You are here

Columnists

Forgotten Bluffton: The oil boom of the 1890s

500 oil wells were pumping oil around Bluffton during this era

You’ve heard the term “oil boom” as it relates to the history of Bluffton. What exactly does the term mean and what is its significance? (The oil boom here meant both oil wells and natural gas wells.)

Note: Check one of the photos at the bottom of this story. It shows one of seven wells shot on the Rev. Chris Badertscher farm on Bentley Road in 1898. At that time, oil sold for 80 cents a barrel. Rev. Badertscher was offered $20,000 for the oil rights but refused to sell. The well was pumped for 15 years.

Section: 

Peter and Anna Aeschlimann Badertscher

Our Swiss connection - part 10

This is the 10th installment in this series. Click here for the previous installment.

Peter Badertscher, a skilled cabinet maker and carpenter, was born Sept. 29, 1805, to Christian (1720-1838) and Barbara Gerber (1784-1855) in Bagischwand Emmenthal, Canton Bern, Switzerland. Peter had another brother, John, who remained in Switzerland with his parents.

Section: 

Is my generation “soft”?

I have faith in our decency, and I hope to help people learn about why some things are considered “offensive.”

By Amelia Alexander
One of the characteristics that other generations use to describe Gen Z is “soft.”  Maybe that’s true.

I do believe that we are more sensitive than other generations. Our generation wants to set boundaries. Many members of Generation Z want to create an environment where people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, and races feel safe.  We live in a free country. As a patriot, I believe that we need to respect people’s individual liberties that do not harm others.

Section: 

Icon music review: The four most anticipated albums of early 2021

From Drake, Willie Nelson, Foo Fighters and Evanescence

Reviewed by Craig Hoffman 
The calendar has flipped to 2021. That means a fresh start for everyone. This includes the music industry. This year should bring with it a ton of great new music from the biggest names in the industry. Here are several albums we are looking forward to in the first part of this year!

What new music releases are you eager to listen to this year? Let the Icon know in the comments!

Section: 

Forgotten Bluffton: Howard Triplehorn was the first Pirate to play in the Big Ten

The 1931 BHS graduate held several school athletic records • One still stands

Howard Triplehorn, who graduated from Bluffton High School in 1931, was the first Pirate to play in the Big Ten.

At one time three Bluffton High School athletic records belonged to Triplehorn, who eventually played football at the University of Michigan. He held several additional athletic records at BHS, which are in this article.

His records included the BHS football’s career scoring title at 345 points (it stood for 70 seasons when Zac Kohli scored 354 points in 2001).

Section: 

Remembering Jo Croft

Jo Anna (Diller) Croft, 79, of Bluffton, died Jan. 13, 2021. Click here for her obituary. The following thoughts and memories were provided by her family

Jo was kind and loving, she exuded warmth and set all at ease with her calming demeanor.

She was raised in Bluffton and graduated with a teaching degree from Bluffton University. Jo was beloved by students in her elementary and Montessori school classrooms.

Section: 

Pages