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Did Johnny Appleseed pass through Bluffton?

Posted by Staff on July 31, 2022 - 7:32am

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

Did American folk hero John “Johnny Appleseed” Chapman pass through Bluffton during his apple-tree planting career?

A recently discovered Bluffton News column reveals that possibility.

In truth, he tramped around northwestern Ohio, dying in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, in 1845. Still, on a technicality, he never stopped in a village called Bluffton.

Instead, hints exist he may have visited Shannon – Bluffton’s name prior to 1861.

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Historical Bluffton
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Bluffton Forever: Why flagstone walls on the Riley near Harmon Field?

Posted by Staff on July 24, 2022 - 5:46am

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

Imagine a mysterious Bluffton location partially under water.

Stand near the entrance to Steinmetz Field. Turn toward Harmon Field. Take about a dozen steps toward the creek.

There you will discover the remnants of a dam. That dam backed up the creek, but not anymore. Instead, it simply creates a mysterious Bluffton location.

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Historical Bluffton
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When July in Bluffton was rodeo time

Posted by Staff on July 23, 2022 - 8:29am

By Bill Herr
Icon columnist

Growing up in the 1940s and early ’50s, I was always excited when July 4th rolled around because of the Bluffton rodeo. It was considered by some to be the largest event in northwestern Ohio. The first rodeo was held in 1944 and it became an annual event.

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Historical Bluffton
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In 1927, the "Invisible Empire" was visible in Bluffton

Posted by Staff on July 17, 2022 - 7:48am

By Fred Steiner
www.ForeverBluffton.com

The question, “Did the Ku Klux Klan exist in Bluffton in the 1920s?” may result in a “what!?” response from residents today.

You may decide for yourself, after reading this front page news item in the Nov. 3, 1927, Bluffton News.

Headline: Klansmen Invited

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Historical Bluffton
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Bluffton Forever: Vacation plans in order?

Posted by Staff on July 10, 2022 - 5:55am

Vacation plans in order?

That question asked by two earlier generations of Bluffton residents quite possibly meant a railroad trip, beginning and ending in Bluffton. 

In an earlier story posted on Bluffton Forever you will find a story about Bluffton residents taking the train to Chicago to the 1893 World’s Fair. Click HERE for that story.

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Historical Bluffton
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In the days when Bluffton had 12 saloons

Posted by Staff on July 3, 2022 - 5:13am

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

In the late 1890s Bluffton had 12 saloons.

These saloons, for men only, offered several hard-liquor options to their customers. 

This was also a period in the life of the community when several signs posted on Main Street read “No spitting on sidewalks.” Meaning tobacco spitting.

Section: 
Historical Bluffton
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