history to all these places that we dined,” she said.
Revenue generated from the calendars every year helps the Area Archival Society purchase archival quality supplies for its collection, mainly consisting of photographs and paper documents.
Calendars are sold at Brummer’s Chocolates, 672 Main St. in Vermilion, for $5 each. They can also be mailed for $7 total to cover postage, with checks made payable to the Vermilion Area Archival Society sent to 5680 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion.