Historical Bluffton

Here's the earliest known photograph of Bluffton's downtown taken from the town hall clock tower.

Will Triplett took the photograph sometime before 1899. Here are some observations:

Here's the Bluffton College Beavers men's basketball team from 1941-42. A. C. Burcky was the coach. Player names are under the photo.

Here's a photo and identification of members of the Bluffton High School choir from the 1948-49 school year.,

This  Bluffton postcard postmarked Dec. 22, 1905, by an unknown photographer shows a person riding in a hot air balloon over Bluffton. Certainly this was the Wilbur Wright of Bluffton. Certainly an interesting story lost in history.

Here is the 1968 Bluffton Memorial Day parade. On the extreme left is Harry Blausey, director. Majorettes are Cathy Kirtland and Beth Dailey.

Businesses on Main Street include Bruce Shelly's Nationwide Agency, Greding Hardware, Watermire's, Gratz Shoes, Western Auto and Basinger Furniture.

Is this Bluffton? Yes. It's one of the earliest Main Street photos - possibily as early as 1880.

It's Main Street looking north from the location of today's Chase. The west side of Main includes, from left to right:

First block

• A sign reading "Cash your hides"
• Beer Saloon
• Amstutz and Bixel Co.
• Russell Hotel

Second block
• 101 N. Main Street

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