Ada History Center - Ada Historical Society

06/02/2026

See you tomorrow night for the 1st concert of the summer series!
🎵Kelly Quinn Experience plays Blues
🎵7pm at Legacy Park

Ada Village

05/28/2026

Who had it? Whose grandma had it? Who still has it?

Pyrex's Federal Eagle opalware mixing bowls and mugs were only out for a few years after launching in 1967, but they were a huge success. Then, as now, people were drawn to the distinctive patriotic pattern, particularly at the approach of the American Bicentennial.

Visit our temporary exhibit, Yankee Doodle Joy: Expressions of Patriotism, to be inspired by more cherished patriotic memorabilia.

05/26/2026

⭐ Thank you Ada Township ⭐

05/25/2026

Today at 1pm is Ada Township's dedication of the new Veterans Memorial. Please join us at the corner of River St. and Thornapple River Dr.

In the spirit of this day honoring those who have answered the nation's call, we remember the impact service has on the entire community. Here is an excerpt from the local paper on July 12, 1917 as the US was embroiled in World War I. It involves Ada's two doctors. Imagine the pride of sending local men, the fear of the unknown ahead, and the concern many must have had at losing their medical care in the village.

"The many friends of Doctors Freeman and Breece met at Ward's hall [[above the hardware store] Saturday evening and gave Lieutenants Freeman and Breece a public farewell reception. Some fine musical selections and patriotic songs were rendered and speeches by E.B. Clements, Homer Bradfield and others commending the volunteers from Ada village, were roundly applauded. Silver drinking cups were presented to Ada volunteers, who to date are Dr. Freeman, Dr. Breece, hospital service; Harry Fitch, artillery; Jake Weirsma, National Guards, and Russell Nellist, Ambulance Corps. About 200 were present and a pleasurable evening closed with Auld Lang Syne and America sung with much fervor by all.
Light refreshments were served by patriotic ladies.

Another Ada boy, Gerald Frazier, has enlisted in the Engineering Corps. He is the latest recruit from our village. We doubt if any hamlet or village in the state the size of Ada can beat us out in recruits and willing patriotism."

Images:
~ Dr. Raymond C. Breece MD. on Ada Dr. Started practice in Ada before 1910. His home and office were located in the building still at 7358 Thornapple River Dr. Note the hardware building in the background.
~ Dr. Charles M. Freeman, MD in his WWI uniform. Dr. Freeman received his medical training at the University of Michigan and started his practice in Ada about 1910. His office and residence was the building still at 583 Ada Drive.
~ cartoon from the Lowell Ledger, Aug. 23, 1917

05/24/2026

Join Ada Township tomorrow afternoon for a Memorial Day ceremony as we formally dedicate and unveil the new Veterans Memorial at Covered Bridge Park North (550 River Street SE, Ada MI. 49301)

This special dedication is scheduled to begin at 1pm will honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans while commemorating an important new space within our community. We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful occasion.🇺🇸

05/19/2026

A wonderful history of a local fave from our friends at Lowell Area Historical Museum

05/19/2026

🦅 This Month in '76 🦅

05/18/2026

05/14/2026

🌟Stories of the American Spirit🌟
In honor of America's 250th, we take inspiration from the Ada Cemetery. Who helped build Ada — and what does that say about America?

Today we remember H.Z. Ward and Ed Niles, two figures whose lives reflect the role of small business, land stewardship, and community life in shaping Ada.
H.Z. Ward (1866-1936) was a prominent and colorful presence in the village, known for his many properties and his general store, which served as a hub for everyday needs and connection. Beyond business, Ward helped shape Ada’s social life, from supporting community traditions like the Old Settlers Picnic to hosting gatherings in spaces like the dance hall above the hardware store. His life reflects the ongoing Ada tradition of small business owners who are not just economic drivers, but central figures in community identity and celebration.

Edgar Niles’ (1907-1992) story is rooted in both land and legacy. His property, once home to our fur trading post, remained a place of gathering and livelihood through his cider mill and apple farm. Recognizing the historical significance beneath his feet, Niles supported archaeological work that preserved artifacts from Ada’s earliest days, helping connect past and present. His family’s continued involvement in the Ada Historical Society carried that commitment to preservation forward.

Together, their stories reflect a broader American truth: communities are built not only by founders, but by those who invest in them over time, through business, stewardship, and a deep sense of place.

Images:
~2 current photos of the hardware store.
~Niles cider mill at Grand River Dr. and Fulton St.
~Ed Niles at the archaeological dig on his property

05/11/2026

Isn't it amazing to peel back the layers of a building and find vestiges of the past? 🔍

~ 583 Ada Dr., last year
~ 583 Ada Dr., last week, the former roofline exposed for renovation.
~ 583 Ada Dr. as Salon! Salon! 1960s. There's that roofline.
~ 583 Ada Dr., the office and residence of Dr. Charles Freeman, c. 1900, different roofline before the porch was enclosed.

The treatment above that top window changes over the years too.