Here's the earliest known photograph of Bluffton's downtown taken from the town hall clock tower.

Will Triplett took the photograph sometime before 1899. Here are some observations:

• A house stands in place of the Steiner Block (built 1899) and Triplett Block (1900).
• Today’s building at 125 N. Main (right side of photo, corner of Main and Vine) is not yet built.
• Trees line Main Street.
• The Presbyterian Church has a steeple.
• The street is not paved.
• The photo was taken in the later afternoon - notice the shade from the trees.
• The building at 124 N. Main, known at the time as the Daylight Store, stands alone on its side of the street. 

This is one of nearly 175 photos from the book "The Bluffton We Never Knew." It is on sale for $19.95 plus tax at the following Bluffton businesses:
• Twisted Whisk
• Book ReViews
• The Food Store
• Senior Citizens Center
• Bluffton University bookstore

(Photo from Allen County, Ohio, Historical Society)