Bluffton's past on display at The Black Lab Trading Co.
CLICK THE PRINTER-FRIENDLY ATTACHMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY FOR DETAILS ON HOW YOU MAY ASSIST THE HERITAGE CENTER.
Have you ever seen a cream separator - a true Bluffton original- or a Scott and Ewing engine, also made in Bluffton?
You can see those products and more in the window of The Black Lab Trading Co., 121 N. Main St. this month.
The Black Lab has partnered with the Bluffton Heritage Center Project to celebrate the sesquicentennial by displaying multiple historic items in their front window for the next month.
The two large pieces in the window are a blanket chest from 1857 that belonged to John Gratz, son of Fredrick and Anna (Lugibuhl) and a fanning mill from 1876 representing part of Bluffton's past agricultural heritage.
Both pieces have some intricate design elements and painting on them and are worth a closer look. The Scott and Ewing engine, circa 1910, is a one-horse power engine manufactured in Bluffton. The Sanitary Cream Separator was also manufactured here around 1905.
These items plus some quilts, pictures, and historic books, are also displayed. The Bluffton Heritage Center Project has many other Bluffton pieces and memorabilia in the planning stages of working toward a Bluffton heritage museum.
For more information about the Bluffton Heritage Center Project contact Charles Niswander, Ron Lora or Phil Kingsley.
Stories Posted This Week
Monday, August 11, 2025
- Coletta Irene Mullenhour worked at M&R Plumbing and Heating
- New Findlay Community Orchestra invites string players
- Children's tryouts for ONU Holiday Spectacular on Sept. 7
- 2025 History Day showcases a love of Bluffton, fascination with trains
- Schumacher Homestead to be featured on WBGU travel program
- More about Bluffton and railroads
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Saturday, August 9, 2025
- Reminder of 1899 Depot move and refurbishment by Bluffton Sportsmen's Club
- JAMPD to retain Johnny Appleseed identity following poll
- Board of Elections lists November 2025 candidates for school board, township trustees and village council
- Bluffton chamber to host AI Lunch & Learn with Courtnee R. Morris
- Weekend Doctor: Family Estrangement on the Rise