By Bailey Bowers

This is the view from the Pennsylvania Railroad depot on Main Street looking westward.

Trains were once a huge part of Ada commerce and transportation, bringing 1,300 freight trains and 555 passenger trains through Ada in 1904 alone.

In 1905, a speed record of over 126 miles per hour was set on these rails. That same year, a watchman’s tower was installed due to safety concerns.

It was replaced by electric gates in 1960. Missing from the 2014 photo is the second track. Only a single track is used today for freight only.

For additional photos check below this story