Once upon a time in Ada

Things you didn’t know about your own hometown

By Lee Crouse

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Ada Happenings in 1918:

June 1918: A fire destroyed the entire east half block of South Main Street bounded by East Lincoln and alleys. E.N. Lowman’s undertaking parlors were a total loss of about $7,000 to $10,000. Others suffering losses in the blaze were: John Baransy, baled hay: Cap. Rhonemus, and Prof. Armstrong, household goods in storage; it is stated that Prof. Armstrong’s law library of hundreds of volumes was destroyed. Spellman’s harness store, Wm. Ream’s bicycle shop and Mrs. Davenport suffered minor losses. The buildings are almost a total loss.

October 22, 1918: The American Legion Post was organized with 58 charter members. It was named in honor of Stanley Foss, Walter V. Agin and Russell Meyer who all died serving their country during WWI.

Oct 1918: Co. G. sounded the “taps” each evening from the railroad park.

November 1918: The community service flag project is to be a success and will be flying from the top of a 90 foot flagpole to be erected in the center of the square at corner of Buckeye and Main streets. Each star on the flag represents a soldier who served in WWI. Frank Detrick has 204 names listed on the flag. In the list of names are one colonel, two majors, 12 captains, 18 first lieutenants, 14 second lieutenants, three first sergeants, 20 sergeants, 12 corporals, 96 privates, 17 A.A.T.C. men, one Y.W.C.A. worker, one marine, five navy, one stenographer and two Red Cross nurses. These include only the names of men who are permanent residents of Ada and vicinity, and look to Ada as their home town.