15 minutes with Old Man Bluffton.
Note from Icon: Old Man Bluffton, retired and now world traveler, shows up in Bluffton briefly each December. If he’s in the mood, he allows the Icon to interview him.
Earlier this week the Icon met him in Twisted Whisk and he was in the mood – although the Icon bought the coffee. Here’s a paraphrase of our conversation.
Icon: What brings you to town?
Old Man Bluffton (OMB): The grade school Christmas concert, the Messiah performance, the Blaze and I needed to stop by Maple Grove to see who I won’t find in the coffee shop this visit. Also, just to make certain there aren’t any empty storefronts in town.
And, I own a lifetime pass at BFR, so I go out their about 6 a.m. and workout for 45 minutes or so.
I also pick up some Bluffton Slaw Cutter for Christmas presents. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spotted them in antique shops all over the country.
Icon: What have you learned during this visit?
OMB: (Responses between chewing Senior Citizen peanut brittle). I’m impressed with my town’s America in Bloom award. Susie and Steve Stratton deserve all the recognition.
Did you read the New York Times article? Bluffton students are in the 95 percentile nationally? Fantastic.
I used to think it was Bluffton water that did it. Now I’m beginning to think that it’s then entire community framework – everything from the fire department giving rides to kids on my 1923 Studebaker fire truck…all those programs at the public library…the opportunity for high school students to take classes at Bluffton University…you know, that stuff.
I’m happy to see the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs land in the library and look forward to their Ted Talks and other programs coming up.
And, the newly lighted tree on the Presbyterian Church lawn is out of sight. It’s about time! The Christmas music on the street is okay as long as you zip the Burl Ives stuff.
I’m also happy to see a pharmacy continue on Main Street. I realize that for some, a national chain is suspect. But, I like the location in the center of town and know that when the dust settles, the town will be better off with it.
Icon: Any controversy you’ve sniffed out during this visit?
OMB: There’s always controversy and I love to get updated.
Icon: Who are your usual sources?
Nancy Yeager is a good source. I like talking with her. And, of course, Fred Rodabaugh has a concise answer for most of my difficult questions. Sam Diller always has one or two gems. Roger Edwards is one of my main suppliers of info also.
What’s the idea of mailing a letter to someone in Bluffton and having the post office send it to Columbus for sorting and then sending it back to Bluffton for delivery? That is so &%# *&@+ stupid. Who came up with that idea? At 53.5 cents a mile, according to the IRS, that’s about a $107 trip.
Icon: You’ll have to ask Denny Edinger or Everett Collier about that.
Icon: How’s your Swiss dialect?
OMB: I like to sharpen up on it when I’m here. I don’t have that opportunity elsewhere. That usually means a greeting to Marvin Diller, Rick Bucher, Ted Cunningham…you know. Although, I’m finding the candlewick gets shorter. That’s too bad.
Icon: What do you see for Bluffton in 2018?
OMB: You know, this many sound funny, but I’m really looking forward to Bluffton being on the national bike route. I think that’s neat. I always like the pathway group working on getting pedestrians off Bentley Road.
Good god, that restroom – if you can call it that – at the Buckeye is finally going to be demolished and replaced. Jesse Blackburn told me that the village ought to pay people to use it – it’s that bad.
As long as I’m ranting, who came up with the idea to fill in the village pond? I’m happy to see that project squashed.
Let’s talk about State Route 103. What a mess. It needs widening and lots of attention. Dick Boehr once told me that he wanted to see sidewalks and streetlights extend from Main Street to 103. I thought he was crazy.
Then, on one of my trips here I flew into Dayton and what did I see? The city of Vandalia extended sidewalks, streetlights and banners all the way from its downtown to I-75. Very inviting. They figured it out.
Icon: I can see you are on a roll. What else are you thinking?
OMB: Do you realize that there’s no sign anywhere that says “Welcome to Bluffton.” That’s a no-brainer.
And, during this visit Ryan Brauen told me that he thinks the alleys on Main Street need attention. He’s right. Clean them up. Maybe some benches. Maybe some murals, or lights. They look creepy to me. It could be that most residents are too close to see how unsightly they appear.
Icon: Can you leave me on a positive note? I don’t know when I’ll see you again.
(After a long pause) OMB: The yellow flashing lights at College and Main are better than nothing. I believe people are starting to respect that intersection. I think Paula Scott deserves recognition for that.
You know, I think Bluffton is really fortunate to have a vibrant Main Street. You probably take that for granted. But, believe it. It’s crucial. So are having Motter Park, Bluffton Hospital and Bluffton University in town. I can name towns that would sell their birthrights to have any of those three in their neighborhood.
Well, that’s it for now. Oh, forgot to mention the new housing development. Very nice and very necessary for a small town to have.
Okay, I’m out of here. Have people to see out at Maple Crest. Want to talk with Joanne Niswander about her butterfly project.
And with that, Old Man Bluffton headed off to the Ect Cetera Shop, for who know’s what. We don't know when we'll see in in town next.
