If this is 1890, it must be Bluffton
If this is 1890, then this must be Bluffton.
It is Bluffton and it is Main and Cherry in one of the earliest photos of Main Street. Will Triplett took this photo.
Please look at the addition two photos below - we've enlarged portions of the original photo to look closer at this scene.
Here are some observations:
• The belfry of the school is on the far left.
• The Methodist Church (replaced in 1915 by the present building) is the next steeple.
• The only building in this photo standing today is the 101-103 N. Main St. block. • Additions were added later to rear of the 101 N. Main St. building.
• Trees are planted along Main Street.
• The trees are protected by wooden frames taller than the men on the street.
• Three of the buildings have second floor balconies.
• That might be a water pump in front of 101 N. Main.
• There’s also a horse trough and water pump on Cherry Street.
• There’s a jewelry store with a large sign in the shape of a pocket watch on the side of the building.
• A barber pole directs customers to a second-floor barber.
• Trees are also planted along what is today Church Street.
• The street is not yet paved.
• The Commercial Bank building - today housing John Wagner's National Agency, is not yet built.
• Will Triplett posed this photo as he had store owners stand in front of their businesses.


Stories Posted This Week
Friday, August 29, 2025
- Community Dog Park officially opens as memorial to Katrina Riepenhoff
- Obituary for Ian Christopher Shriner
- 2025 Blaze of Lights theme is "Home for the Holidays"
- Pirate volleyball win vs. Defiance Ayersville
- Highway Patrol focused on removing impaired drivers from the road
- Beaverdam Bunch 4-H results at 2025 Allen County Fair
- Porchfest brings live music to Bluffton neighborhoods
Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Pirate girls golf close 2nd at tri; Bauman 1st
- Pirate boys golf 2nd in NWC quad-match
- Pirate girls tennis loss at Wapak
- "You Made It" Forum welcomes Class of 2029
- 2nd annual Bluffton Porchfest celebrates live music
- Learn to play bridge at the Senior Center
- Blanchard Valley Health System enhances “Find-a-Doc”
- Taste of Bluffton serves as mixer for students and residents
- Heart to Heart: New Blood Pressure Guidelines
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Mayberry Rd. closure Aug. 27-28
- Janet M. Leonard was a teacher
- Pirates boys golf wins NWC tri
- Inside Innovations brings established design studio to Bluffton
- Walking thru Autumn hikes include Motter Park
- Colloquium Presentation: Emotional Education in 18th Century Germany
- Student to Share Lessons from Study Abroad Experience in Mexico