That's a real steam locomotive on Main Street
You could easily say that you've seen everything, after viewing a steam locomotive on Main Street Bluffton.
This photo is part of "The Bluffton We Never Knew," available in December by the Bluffton Icon. Here's the story behind this photo:
In 1905 the Western Ohio Railroad, an electric interurban, had its track laid on Main Street. Before the electric wires were installed the company used steam locomotives to carry rail and ties.
That dates this photo to 1905 (the first official trolley passed through Bluffton in Janaury 1906). The storefronts help identify the location of this photo as you can see familiar second floors on the east side of the street.
Interested in a copy of the book? Click here for an order form.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- St. John Bible Church to host "Refocus on Purpose" workshop
- Royal riches: Gout
- October 8 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Has Bluffton made a birder out of you?
- BPL Afterschool activity: Curious Kids Club
- Book and pizza tasting at Bluffton Public Library
- Final 50 for 250 performance at BPL
- Walking through the Suter Corn Maze
- Resident feedback sought for Regional Transportation Plan
- Bluffton University honors three for service, achievement and leadership
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting, Friday, Oct. 9
- Fire extinguished at SRK Industries, plant resumed operation same day
- Bluffton girls tie Grove in NWC showdown
- Pirate volleyball falls to powerhouse Patriots
- BHS GOAT: Latin teacher Margaret Weaver
- Library patrons invited to showcase their collections or causes
- September 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district
Monday, October 5, 2026
Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Bluffton Fire Dept. extricates passenger following I-75 crash
- Crumrine leads October 8 Watercolor Workshop
- MCHO opportunities to trick or treat, donate candy
- ALA Banned Books Week
- Pirate boys soccer blanked by Celina
- Hancock Public Health confirms measles case in Findlay
- Timeline for October 10 Dillinger robbery reenactment and motorcycle show