These saloons, for men only, offered several hard-liquor options to their customers.
This was also a period in the life of the community when several signs posted on Main Street read “No spitting on sidewalks.” Meaning tobacco spitting.
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.
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
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.
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.
