Historical Bluffton

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This  Bluffton postcard postmarked Dec. 22, 1905, by an unknown photographer shows a person riding in a hot air balloon over Bluffton. Certainly this was the Wilbur Wright of Bluffton. Certainly an interesting story lost in history.

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Here is the 1968 Bluffton Memorial Day parade. On the extreme left is Harry Blausey, director. Majorettes are Cathy Kirtland and Beth Dailey.

Businesses on Main Street include Bruce Shelly's Nationwide Agency, Greding Hardware, Watermire's, Gratz Shoes, Western Auto and Basinger Furniture.

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Is this Bluffton? Yes. It's one of the earliest Main Street photos - possibily as early as 1880.

It's Main Street looking north from the location of today's Chase. The west side of Main includes, from left to right:

First block

• A sign reading "Cash your hides"
• Beer Saloon
• Amstutz and Bixel Co.
• Russell Hotel

Second block
• 101 N. Main Street

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You could easily say that you've seen everything, after viewing a steam locomotive on Main Street Bluffton.

This photo is part of "The Bluffton We Never Knew," available in December by the Bluffton Icon. Here's the story behind this photo:

In 1905 the Western Ohio Railroad, an electric interurban, had its track laid on Main Street. Before the electric wires were installed the company used steam locomotives to carry rail and ties.

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Here are members of the St. John's Reformed Church (today St. John's United Church of Christ) confirmation class in 1910.

It is one of nearly 170 photos in "The Bluffton We Never Knew," a book to be released in December by The Icon.

Front row from left, Clara Niswander, Rev. Settledge and Gertrude Niswander.

Standing from left, Minnie Mueller Basinger, Rose Luginbuhl, Marie Matter Craig and Blanche Criblez Wilkins. (Photo from St. John’s church archives)

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Prior to 1897 Bluffton residents' water came from wells. The town-wide water system developed shortly after that.

Here is one of the most unusual photos of Bluffton you will ever see. It's a test of water pressure in 1897 or 1898. The test occurred during the opening of the Bluffton water plant. It demonstrated that the pressure enabled water to shoot higher than Main Street buildings, a plus for the fire department.

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