Yes, an idyllic scene from Bluffton, Ohio, in the 1800s. Can you place the location of this colorized post card photo? The bridge, known as the "arch" bridge once crossed Riley Creek where the Little and Big Rileys join. The one-lane bridge was removed in the late 1950s when the present structure, which may be built better, but lacks the architectural attractiveness, was installed.
Bluffton's reputation for being a tennis town goes back to the late 1800s. This colorized picture post card proves it. The wording on the card reads "Tennis Courts, Bluffton, Ohio." The location of these courts was along East College Avenue where the Riley View Apartments are located today. (From the collection of Fred Steiner)
Today's Bluffton Hospital began as the Bluffton Sanatorium. The house was located on the northeast corner of Main and College, where the Bluffton Public Library stands today. In this colorized post card from 1908 Dr. J.J. Sutter stands on the sanatorium steps.
Here is Ruby Murray's first grade during the 1954-55 school year. These students are members of the Bluffton High School class of 1967. The photo was taken on the front steps of the "old " grade school. It was the final year that the old building was used. We see several familiar faces and hope that Michael Zimmerman takes it upon himself to provide us with a proper row-by-row identification. Leland Gerber was the photographer.
The Icon recently mentioned the foot X-ray machine in a Bluffton business. Here is Walter Gratz, owner of Gratz shoe store, Bluffton. The store eventually became Bazzy's Shoe Store. Most Bluffton residents 50 and older probably had their first pair of shoes purchased in the Gratz store.
