One half century ago on Main Street
It's January 1965. Dick Boehr took this photo of the Stauffer Brother's Pure Oil station at the corner of Main and Elm - directly across from the town hall.
We can't read the gas pumps, but that leaded gas was around 33 cents a gallon.
Today a different building stands there, housing Smith Realty, Padrone's Pizza and Ameriprise.
Here are several observations about this photo and Icon viewers are invited to offer more thoughts.
It appears that a 1955 Oldsmobile, with its hood up, is parked on at the station. The vehicle on the street could be a 1947 or 1948 what? Chevy? Ford? Help us out, Icon viewers.
Notice the downtown Christmas ornaments. And check the sidewalk and curb. Not much to brag about there.
Look at the attractive light pole. Aren't we glad that those poles are history?
Take time to look at the brick building on the other side of the street. Today that's the A to Z Meats. In 1965 it was a Marathon station. Did Cookson's or Hardwick's run it? You'll notice that you could drive your car "into" the building to fill up your tank.
Other observations are welcome.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- October 21 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Village of Beaverdam requests suggestions for park grant application
- Charles “Chuck” Wendall Collins, 63, owned Eagle Press Repairs
- Dwain L. Leiber, 87, owned Leiber Garage
- Kimberly Dawn Murphy, 55, taught at Findlay City Schools
- October 21 Bluffton Schools 2-hour delay
- Kaleidoscope Farms honoring veterans, thanking current troops, Nov. 8
- Filmmaker to preview documentary exploring life beyond incarceration
- ONU mobile health clinic at Senior Center on Oct. 28
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Columbus Grove-Bluffton Rd. closure planned for up to three weeks
- Two Pirate volleyball players make 1st team All-NWC
- 3 Pirate girls 1st team All-NWC soccer
- Pirates dominate All-NWC boys soccer awards
- Local filmmaker focuses on memories made by people and places
- Bluffton Public Library: Medicare 101
- BHS artists prepare Yankee Doodle Christmas Trees for Jingle Bell Stroll
Monday, October 19, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, October 14-18
- Ada Icon headlines, October 19
- JessExpress Travel is the Icon's newest advertiser
- Gatchel 7th in girls, Pirates 4th at NWC cross country meet
- Veterans invited to Pandora-Gilboa banquet, November 10
- Wearable sculptures featured in exhibit On Soft Ground
- Historic depot rentals offered for meetings and parties