By Paula Scott

In an online vote that drew 26 opinions, a new group planning to create a Bluffton museum selected the name Bluffton Ohio Historical Society (BOHS). The results were presented and established by vote of those present at an April 12 meeting.

The fledgling group has regular meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month on the third floor of Bluffton Town Hall.

Participants have elected a president, Ron Epley; vice president, Dan Groman; and a secretary, Scott Little. A treasurer is still needed.

At the April meeting, a bylaws committee was formed with Dan Groman to distribute a draft document. The creation of an oral history committee was also discussed.

Each month the group is coordinating visits to Ohio historical museums. Most recently, a small group visited the Putnam County Museum, which is located in a church and adjacent buildings. It is open on Wednesdays and Sundays, and provides traveling trunk shows for schools and nursing homes.

The group has scheduled a visit to the Allen County Museum, 620 W Market St.,  Lima, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. 

BOHS meetings also include a casual program with individuals volunteering to present a local history topic. This month, Keith Sommer brought two curious collections: a 20th century rotary telephone lock display and a metal roller skate with a display of skate keys attached by rings.

Sommer provided background information on the technology presented and when it was used. An avid collector, Sommer joked about finds at “curbside markets” and reminded his audience about why business phones needed to be locked at night: so that individuals could not make expensive, personal long distance calls.

At the May 10 meeting, Aaron Rule will present antique/vintage products and containers with Bluffton business labeling.