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Bluffton University, once called Bluffton College, was orginally called Central Mennonite College. Here is a photograph of the first-ever building on the campus. It's College Hall, which still exists today. 

Several things stand out in this photo:

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This scene may look familar to many Icon viewers. It's the "old" bridge over Riley Creek on Cherry Street. The bridge was replaced in recent years with a two-lane bridge that is built above the flood plain. This view looks east on Cherry. The Farmers' Grain building is still standing.

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Bluffton's town hall originally served several functions that it does not serve today. For example, the town hall was shared between the village and the Richland Township trustees. In addition, the Bluffton post office was housed on the first floor (south side).

The Odd Fellows Lodge hall served the lodge on the third floor. The third floor originally had a dance floor and also served as a location for community programs.

The town hall also had a jail, located on the first floor of the Elm Street side.

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Have you ever wondered what the Buckeye would look like with the water drained? Here's the answer. This photo shows the "Buckeye Stone Quarries" - does that mean there were more than one?

Although we aren't certain, our hunch is that this photo was taken from the "Main Street" side of the quarry looking toward Spring.  This photo is not dated, however, a plat map of Bluffton from 1880 shows Riley Creek and the Marsh Run, and no quarry exists. So the Buckeye was quarried after 1880.

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Jeannette Klay’s second grade – (BHS class of 1968), 1957-58 school year.

Top row from left, Sue Hauenstein, Aletta Neidermyer, Martha Luginbuhl, Joyce Reichenbach, John Maag, Roger Kagy, Robert Sims, Bob Everett, Rick Emmert, Mrs. Klay.

Third row from left, Adah Lehman, student teacher, James Henry, Larry Conrad, Barbara Diller, Linda Marshall, Ann Triplett, Judy Westrick, Janice Luginbuhl Patty Benroth, Mary Jane Baker, Bill Garrett.

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What is it about girls from neighboring towns? Take Bluffton and Pandora for example. Long-time Bluffton resident Sidney Hauenstein once upon a time had a girl friend from Pandora. We base this upon the following postcard from "Alma" of Pandora.

She sent him this postcard - in the days before facebook and Twitter. 

Her message was similar to social media messages of today. Read on:

TOP: Are there any more at home like you? Hope this will find you well and happy. Alma

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