Looking west in the 1950s
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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.
Notice the barns on Vance Street, St. Mary's Catholic Church, the elementary school, the (it's not built yet) location of the Mennonite Memorial Home at bend on Elm Street.
Look at the location of today's First National Bank on Cherry Street. It was a chicken hatchery.
Next, look at the Bluffton College campus. There's no Founders Hall, but there's "The Barn," where basket was played.
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Friday, August 14, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026
- Families and customers create an oral history of memorable Bluffton businesses
- Local students travel to France, Monaco and Italy
- Move on Up: New drug for COVID-19 exposure
- Back to School Days at Bluffton Public Library
- 50 for 250 performances at Bluffton Public Library
- Community meal on August 20 at Bluffton Senior Center
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Obituary for centenarian Lois Jean Andreas
- Thomas "Tom" J. Basinger served in the U.S. Army
- President Sider to present Aug. 25 State of the University address
- August 10 council recap: Spending increase for Benroth bridge repairs
- MHCO requests zoning change for construction of senior duplexes
- WIP Wednesday: 1915 kitchen gets a charming DIY remodel