You are here

Home

All Bluffton Icon News

Summer morning in 1957

Posted by Fred Steiner on April 19, 2021 - 10:50am

It was a busy summer morning in Bluffton when Paul Diller, looking north, took this zoom lens photo of Main Street.

We date this at 1957, based upon what appears to be a 1957 Cheverolet heading north in the center of the photo.

The vehicles in this photo were American-made lead gasoline guzzlers, but at 30 cents or less a gallon, what did it matter?

On the right side of the photo is the "H-C" insignia for the Sinclair gas station, which is now the Bluffton Public Library. 

Section: 
Historical Bluffton
»

Icon columnist says: "I’ve had writer’s block lately"

In our culture, it’s very common to feel shame when we are not productive, but I know that my self worth should not depend on how much I produce
Posted by Fred Steiner on April 18, 2021 - 9:42pm

By Amelia Alexander
Lately I’ve been feeling like an impostor and a failure. The other day, I was being incredibly negative and one of my friends kindly pointed out that I should be all about the growth mindset, considering I have written an entire article about it.

I was feeling embarrassed because he was completely correct. I was being a hypocrite, and I felt very disconnected from the “good writer” people have told me that I am.

I’ve been struggling to write, and the feeling of being stuck has seeped its way into other aspects of my life. 

Section: 
Columnists
»

And, the pitch...

Posted by Fred Steiner on April 18, 2021 - 1:43pm

Laruen Swartzlander takes a swing at a pitch in the Bluffton vs. McComb softball game when the season opened. Depending upon the weather, the Lady Pirates are scheduled to play Paulding and Lincolnview later this week. (Marvin Foster photo).

»

You may view this year's student juried art show from home

53rd annual Bluffton University art exhibition will be virtual
Posted by Fred Steiner on April 18, 2021 - 1:13pm

Bluffton University to host 53rd annual student juried exhibition virtually

The Bluffton University art department will present its 53rd Juried Student Exhibition from Tuesday, April 20, to Sunday, May 9, in the Grace Albrecht Gallery of Sauder Visual Arts Center.

The exhibition is open to students, faculty and staff. The public can view the work virtually atwww.bluffton.edu/artgallery starting Sunday, April 25.

Section: 
Bluffton University
»

Forgotten Bluffton: When did the telephone arrive here?

The switchboard was on the second floor of the Twisted Whisk Cafe building
Posted by Fred Steiner on April 18, 2021 - 12:50pm

When did the telephone arrive in Bluffton?

According to accounts in early issues of the Bluffton News, on Aug. 22, 1898, Bluffton’s council granted John Amstutz the right to construct a telephone and telegraph "plant" in Bluffton.

Amstutz was granted this free of charge, and also granted the use of all but a few of the posts and poles used in operating the town’s new light system.

The telephone rates were to be uniform, not exceeding $30 per year for business houses, firms and offices, nor $18 per year for private residences.

Section: 
Columnists
»

Norman Rex was former Ada mayor and council member

Retired dean of engineering technologies at Rhodes State College • Active in countless Ada community events
Posted by Fred Steiner on April 17, 2021 - 2:24pm

Norman J. Rex, 86, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021 at 2:55 p.m. at the Memorial Hospital, Marysville.

He was born on June 27, 1934, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Dick O. and Margaret (Johnston) Rex. On Oct. 7, 1956, Norman married Kay Maxson and she survives in Ada. They were coming up on their 65th wedding anniversary.

Section: 
Obituaries
»

Pages