Ada before Henry Ford
North Main Street Ada before motorized vehicles arrived - with comparision photos of 2020.
Here's an 1890s-era photograph of Ada looking north on Main Street. We've provided some building close up comparisons from today to show that many similiarities remain.
Exceptions:
• Trees were originally on the east side of Main; today trees are on both sides of the street.
• Brick street is paved over.
• Motorized vehicles in place of horse and wagons with angle or random parking.
• No street lights in 1890s photo
• Not easy to view, but it appears that houses are on the east side of Main in the 1890s photo.
Viewer comments are welcome.





Stories Posted This Week
Friday, July 18, 2025
- Ada Board of Education schedules meeting and new staff reception, Aug. 21
- Village of Ada Municipal Pool season extended through August 16
- John Cavinder worked for Allen Co. Fabrication
- Recap of July 15 Ada Council meeting
- Cooling freeze frame
- CHP announces golf cart raffle to benefit patient care fund