Historical Bluffton

We've enlarged sections -- maybe you can see your house

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

Looking directly at Main Street, here's what Bluffton appeared like from the air in 1954.

A couple things to check: • The 1911 wing of Bluffton High School shows on the left center

• First Mennonite, First United Methodist and Bluffton Presbyterian have yet to add additions

• A closer look on the left side of Main Street reveals buildings that no longer exist.

• The Victorian grade school stands at the end of Church Street as do several homes that eventually became part of the middle school and a parking lot expansion.

Oh, there's lots more at https://www.blufftonforever.com/post/a-1954-bird-flies-over-bluffton

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PHOTO from the Bluffton Public Library Digital archive: https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p15005coll28/id/1936

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

Name the top Bluffton controversies of all time.

Is dancing at the high school on your list? Probably not. However in 1939 this issue was so divisive that one school board member threatened to resign and the First Mennonite and Ebenezer Mennonite churches actually held the same opinion on the issue – writing a letter to the school board to discourage dancing.

This story is from the Bluffton in two consecutive issues, covered in excellent journalist fashion by Ted Biery, editor.

Several background items are needed prior to reading the account:

• Bluffton High school students held dances previous to 1939, however no dances took place in the high school. These were either in parties in residences or in other venues off school property.

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