The subject is roses
The Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora area will hold its February meeting on the topic of roses. The meeting is from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the lower level of the Bluffton Public Library. Click for details.
By Fred Steiner | Tue, Aug 10, 2010
Click on photo to enlarge.
Here's a remarkable photo of a once-thriving business in Bluffton: The Woodcock power plant. For residents of Bluffton since 1983 or so, this plant was located on the site of John's Body Shop, Lake Street. This photo was taken in the early 1950s.
There are several things to notice. First, count the railroad coal cars on the AC&Y Railroad siding. The plant was fueled by coal and that may be a one or two-day's worth of fuel sitting there.
Notice how clean (absence of trees and brush) are the banks of the National Quarry.
Notice a side track (passing track) on the Nickel Plate Road on the bottom of the photo. That track is no longer there.
Notice the number of houses on North Main Street. Compare that number with today's houses.
There's more and you may examine the photo for yourself. (Collection of Fred Steiner)
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The AC&Y RR Historical Society is seeking additional information on the Woodcock plant at Bluffton for a story in our quarterly magazine. Any rememberences, images or data on coal sources and rail traffic patterns (NKP and AC&Y) is most appreciated. Thanks, Fred, for sharing your wonderful photo of the plant. Bob Lucas - AC&YHS
Not immediately apparent is all of the fence and tree lines in the upper part of the photo which still allowed us an ample pheasant population.
My father was the plant manager there until the late 50's. The equipment was removed and shipped to another location (I think it went to Mexico) I have pictures of them installing the water system on the quarry near the plant. As a child I remember the peach trees in the front.