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Here is a beautiful photo of Bluffton's Main Street sometime after 1906. We know that because the Western Ohio Railway tracks are in the center of Main Street.
There are several things to examine closely in this photo, which we would guess was taken by Will Triplett. The original photo measures 8 by 6 inches and was probably a contact print from the negative.
Now, look far to the south on Main. There stands an interurban car headed northbound (see the cowcatcher). A cart stand ready to load or unload freight. At least one automobile is on the west side of Main. The wording "Hotel" means Russell Hotel. That block burned to the ground in 1919. Citizens National Bank stands there today.
At 101 N. Main check out the barber pole at street level and on the second floor. Inside the Bluffton News building today you can see part of the barber pole paint still on the brick.
Coming toward us you'll see a bicycle leaning against the pole where two men are standing A third man is in the doorway. Our guess is that they were told to pose and stand still, or they would have been blurred for the several-second camera exposure.
As you look at the sidewalk you'll notice something that doesn't seem quite right. There are steps leading up to all the store fronts. Those steps aren't there today. That's because the street was eventually raised as it was brick and paved. The side walks that eventually replaced those in 1906 rose with the street.
Next note the wording on the canopy. It reads "The Economy" as in the Economy Store. The next canopy reads: The Bixel Jewery Music Company. Above the canopy reads: Jewelry and Pianos.
Look closely at the corner of the jewelry story. See the post? It exists today at the entrance of The Sports Warehouse. The sign in the alley reads: Motor Gasoline Sold Here.
(From the collection of Fred Steiner)
