Here's a farm view of one of the activities that took place during the 1961 Bluffton centennial. Leland Gerber took this photo. Two of the persons identified are John Murray (left) and John Neunschwander (center).
We'll defer to older Icon viewers for the explanation of this old-time farm operation. Comments are welcome.
Here's a photo of a muzzle and trap shoot event at the Bluffton centennial in 1961. This took place in what is now the practice field area of Harmon Field. If we are not mistaken the two young men standing on the far left are brothers, Rodney Stratton and Kip Stratton.
Is it possible that Jim Opperman is second from the far right? And who is the young man on his knees shooting. Looks like Ron Badertscher.
You are looking at Bill Hart in jail with Dick Mericle and Lester Hahn outside the jail in beards. It's another Bluffton centennial photo from 1961. Bill is in jail because he didn't grow a beard and failed to purchase a permit to allow him to shave.
Leland Gerber took this photo. Check the shadow made by Leland.You can see the round flash unit on his camera.
Ada was once known for its clay tile company. Here's a post card showing the company. The wording, difficult to read states: 'ADA CLAY CO., ADA, O. DRAIN TILE SIZES 3 1/2 INCHES TO 24 INCHES.
The flip side reveals this was a Christmas and new year's greeting from the company. This particular card was mailed to a customer in Dola on Dec. 23, 1919.
Post card from the collection of Leland Crouse, Ada.
It was a crime to be "beardless" in Bluffton during the one-week August centennial in 1961. The only way men could stay out of jail was to purchase a pin giving them permission to shave.
Bill Hart was caught by the Keystone Kops of Findlay and was jailed because he lacked a beard and a permit to share. He was housed in a make-shift jail on Main Street until someone bailed him out.
