Name selected: Bluffton Ohio Historical Society
By Paula Scott
In an online vote that drew 26 opinions, a new group planning to create a Bluffton museum selected the name Bluffton Ohio Historical Society (BOHS). The results were presented and established by vote of those present at an April 12 meeting.
The fledgling group has regular meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month on the third floor of Bluffton Town Hall.
Participants have elected a president, Ron Epley; vice president, Dan Groman; and a secretary, Scott Little. A treasurer is still needed.
At the April meeting, a bylaws committee was formed with Dan Groman to distribute a draft document. The creation of an oral history committee was also discussed.
Each month the group is coordinating visits to Ohio historical museums. Most recently, a small group visited the Putnam County Museum, which is located in a church and adjacent buildings. It is open on Wednesdays and Sundays, and provides traveling trunk shows for schools and nursing homes.
The group has scheduled a visit to the Allen County Museum, 620 W Market St., Lima, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29.
BOHS meetings also include a casual program with individuals volunteering to present a local history topic. This month, Keith Sommer brought two curious collections: a 20th century rotary telephone lock display and a metal roller skate with a display of skate keys attached by rings.
Sommer provided background information on the technology presented and when it was used. An avid collector, Sommer joked about finds at “curbside markets” and reminded his audience about why business phones needed to be locked at night: so that individuals could not make expensive, personal long distance calls.
At the May 10 meeting, Aaron Rule will present antique/vintage products and containers with Bluffton business labeling.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, August 21, 2025
- Lima Highway Patrol OVI checkpoint August 22
- Pirate VB sweeps Rockets
- Pirate boys drop golf tri
- GriefShare support group continues on Thursday evenings
- Bluffton Board of Education hears neighbor comments on practice field, approves Lawn Ave. plan
- United Way of Greater Lima holds 9th annual Day of Caring on Sept. 5
- Village of Beaverdam announces committee meetings
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Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Village of Bluffton reminder of electric aggregation provider, solicitor permit requirements
- Previews of Bluffton Senior Center trips for 2026
- English Lutheran Church to provide Community Meal, August 21
- Welcome back to Bluffton Beavers
- Pirate football reloads for run at NWC crown
- Pirate volleyball swept by Shawnee
- Pirate girls golf loss to Fort Loramie
- Pirate girls tennis edged by Spartans
- Made In Ada Wilson Football Festival kicks of season August 23