One half century ago on Main Street
It's January 1965. Dick Boehr took this photo of the Stauffer Brother's Pure Oil station at the corner of Main and Elm - directly across from the town hall.
We can't read the gas pumps, but that leaded gas was around 33 cents a gallon.
Today a different building stands there, housing Smith Realty, Padrone's Pizza and Ameriprise.
Here are several observations about this photo and Icon viewers are invited to offer more thoughts.
It appears that a 1955 Oldsmobile, with its hood up, is parked on at the station. The vehicle on the street could be a 1947 or 1948 what? Chevy? Ford? Help us out, Icon viewers.
Notice the downtown Christmas ornaments. And check the sidewalk and curb. Not much to brag about there.
Look at the attractive light pole. Aren't we glad that those poles are history?
Take time to look at the brick building on the other side of the street. Today that's the A to Z Meats. In 1965 it was a Marathon station. Did Cookson's or Hardwick's run it? You'll notice that you could drive your car "into" the building to fill up your tank.
Other observations are welcome.
Stories Posted This Week
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Monday, August 10, 2026
- Pirate girls tennis 2nd at Lima City tourney
- Professor Parquet on the passing of Don Nelson
- Bluffton historical society to discuss upcoming events, fundraising
- Bluffton Public Library hosts Mobile Health Clinic on Aug. 13
- 2026 PorchFest preview: Tommy Jenkins, Cat Dailey, Szabo Trio
- Chair massages offered at the Senior Center
- Bluffton Senior Center to host Spa Day
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Friday, August 7, 2026
- BHS Junior Class to hold Post Prom fundraiser on Sept. 13
- Aug. 23 anniversary celebration at Tri-County Family Assembly of God
- Pirate boys golf 10th at L-B Invite
- Save these dates: Four more months of America 250 events in Bluffton
- Lens turns Bluffton's NNO fireworks to neon
- Should all beavers beware of Buc-ee's logo litigation?
- Letter: As Ohio grows, conservation must become part of the conversation
- 2026 Lincoln Highway Buy Way sales August 13-15
- History you can taste: Bluffton celebrates local businesses on Aug. 8