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.
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].
Story and photos by Monty Siekerman
When you go to an Alger community breakfast you leave with a full belly and a smile on your face.
As you enter the building at 210 N. Main, you are greeted with a hug from 87-year-old Bea Collingsworth. You know you are in for a pleasant time.
This reporter planned to write about a breakfast held in Alger on a monthly basis for the past 10 years, come rain or shine, but ended up with an additional story---that of Bea and her job as "greeter" at the event.
Story and photos by Monty Siekerman
One day after her sixth birthday, Amelia was showered with gifts on Sunday from members of Biker Strong who then escorted the Griffith family as they left Ada War Memorial Park for the little girl's last scheduled cancer treatment at Nationwide Hospital in Columbus.
MORE PHOTOS BELOW
About 100 people showed up during the morning and afternoon to offer support to Amelia and her family, donating over $1,000, canned foods, a handmade biker bear, and more.
When all was said and done, about 25 motorcycles headed out, escorting the family as far as Marysville.
