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Can you identify this location?

This is a tough one for those under, say 55. It's a construction photograph of a Bluffton swimming pool that no longer exists.

The year is 1955 or '56. Paul Diller, father of Jim Diller, took this photo, originally as a color slide. Jim is in the process of transferring the slide into a easiler to view format.

We believe that Jim Benroth, brother of Gene and Bob, is the man watching the work on the far right, in the teal colored shirt.

Jonathan on Jonathan

Jonathan Schriner (right) goes after the ball in a Saturday Bluffton HS boy's victory over another Jonathan - Alder High School 6-1. Schriner scored twice in the win. The Pirates are 4-0 on the season. (Marvin Foster photo)

Take a Bluffton art walk

The Trumpeter - final photo feature in our summer series

This is the final installment in this series.
Summer is a great time to explore the art spread across the Bluffton community – especially for viewers unable to visit art galleries elsewhere in Ohio.

As a weekly series, The Icon has featured the art created by John Peter Klassen, a long-time Bluffton College art professor.

For some viewers, this series is familiar. For others, it may be a first-time experience.

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Forgotten Bluffton: What was the Commercial Bank?

And, what became of it?

Why are the words “Commercial Bank’ in capital letters above the John Wagner Nationwide Agency at 105 N. Main St.?

Here’s the answer: The Commercial Bank was Bluffton’s first bank. It was founded in 1887 as a private bank by Frank Scott, N.W. Cunningham purchased one-half interest in it in 1893.

 Scott and Cunningham were the sole owners until June 3, 1902, when it was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio  and became a state bank. 

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Don't mess with rush water

Rushing water is a force not to be messed with, as you will see in the accoumpanying four photographs. The spring "flash" flood made a serious dent in the levy between the Buckeye and Riley Creek. Repair to the stone wall area of the levy is underway. This photo shows the fix up. Check the next photos for the water damage.

Fortman Insurance Services moving to 138 N. Main

Serving customers in Bluffton since 2011

Fortman Insurances Services, 115 N. Main St., Bluffton is relocating to 138 N. Main St.

With a home office in Ottawa, the agency opened a Bluffton office in July of 2011, which now has four licensed agents. 

Its Bluffton phone number will remain 419-358-4600, as will its hours: Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. to 5. p.m. and evenings and weekends by appointment.

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