Two Bluffton history talks--one an encore and one a new program with a meal--will be given in November at the Bluffton Public Library by Fred Steiner of www.Blufftonforever.com.
Encore of Swiss program, Nov. 7
Steiner will do an encore presentation of “If Bluffton is a Swiss community, where are the mountains?” at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, at the Bluffton Public Library, 145 S. Main St.
The afternoon program provides a chance for persons who were not able to attend the October evening presentation.
The talk explores the background of Swiss immigrants who settled the rural area between Bluffton, Pandora, Columbus Grove and Beaverdam, beginning in the 1830s.
In a PowerPoint presentation, Steiner will share stories and photographs of some of these first settlers. He will also provide some of the reasons that the Swiss left Europe for America.
Pre-registration is suggested by calling the library at 419-358-5016.
Bluffton’s mysteries and a meal, Nov. 14
A program of Bluffton mysteries and legends will be given at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 14, at Bluffton Senior Center, 132 N. Main St.
Steiner will show photographs of some locations that he calls “forgotten Bluffton.”
“Several of these sites are so old that our generation lost connection with the people who built and used them, and we no longer know their purpose,” said Steiner.
“Some are right in front of us and we pass them daily,” he said. “Others are hidden; buried behind trees, scattered along the creek bank and in the creek, or found along our railroad tracks.”
This program also includes retelling of some Native American and European pioneer legends centering on the Bluffton community.
Much of the material in this presentation will be part of a book Steiner is writing titled “Where Bluffton’s Ghosts Sleep.”
To attend the Nov. 14 program, which includes a meal, persons must purchase tickets by Wednesday, Nov. 9. Ted’s Market will cater the meal and tickets may be purchased at the Senior Center for $9 each.
