Firsts, forgottens and floods

By Paula Pyzik Scott
Bluffton Icon and Ada Icon editor

At the last meeting of the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society, we were treated to a show of old photographs. Many revealed dramatic changes to downtown Bluffton architecture, quizzing each other, "do you know where that is?" The experience has me wondering, what is the oldest house within the village limits? The oldest commercial building?

So, in recognition of Bluffton’s America 250 celebrations, I’ve started a Bluffton history timeline. It currently has some 125 entries, beginning with the 1819 surveying of the area as “Deer Creek.”

The timeline will include firsts, such as “1861 - George Burget, first town marshal.” It will indicate technological developments, including “1898 - Telephone service established.” Great floods in 1913 and 2007 are noted. 

Books including Town at the Fork of the Rileys and the 500 articles written by Fred Steiner for BlufftonForever.com make researching the 1800s and early 1900s easier than researching the 1970s and later. Let's not forget that we're making history every day.

Have a guesstimate for the oldest house, the oldest commercial building or other suggestions? Email [email protected].