Last weekend's rain was nothing like what hit Ada in 1913
If you think water drenched Ada over the weekend take a moment to consider the famous flood of 1913.
The Icon found six Ada photos in the Ada Public Library photo archives that you'll never believe.
The photos show Ada in 1913. You'll see water cover Main Street, Gilbert Street and a couple streets that maybe you can identify.
According to Ohio History Central:
The Flood of 1913 is known as the greatest natural disaster in Ohio history. Although rivers in Ohio tended to flood every spring, heavy rains in March 1913 exacerbated the flood conditions.
Most communities located along rivers in the state experienced flooding, even those that had not had problems in the past. The most severe flooding occurred along the Great Miami River, and the conditions in Dayton were particularly bad.
In some parts of the state, officials chose to dynamite canal locks in an attempt to alleviate flooding. By the early twentieth century, few canals were still in operation in Ohio, but the destruction of the locks ensured the permanent end to canal transportation.
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Friday, November 6, 2026
- Scouting for Food pickup on Saturday, Nov. 7
- Annie's Project in Hardin County, February-March 2027 workshop
- Obituary for Michelle D. Davis, 55
- Down Memory Lane: Fire consumes Administration/Hill Memorial building
- Making corn while the sun shines
- Murder trial postponed in Hardin County Court
- Smith updates Red Men in Red Square
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Jean Ann Sanderson Stager, 97, was an educator
- Barricaded subject incident on TR 180 on November 3
- Apollo Career Center Honor Roll for 1st quarter, 2026-2027
- Ada Schools honor roll for 1st quarter of 2026-2027
- Village of Forest approved for $954K loan for wastewater treatment improvements
- Unofficial results: Ada and Liberty Twp. levy renewals pass
- Community invited to choose BBBS Bowl for Kids’ Sake theme