You are here

Historical Bluffton

A view from South Jackson Street

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Here's a view of South Jackson Street with Grove Street in the center of the photo.

A close examination reveals the old St. Mary's Catholic Church building, a very narrow Jackson Street, no addition to St. John's UCC, several "small structures" at the rear of many residences (are these outhouses?).

Viewers observations are invited.

Grove-Kibler neighborhood from the air (1940s)

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

We continue our flight around Bluffton in the late 1940s. Here is the Grove Street-Kibler Street neighborbood. It shows just the edge of Motter Metro Park. If you examine back yards closely you will notice several clothes lines with clothes drying

A good view of Harmon Field - late 1940s

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Approaching Bluffton from the southeast, we continue our aerial coverage of the community. From previous photos we've established this series was taken in the late 1940s. Here's a view of the Harmon Field complex.

We'd like to point your attention to the bottom right of the photo. You'll see a side track on the Nickel Plate Railroad that no longer exists. You'll also see what appears to be a handcar on the track.

On the bottom left is the water works quarry, now filled in and known as Steinmetz Field.

Looking west in the 1950s

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Just when you thought you saw all the possible aerial views of Bluffton in the early 1950s, this photo pops up. It shows Bluffton from the east looking west starting at Vance Street.

If you listen closely, you can hear people on the street talking to one another.

There are lot and lots of things to see in this view. Notice what is today the village parking lot behind Greg's.

A closer look on Main Street - circa 1950

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

As we continue our aerial survey of Bluffton in the late 1940-early 1950 era, we encourage viewer comments.

Notice:

o the houses across from the high school and post office that no longer exist

o the width of the sidewalk in front of the post office in relation to the other sidewalks

o the era of vehicles on Main Street

o someone riding a bike on Main Street

o the garages in the alley on the west side of Main Street

o the Carma Theater sign

A second Bluffton bird's-eye view

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Here's a second view of Bluffton from the skys of the late 1940s or early 1950s. This shot is of Main Street (Dixie Highway) taken from Poplar Street looking north.

Icon viewer observations are welcome.

Pages