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Historical Ada

Once upon a time in Ada: A note from the post office in 1911

...and don't forget to put the 2 cent stamp on the letter

Once upon a time in Ada
Things you didn’t know about your own hometown
By Lee Crouse
[email protected]

Here's an important notice from the Ada Post Office from January, 1911:

Patrons of the post office will please observe that the office will not be open on Sunday afternoons hereafter.

Those served by carrier can call for their mail on Sunday morning at the time the office is open by going to the city carriers’ windows and asking them for the mail as they are on duty there and then, the same as the other department of the office. 

Is your mother or grandmother in this photo?

It's possible.

This is the Ada High School junior-senior Girls' Athletic Association in the 1956-57 school year.

Had Title IV existed at this time perhaps there would be more girls' trophies in the Ada HS athletic showcase.

 

Once upon a time in Ada with Lee Crouse

The first circus came to town in 1872

Once upon a time in Ada
Things you didn’t know about your own hometown
By Lee Crouse
[email protected]

Here's two stories from th 1870s about Ada:

Oct. 9, 1872 - The Great Grady Circus and Menagerie from Kenton, Ohio was the first circus to come to Ada.

1873 the first steam grist mill in the township was built by the Young Brothers. It stood on Lincoln Street opposite the Lutheran church. A scroll mill was built just east of the grist mill and it burned in 1876.

 

Familiar Ada names: Elzay, Weihrauch, Spellman, Shepherd

These four Ada women were officers of the Ada Parent-Teacher Organization during the 1956-67 school year.

They are standing from left, Mrs. Edward Shepherd, vice-president; Mrs. Von Spellman, secretary; seated from left, Mrs. Howard Elzay, president and Mrs. Clarence Weihrauch, treasurer.

 

 

Once upon a time in Ada: You'll never believe this story from 1873

Once upon a time in Ada
Things you didn’t know about your own hometown
By Lee Crouse
[email protected]

In April, 1873, pedestrians used a foot-log to cross the stream that flowed through the public square (Main and Buckeye). John Lee found the old 24-inch walnut foot log while excavating in 1922 for a new water line. It was then three feet below pavement and well-preserved.

1874 was the first class was graduated from Ohio Normal.

In 1874 the Northwestern Volunteer Fireman’s Association was organized at Ada. Its first annual convention was held here in 1881.

Ada Fire Department in 1953

Here's the Ada-Liberty Township fire department from six decades ago. The year is 1953.

From left, George Umphress, Jack Boutwell (chief), Ralph Fisher, Allen High, Charles Anspach, George Binkley, Dwight Musser, Charles Umphress, Ted Hurlburt, Dick Fry and Grover Carey.

This photo is from the Ada 1953 community centennial souvenir program.

If an Icon viewer can identify the year and model of the fire truck, please send information to: [email protected].

 

 

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