Free event hosted by Bluffton Ohio Historical Society

On Saturday, October 10, at 11:55 a.m., the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society (BOHS) will reenact the moment when John Dillinger walked into Citizens National Bank on August 14, 1933 and stole $2,100. The historically accurate script is written by Fred Steiner, narrated by Kevin Gratz, and involves a dozen volunteers playing the parts of eyewitnesses to the daylight robbery. The reenactment will take place at the intersection of Main and Cherry Street, closing part of Main, Church and Cherry streets for the event.

Loud noise alert: Small Black Cat fireworks will be used during the reenactment to simulate gunfire used by Dillinger’s gang as they exited the bank.

The annual Wake the Dead ride, hosted by Joe Bayliff’s Route 30 Harley-Davidson dealership in Upper Sandusky, will bring a crowd of Harleys into town for the reenactment.

Additionally, the historical society has invited local motorcycle groups to take part in a motorcycle show along Main Street from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. that day. The society has also invited a number of classic cars, especially 1930s models, into town to park on Church Street to provide a period-appropriate backdrop to the reenactment. If the weather is particularly fair, the society expects upwards of one hundred and fifty bikes.

Local youth will be judging the motorcycles and awarding three prizes: Public Enemy Number 1, the Accomplice, and the Outlaw to selected bikers.

If the weather proves inclement, the reenactment will move indoors to the Bluffton Middle School Cafetorium, 116 S. Jackson Street.

BOHS would like to thank Chief Ryan Burkholder and Springfield Fireworks for donating Black Cat fireworks for this event.

For more information on the event, visit blufftonforever.com and Facebook.

MUSEUM IN THE MAKING
The cell that held John Dillinger in the Allen County Jail will be among the exhibits at the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society's museum in the making. The society is purchasing two buildings at the corner of Main and Jefferson streets, the former Kirtland's/Stratton Auto/Sohio/Lawson's buildings to create a "museum to house and showcase donated items ... telling the story of Bluffton--its people, schools, businesses, local culture, and more. Community interest is growing. Together, we can turn this dream into a reality." A three-year, $1.3 million capital campaign is underway to create this museum.

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