Once upon a time in Ada

Things you didn’t know about your own hometown

By Lee Crouse

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     June-December 1932:

June: the transfer of the Ada Public Library from the Ada Federated Clubs to the new district library boards was in effect. Mrs. George Stambaugh was elected chairman of the new seven-member board.

July: reconstruction of the elevator of the Ada Farmers Exchange was started. It had been destroyed by fire.

October 29: Taft Gymnasium was the scene of the first college dance held on Ohio Northern University. Seven hundred and fifty students and alumni danced to the tunes of “Pop” Crawford’s Northerners after the Homecoming victory. It was one of the biggest social affairs in O.N.U. history.

October: the Recreation Center, Brewer Building, billiards, and ping-pong was located above the post office. “Breeze” Cretors was proprietor. Also, the Zimmer & Wirt Chevrolet Sales and Service was located at 219 North Main Street. and the William O. Boutwell Gulf service station was located on East Lincoln Avenue.

November 1932 4,000 people attended the “White Way” jubilee. This was a celebration for the finishing of the widening and brick paving of Main Street.

December 1932 William Wirth opened a bowling alley in the former Sigma restaurant room. Also, William B. Bowdle, age 102, of Carman Post, G.A.R., died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L.D. Davis in Lima. Only two members of Carman Post remaining were William Routson and William Deal.