Main Street mid-1940s
This is Main Street Bluffton in the mid-1940s.
There is a 1938 Chevy parked in from of the A and P. There is a newer Chrysler product, probably a 1945-46 model also in the photo. Plus, there's no Shannon Theatre – it wasn't built yet.
Lots of other things to notice:
• Gas pump on the far left side of the photo
• The Charles Company where Citizens National Bank is today
• One stoplight at the Cherry-Main intersection
• Notice the street lamps
• Notice the condition of the sidewalks
We wonder if this was taken on the Fourth of July. No one on Main Street, except for 48-star flags.
Jim Diller shared this photo with the Icon. It was originally a color slide taken by his father, Paul Diller.
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026
- Bluffton Sardines 3rd at WOAL swim meet after day 1
- Ada Icon headlines, July 10
- Orange Twp. receives ODOT request to close two US 30 intersections
- Find and update Bluffton Civic Organization contact information
- 12th Ride to Remember rolls through Bluffton July 11
- Rumpke trash and recycling guidelines for Bluffton, July 2026
- Beaverdam 4-H report for July 6
- Take a look at Blufftonicon.com/calendar (video)
- Newark Earthworks program on historical indigenous architecture, July 22
Thursday, July 9, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 9
- Share the bridge
- Jeff Richards is new Bluffton Elementary principal
- Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Bike & Jeep Run, Aug. 8
- Sheriff seeks information in June 29 Meijer shooting investigation
- Down on the Farm celebration of America 250, July 19
- Enjoy this summer without doing damage
- Register now for July 23 Words and Wine event
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
- Allen County Auditor explanation of Ohio House Bill 186 Inflation Cap Credit
- Shoemaker sentenced to 27 years on child pornography charges
- St. John's UCC to host Bluffton bike swap
- Beaverdam Bunch reports: July 29 meeting
- July 28 speed puzzle competition at Bluffton Public Library
- Galley Book Group to meet at Bluffton Public Library