A view of the east side of Main circa 1906
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We recently showed you the west side of Main Street at the turn of an earlier century. Now we show you the east side from the same era. In this view, the photographer was standing in front of what today is Citizens National Bank, looking toward the town hall.
It doesn't appear that the street has bricks, although the Western Ohio interurban tracks are in the center of the street, which places this photograph no earlier than 1906. One horse-less carriage is in front of what today is Common Grounds. The store sign below the second story windows reads "Hauenstein's Drug Store."
A horse-pulled carriage (or wagon) is heading south on Main Street in front of the Presbyterian Church. What another horse left behind may be seen on the west side of the street.
Notice the many hitching posts for horses along both sides of the street. Wouldn't it be interesting to own one of the posts today?
The building housing Forever In Stitches appears to be a restaurant in this photo. Today's Food Store was E. Jones Furniture and undertaking, so reads the sign.
What do you notice about the Presbyterian Church that is missing today? Answer: a church steeple.
The unknown photographer of this postcard photo knew what he was doing. The photo was taken around noontime, thus there are no shadows. Check out the shadow "under" the vehicle on the east side of Main.
One more observation. Notice that there is a step "down" from businesses onto the Main Street sidewalk. That "step" is missing today. The sidewalks on Main Street are higher than they were in this photograph.
(From the collection of Fred Steiner)
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Tornado Watch issued for Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Putnam counties at 9:15 p.m. on April 2
- Flood Warning issued for Allen County at 11:03 a.m.
- Pirate tennis loss at Elida
- Pirate softball loses opener to Ada
- Pirate baseball falls to Ada
- Allen County will not test warning sirens on April 2
- March 2025 land transfers in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District
- April 22 crash report shows driver hit N. Dixie home
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll announced for 3rd quarter of 2024-2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Obituary for Betty C. Mumaugh
- Leo Club supports Bluffton Clean Up
- Wind, rain and potential flooding for April 2
- Grandey to major in education, play basketball at John Carroll
- Pirate tennis blanks Bath
- Pirate baseball sweeps opening twin bill vs. Pandora-Gilboa
- “I Have Not Forsaken the Word of God” reader's theater, April 13
- Easter Cantata performed on April 13 in Pandora
Monday, March 31, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Bluffton Public Library’s April 2025 programs and services
- Joseph “Joe” Ropp Davies worked for University of Findlay
- Hillville Road bridge maintenance on April 1
- Lift access added to Bluffton Senior Center back entrance
- Register for fear of falling workshop
- Florence to explain advanced sports stats at student forum