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1893 Chicago World's Fair drew from far and near

Posted by Staff on June 26, 2022 - 5:20am

By Fred Steiner

In 1893 the village of Bluffton (population under 1,700) had no running water, no electric plant, no telephones, no rural mail delivery, and Central Mennonite College (Bluffton University) did not yet exist.

Despite this, it is reported that 109 residents of Bluffton traveled to the 1893 Columbian Exposition, known as the World’s Fair in Chicago. The actual number may have been higher.

For the record, from Beaverdam there were 16 attendees, Rockport 28, Pandora 7, and Mt. Cory 10.

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Historical Bluffton
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1974 WBGU documentary Bluffton USA now streaming online

Posted by Paula Scott on June 22, 2022 - 7:50am

In 1974 WBGU-TV produced the 58-minute documentary "Bluffton, USA." Recently, the Icon watched it with great interest at the Bluffton Senior Center. When we called to inquire, WBGU put it at the head of the line for its new streaming service and you can now watch the show at 

https://video.wbgu.org/video/bluffton-usa-1974-rb7ila/

Section: 
Historical Bluffton
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Bluffton is home of the “ashless cigar”

Posted by Staff on June 19, 2022 - 6:00am

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

Created by a 1919 BHS graduate 
It’s a little-known fact that Bluffton, Ohio, is the home of the patented “ashless cigar.”

Why there’s no sign at the edge of town stating this fact is something I’ve never quite figured out. Perhaps it’s time to do something about it. So, here’s me doing something.

This cigar information is a long-held secret in my family, who happens to hold the patent.

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Historical Bluffton
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A Civil War emblem in a Bluffton church window?

Forgotten Bluffton story from BlufftonForever.com
Posted by Staff on June 12, 2022 - 5:09am

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

Few residents are aware that a Bluffton church features four of the most unusual emblems ever seen in a church window anywhere.

As a serious student of this community’s church windows, Bluffton Forever believes that the most intriguing, most beautiful and most ornate windows in the village exist in the First United Methodist Church.

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Historical Bluffton
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Forgotten Bluffton: A power plant and a quarry

Posted by Staff on June 5, 2022 - 7:27am

By Fred Steiner
www.BlufftonForever.com

Why is there a lake on Jefferson Street between Riley Creek and the Norfolk Southern Railroad?

For viewers who may be unaware, the site of John's Body Shop on Lake Street was once a large coal-fired power plant. It was razed in 1982.

And, the lake, now known as Cob Lake was originally called the National Quarry. Prior to it becoming a lake, it was a stone quarry.

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Historical Bluffton
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The most courageous person I ever knew

Posted by Staff on May 30, 2022 - 8:10am

Photograph of Captain Richard Louis Basinger courtesy of The Virtual Wall.

By Bill Herr, Icon columnist

Courage is defined in Webster's Dictionary as mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. The most courageous person I ever knew was my friend, Dick Basinger. His father was my Vocational Agriculture teacher at Bluffton High School, Mr. Lorain Basinger. 

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Historical Bluffton
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