BLUFFTON TURNED GOODS COMPANY 1885 - 1900 (?)

The Bluffton Turned Goods was established sometime around 1875 along the line of the Nickel Plate Railroad with a switch-track leading into the works. (This was directly east of the railroad on East College Avenue.)

This building was the same one used by the Bluffton Cement Block Company later. Two very active men who shouldered the responsibility of this business were Cal Balmer born in Allen County, and A. B. Swinehart.

Both men were on the village council and also were active school board members. A superior grade of pike poles, logging and other tool handles for domestic and export trade were products of the firm.

Timber used was choice second grade ash and oak. They were always ready to make an estimate to a farmer who wanted to sell.

The company employed on the average of six men who worked 10 hours a day. Power of course was steam. Operations ceased when opportunities looked better elsewhere.

References: I.B. Beeshey and Jim Balmer and Bluffton News
Interviewer: Marlin Gerber