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
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Bluffton Icon headlines, Aug. 22-25
- Rister leads Bulldog golfers to sweep of home quad
- Carolyn Corle worked for Ohio Northern University
- HSWC Conservation Contest for ages 8-19
- Napoleon Rd. closure on Aug. 27-28
- Hardin Co. Citizens Sheriff's Academy now accepting applications
- Bulldog boys soccer shut out Rangers
- Bulldog girls soccer win vs. Crestview
- Winners announced for Hot Wings Challenge
- Bruce Chesser: A Ceramic Retrospective, Aug. 24-Sept. 26
Monday, August 24, 2026
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
- Peggy S. Howard worked for Beer Barrell
- Friday, August 21 OVI Checkpoint on State Route 309
- Bluffton Icon stories, Aug. 17-21
- Annual Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival to celebrate 10th anniversary
- Bulldog girls soccer ties Spencerville
- Red-hot Bulldog golf hammers Lima Senior
- Turner and West street is now a 3-way stop