Have you shopped at Amstutz and Bixel Co. lately?
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
Several observations:
• Street is not paved – imagine what mess a heavy spring rain might produce
• No apparent gas lights - the street was totally dark at night
• The photographer was probably Will A. Triplett. Even taken in bright sunlight, the exposure was slow because the second horse on the left is blurry - it moved while the photo was taken
• Trees are on the east side of the street, and further north, trees are on the west side of the street.
This photo is in the book "The Bluffton We Never Knew," published this winter by the Bluffton Icon. The book is not yet available, but pre-orders may be taken for $19.95, by contact: [email protected].
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Tornado Watch issued for Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Putnam counties at 9:15 p.m. on April 2
- Flood Warning issued for Allen County at 11:03 a.m.
- Pirate tennis loss at Elida
- Pirate softball loses opener to Ada
- Pirate baseball falls to Ada
- Allen County will not test warning sirens on April 2
- March 2025 land transfers in the Bluffton Exempted Village School District
- April 22 crash report shows driver hit N. Dixie home
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll announced for 3rd quarter of 2024-2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Obituary for Betty C. Mumaugh
- Leo Club supports Bluffton Clean Up
- Wind, rain and potential flooding for April 2
- Grandey to major in education, play basketball at John Carroll
- Pirate tennis blanks Bath
- Pirate baseball sweeps opening twin bill vs. Pandora-Gilboa
- “I Have Not Forsaken the Word of God” reader's theater, April 13
- Easter Cantata performed on April 13 in Pandora
Monday, March 31, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Bluffton Public Library’s April 2025 programs and services
- Joseph “Joe” Ropp Davies worked for University of Findlay
- Hillville Road bridge maintenance on April 1
- Lift access added to Bluffton Senior Center back entrance
- Register for fear of falling workshop
- Florence to explain advanced sports stats at student forum