Note: Bluffton sixth graders in the 1953-54 school year (graduating class of 1960) created a booklet titled "The Bluffton Story." The following article is part of that booklet, which is now in the history collection at the Bluffton Public Library. This series continues each week on the Icon.
"Bluffton Businesses"
By Theresa Preto and Suann Clauss
Today Bluffton can boast of some 100 business places, a far cry from the very humble beginnings of one grist mill that was located here a little over 100 years ago by Joseph Deford.
Bluffton's population in the 1950 census was close to 2,500, but the Bluffton businesses serve a population of 12,000 who live within a ten mile area of Bluffton.
Bluffton has some very old established businesses, among them Swanks Meat Market formerly Biglar Brothers.
The Hauenstein Drug Stores, owned by Mr. Armin Hauenstein and Mr. Edgar Hauenstein, were first owned by their father Mr. Andrew Hauenstein.
Mr. Hauenstein started in business with Mr. S. S. Yoder in 1870. They had to make their own tooth paste and powder along with the everyday necessities we need.
Their store was located on N. Main St. corner of Washington.
"The Bluffton Stone Company"
The Bluffton Stone Company under the direction of Mr. Raymond Conrad has become one of the busy industries of Bluffton. They manufacture sand and stone for cement work as well as crushed stone for roads.
The stone company did have a coal yard at one time but as the stone business picked up it was dropped. The company is a supplier of agricultural lime to the local farmers.
The Conrad Bros. Trucking firm is the agency that does all of the company's hauling.
"The Bluffton Cement Block Co."
The Bluffton Cement Block Co. is one of the oldest businesses in Bluffton. Mr. Lloyd Murray was the owner for years before selling out to Mr. Ben Amstutz. Under the direction of Mr. Amstutz the plant was expanded for the manufacture of bricks made of cement.
The plant handles a supply of cement products used in construction in and around Bluffton.
