If there's such a thing as a "100-year flood," meaning a flood that only occurs every 100 years, then this photo must be the "100-year winter ice storm." Nothing is written on the back of the photo, but there are several things to point out to tell the story to viewers in 2010.
First, the photo was taken in Bluffton by an unknown photographer. The scene is South Main Street, looking south. The house on the left appears to be 321 S. Main, what is today The Lamplighter Bed and Breakfast, owned by Joan Bauman.
Although this photo is not clearly identified there are several obvious features that reveal interesting stories. The photo is from the collection of Richard Boehr.
The back side reads "M.E. Sunday School picnic held on College grounds." That translates to (Bluffton) Methodist Episcopal Church (now First United Methodist). The college was established in 1899. One theory is that the photo is actually older than 1899, however. More on that as additional research takes place to prove this theory.
This photo shows an early 1950s-era production of Handel's Messiah in Founders Hall. Russell Lantz is the director. It is from the collection of Richard Boehr.
