Class of 1968 in Mrs. Howe's kindergarten
Click on image to enlarge
I may get in trouble for posting this photo. You'll soon figure out why.
This photo represents some of the members of the eventual Bluffton High School graduating class of 1968.
This is Elfrieda Howe's private kindergarten during the 1955-56 school year. It is located at 118 S. Spring St. Today it is the Jon and Sally Weaver Sommer residence. It was a morning kindergarten.
Down the street, one parking lot and one house to the south, was Mrs. Gratz's afternoon kindergarten. During the 1956-57 school year, kindergarten became part of the Bluffton school programming. The 1956-57 school year was the first year that the current elementary building was open. The class of 1968 was the first--ever first grade in that building.
Front row from left, Mary Herr, Linda Marshall, Connie Sommers, Kathy Kirtland, Ann Balmer, Pat Benroth, Barbara Basinger, (unknown) Anderson, Rick Emmert.
Second row from left, John Simcox, James Henry, Fred Steiner, Ron Benroth.
Third row from left, Chris (unknown), Michael (unknown), Judy Lehman, Beth Dailey, Candy Swank, Dan Steiner, John Lehman (with kitten), Jon Sommer, Mrs. Howe.
Fourth row from left, Mona Reichenbach, Judy Westrick, Raleigh Habegger, Kent Kinsinger, Barbara Diller, Janice Luginbuhl.
Stories Posted This Week
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