By Lee Crouse
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Ever wonder how Ada’s streets were named? Lee Crouse provides some answers.
Main Street was originally called Margaret Street in honor of the wife of the founder S.M. Johnson.
Johnson Street was named for S.M. Johnson himself.
Ream Street was named for Abraham Ream who laid out an addition in the south-east part of town.
Simon Street got its name from the Simon family prominent families in the early history of Ada.
Edwards Street in the north-east part of town for Billy Edwards.
Liberty Street was so named by S.M. Johnson.
Gilbert Street from the Gilbert family.
Union Street was probably for patriotic reasons.
Buckeye Street for the Buckeye State.
Hoosier Street was probably named for the Hoosier State, was changed to Highland Street.
Montford Street was named for the contractor when the railroad was put through Ada.
Irwin Street was named for William Irwin a citizen of Ada for many years.
Center Street got its name from the fact that it is the exact center of Liberty Township, north and south.
Franklin Street was named by Peter Ahlefeld in honor of Benjamin Franklin.
Mill Street was named because there was a flour mill there. In 1909 it was renamed Lincoln Street.
Ballard Street was names for Happy Jack Ballard, a merchant in Ada.
Long Street was named for the Long family. Now it’s Lehr Street.
Williams Street was east of Johnson Street but west of Johnson Street was called Peach Avenue. It was called Peach because John Dobbins had a peach orchard from the terrace to the street and back two lots.
Normal Street was named by John Dobbins in honor of the school.
Dobbins Street was named for the Dobbins pioneer family.
High Street was named for its elevation.
Lima Street for where it went.
