The intersection of Main and Elm - in 1966
Here's the view of Main and Elm 49 years ago this month. Dick Boehr took this photo in September 1966.
Here's some interesting things to notice:
• Crow's occupied the building now housing Groves Bears
• Check the street crossing - it looks as if the brick under today's pavement is showing as the crosswalk
• There's a tree in the Crow's parking lot, that doesn't exit today
• Now look closely as what is today the A to Z Meats building. It shows the "drive in" gas station, probably operated by Richard Cookson when this photo was taken. It was a Marathon station. We can't make out the words on the yellow sign next to the archway. It looks like "TOP ALLEY." We will defer to the Cookson brothers for an answer.
• If the stoplight was in this photo you'd only see one. Today's the are two at this intersection.
RESPONSE FROM KEN COOKSON:
Thanks Fred. The yellow sign in my father’s Marathon Station reads "Top Value," a type of stamp given out by various merchants and collected by customers. Books of stamps could be redeemed for prizes and merchandise by that company. A competitor to Top Value Stamps was S & H Green Stamps.
Thanks, Ken Cookson
Stories Posted This Week
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
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Monday, August 10, 2026
- Pirate girls tennis 2nd at Lima City tourney
- Professor Parquet on the passing of Don Nelson
- Bluffton historical society to discuss upcoming events, fundraising
- Bluffton Public Library hosts Mobile Health Clinic on Aug. 13
- 2026 PorchFest preview: Tommy Jenkins, Cat Dailey, Szabo Trio
- Chair massages offered at the Senior Center
- Bluffton Senior Center to host Spa Day