A view of Bluffton you've never seen
Here's a view of Bluffton that you've never seen.
Dick Boehr shared with the Icon several Bluffton College photographs from the early 1920 in his collection. This is among that group of photos.
You can't take this photo today because all the trees in the university woods block the view.
This is a view or Ropp Hall. There are several things to point out:
• Examine the bank of the Riley. No trees, no shrubs. It is truly a "bluff" above the stream
• No Adams Bridge to cross the creek at Ropp Hall
• Bren-Dell Hall does not exist - it was built about 40 years later
• In place of the parking lot at Ropp is a house
• The Enneking house at the corner of Campus View and Campus Drive looks very similiar today as it did in this photo
• The English Lutheran Church steeple is evident in the background
• The campus lagoon appears to have extended itself further toward Ropp than it does today
• Has the creek entended into what was once the clay tennis courts below Bren-Dell? If so, was that land filled in later?
Did the photographer climb a tree to take this photo?
Other viewer observations are welcome.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Friday, October 9, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 9
- Pirate girls soccer loss vs. St. Marys
- Pirate volleyball sweeps Carey
- “The Trumpet Player” sculpture at Bluffton University receives conservation grant
- October 9 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Plenty of action at Oct 10 Dillinger robbery reenactment and motorcycle show
- Caitlyn Couch junior piano recital, October 16
- Bluffton community survey opens for Active Transportation Plan
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines on Thursday, October 8
- St. John Bible Church to host "Refocus on Purpose" workshop
- Royal riches: Gout
- 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