2 photos worth 10,000 Bluffton words
Note: The Icon posted these two photo in past Decembers, but they are worthy of a re-post. Dennis Morrison shared the photos originally with the Icon.
It's December in downtown Bluffton in the early 1950s. There's Santa with a Santa Halloween mask stepping up to meet kids. In the next photo Bob Crow and Paul Steiner hold the PA system as Santa talks with kids.
We're pretty certain that Al McCluer is Santa, and we are going to make a stab on the ID of the kids on the platform. On the far left, it looks like Dan Lehman, then Francis Harkness, Judy Harness and Donna McClure. That's as far as we can go.
This scene must have been from a Bluffton Business Men's holiday promotion.
The Presbyterian Church manse is behind the setting. It's part of the parking lot today.
In the background is the original Citizens National Bank, prior to two modifications. Next door is Crow's 5 and 10, The Charles Company and Urich's IGA.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Stories Posted This Week
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Monday, July 13, 2026
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026
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