Can you identify this one-time Bluffton enterprise?
Let's see, how old must you be to recognized this once-familiar Bluffton scene? Fifty-five, at least.
It's a beautifully framed black and white photograph taken by Paul Diller. His son, Jim, shares this photo with Icon viewers.
Can you believe that at one time Bluffton had its own electrical power plant? You are looking at it. Imagine, our own power plant.
None of the structures or pond exists today.
These buildings were located on Harmon Road just north of where Poplar Street connects to Harmon.
Or, a better description might be that the Steinmetz soccer field complex now sits on this site. In the early 1950s Bluffton relinquished the ability to create its own power - it was coal driven - selling out to what is today AEP. The water tower served the entire community.
One story goes that the water pressure was near non-existant on the third floor of Lincoln Hall, then a men's residence hall at Bluffton College. The top floor of Lincoln might have been higher than the water tower.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Monday, June 23, 2025
- Anna Marie Beagle taught at Allen East Elementary
- Noteworthy dress rehearsal and concert with potluck in Ada, June 23 and 29
- First Bluffton Art Walk provides a welcome outing on a rainy day
- Hardin County Commissioners send letter objecting to HB 335
- Duckie Cosplay underway at Bluffton Public Library
- Upcoming BPL events, June 23-28