Although this photo has its roots a bit north of Ada, it may have some Ada connections.
There's several things we know about this photo - and several unknowns. The photo was taken as a black and white snapshot in February 1958 in front of the Orange Township garage. It's a group of fox hunters with three foxes.
What we lack is an identification of the hunters. We've enlarged the photo as much as possible without losing a viewable image.
We invite Icon viewers to take a stab at naming these men.
This devastating fire destroyed the administration building at Ohio Northern University 100 years ago this year.
The fire took place on Nov. 4, 1913, and was discovered at 2 a.m. You can see silhouettes of persons watching the fire in the center of the photograph. The photo is from a postcard.
Sometimes history is written on a postcard. Here's an example. Postmarked June 7, 1915, is a post card from Elizabeth, who is apparently a student at Ohio Northern University. The message follows:
To:
Mr. Chas. Conkle
Howard, Ohio
Knox, Co.,
This is the interior of new Lehr auditorium taken from platform. Wish you many more pleasant and happy birthdays. With Love, Elizabeth.
How is grpa? Will write letter soon. Will be a junior next year.
Here's an amazing view of Main Street Ada before the arrival of the automobile. This scene looks north from the Pennsylvania Railroad. Notice two tracks on the railroad - one for westbound and one for eastbound trains.
Also notice the canopies over several storefronts and at least two horse-drawn carriages. Does the store sign on the east side of the street read "Rhonemus"? Can you make out the wording on the sign above the canopy on the west side of the street.
Not much has changed in Ada in 100 years. It's a familiar Ada scene - the railroad depot and the canon in the park. Of course, the dress of the young men, with their derbies, dates the photo.
This is a colorized post card. It is addressed to Leila Degler, Ada, Ohio, but there is no message on the card.
