Drawing inspiration from 8 Bluffton photos

Eight colorized photos that once adorned the walls of the "Cardinal Room" of what is now Chase bank, 135 S Main St.

This article is a work in progress and a collaboration. The society is seeking information about these eight photos, which are inspiration for the upcoming Reimagining Bluffton's History art contest, with entries to be submitted in July 2025.

Can you help us fill in the blanks about these images? They once were displayed in the Cardinal Room, a community space at what is now Chase bank. Email info@blufftonforever.com or speak with a BOHS board member.

1 - REICHENBACH & LUGINBUHL.

LOCATION In 2025, Greenhorn Restaurant occupies this space.

IN THIS PHOTO

DATE 1915.

2 - HARNESS SHOP - BLUFFTON MAIN STREET NORTH OF CHURCH AND CHERRY.

LOCATION In 2025...

IN THE PHOTO Countless buggies and wagons line Main St. when it was a dirt road. Signs say HARNESS SHOP, Cash for hides, Bixel(?) & Co. Closely planted trees line the right side of Main St.

DATE ?

3 - N.C. HERR. JEWELER.

LOCATION In 2025, The Twisted Whisk Cafe occupies this space.

IN THIS PHOTO Jeweler N.C. Herr shades his eyes and looks directly at the camera. Signs say "N.C. HERR. JEWELER." and "watch repair." DATE ?

4 - NORTH MAIN AT VINE.

LOCATION The drugstore in this photo is 125 N. Main St.

IN THE PHOTO Signs reading Bracelin Druggist, Drugs, school ---ks, Masic Cough Syrup for your cough 25¢, temperature, watchmaker, Furniture & Undertaking.

DATE Pre-1900. The original photo is believed to be pre-1900 because the facade was updated around 1905 when the First National Bank moved in.

5 - J.L. DOTY. CROCERY AND BAKERY.

LOCATION ?

IN THE PHOTO Six men in suits and hats are seen in the photo. Four are posed at the hitching post attached to awning supports. Two onlookers? are at the right; one is behind the window of a store and wears an apron. Crates, barrels and boxes of merchandise are on the sidewalk.

DATE ?

6 - CREW DIGGING ON MAIN STREET AROUND RAILROAD TRACKS

LOCATION ?

IN THE PHOTO Some two dozen men with shovels and picks look at the camera, paused in their work digging around interurban tracks and ties on Main St.

DATE ?

7 - VIEW OF THE INTERSECTION OF CHURCH/CHERRY AND MAIN.

LOCATION  In 2025, Twisted Whisk Cafe is located in the building labeled "-RMACY." The Russel Hotel across the street burned down in ____. This is the location of Citizens National IN THE PHOTO Bank. W. J. Staater (with turquoise awnings) is the Diller/Scott Basinger law offices.

DATE ?

8 - ARRAS CREAM SEPARATOR WORKERS

LOCATION In 2025 this location is owned by Et Cetera Inc. and operated by the Et Cetera Thrift Shop, adjacent to the Slaw Cutter Factory. This was the third location of the glove factory. Stairway led up to Keim Hall.

IN THE PHOTO Arras Cream Separator workers and a small boy sitting on a cream separator. John Fett is in the foreground at left. He later started Fett Hardware in the __ block of N Main St. Man in the right foreground is Fett's partner.

DATE ?

Stay tuned for more information and updates about the art contest.