You are here

Historical Bluffton

Class of '76 in kindergarten

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

We need some Icon viewers' assistance identifying students in this photo. We think it is the BHS class of 1976 as kindergartners (Margaret Groman is the teacher). That could put the photo in the 1963 school year.

The only names we can come up with and they are not in order are Steve Kohli, Tom Kible, Richard Weiss, Ricky Fields, Daryl Steiner and Mark Zimmerly. 

This room, which was once on the corner of the original elementary building, is now a teacher lounge.

 

Bluffton historical pageant

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Here's a photo from the 1961 Bluffton centennial pageant at Founders Hall. From left, James Szabo, Earl Lehman, Joanne Niswander, Jean Triplett and Jack Purves.

(Leland Gerber photo)

First Mennonite youth choir - 1961

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

If you look closely you can identify almost every singer in this photo. It is the youth choir of the First Mennonite Church, with Earl Lehman conducting. The photo was taken in Founders Hall during the 1961 Bluffton centennial pageant. 

The youth in the photo today range from approximately 58 to 63 years old. Leland Gerber took the photo.

Interurban line south of Bluffton

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Here's a glass negative contact print taken close to what was called "Gratz Crossing," south of Bluffton taken sometime in the early 1900s. The rails are the Western Ohio Railway. Note the poles and wires. The line was electric. The brick house on the far right of the photo stands today. Its location is on North Dixie Highway where the road turns east to cross Interstate 75.

St. John's UCC centennial float

Bluffton's 1961 centennial parade - CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Bluffton photographer Leland Gerber took this photo from the rooftop of his photo studio. it is now part of the Citizens National Bank . The only house on the east side of Main that still stands is the brick house on the far left. The other houses are now Chase and the Bluffton Public Library.

Bluffton College centennial float

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Here's Bluffton College's float in the 1961 Bluffton centennial parade. We recognized Bill Steiner in the center. Perhaps Icon viewers can identify the other three persons on the float. (Leland Gerber photo).

 

 

Pages