Can you identify this one-time Bluffton enterprise?
Let's see, how old must you be to recognized this once-familiar Bluffton scene? Fifty-five, at least.
It's a beautifully framed black and white photograph taken by Paul Diller. His son, Jim, shares this photo with Icon viewers.
Can you believe that at one time Bluffton had its own electrical power plant? You are looking at it. Imagine, our own power plant.
None of the structures or pond exists today.
These buildings were located on Harmon Road just north of where Poplar Street connects to Harmon.
Or, a better description might be that the Steinmetz soccer field complex now sits on this site. In the early 1950s Bluffton relinquished the ability to create its own power - it was coal driven - selling out to what is today AEP. The water tower served the entire community.
One story goes that the water pressure was near non-existant on the third floor of Lincoln Hall, then a men's residence hall at Bluffton College. The top floor of Lincoln might have been higher than the water tower.
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Friday, April 18, 2025
Thursday, April 17, 2025
- Bluffton Beavers sports roundup, April 9-15
- UPDATED Trio of teachers win $1,500 for Bluffton Elementary
- Bluffton public meetings scheduled
- Bluffton EMS stats for March 2025
- Bluffton tennis win vs. Celina
- Pirate softball beats Emmanuel Christian
- Kato will have a ball in retirement
- Poppies: Health implications
- Recap of April 14 Bluffton Council Meeting