It's Ada in the first decade of 1900
Here's a colorized post card of Ada from the first decade of 1900. The post card identifies its location as South Main Street by moonlight.
It is possible that the two buildings on the right are part of the Ohio Northern University campus?
Tom Lehman of Ada responds: The old photo of Ada this week is the corner of South Main and University. That is the Brown Building on the corner. In the background behind it you can see the front of the Duke Building which is still standing. They tore down the Brown Building in the 1970s, I believe.
A couple things to notice:
A street light hangs across the street.
The street does not yet appear to be bricked.
The tree lawn is wider than today.
The next photo shows the flip side of the post card, mailed to a Miss Lelia Legler of Defiance.
The post mark is Aug. 9, appearing to be 1908.
It reads: "Was up to see your mother last night. Every thing is awfully dead and everyone one out of town. Went to church this morning."
Lovingly,
B.M.
It reads like a Twitter message of today.

Stories Posted This Week
Monday, April 28, 2025
- Anabel R. McBride worked for Ada Exempted Village Schools
- Trash to Treasure STEAM program on May 3
- Student entrepreneurs compete in 2025 Polar Innovation Exchange
- Lifesaving AED installed at One More gym on E. Buckeye
- St. Mark Community Meal is April 30
- Alfes wins Medalist honors at OAC golf championships
- Wilma A. Willeke worked at Ohio Northern
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Friday, April 25, 2025
Thursday, April 24, 2025
- UPDATED Ada Police Department assists U.S. Marshal's Service with April 21 arrest
- Honda honors Ada Technologies, Inc. for performance
- Meet the 2025 Ada High School Prom court
- Bad Dreams: Health implications
- Bulldog softball run-rules Van Buren
- Bulldog baseball loss to unbeaten Van Buren
- Ada Board of Education to meet May 15
- ONU sports roundup, April 16-22
- Garage Sale season has started on the Icons!
- Ada Gators summer swim registration is open