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Some mornings of Adena still bustle with townspeople of Adena who run errands to the bank, stores and post office. In the past, you could catch a glimpse of ladies wearing smiles and pink curlers in their hair. My introduction to Adena was the source of its Agriculture, the birth of Adena's growth. In the late 70's I accompanied my brother Joe to what we referred to as the "Feed Store. " The Landmark remains in town and its central location accommodates three counties. I've heard tell of the Pastime Movie Theater, Saads Department Store, DeNobles Furniture Store, Candyland, Kays, and the liquor store. I have lived in Adena for over twenty years. Ten of those years I worked full time out of town, so aside from my husband, Dan, and my two household felions, didn't become all too familiar with the town or the people who live here. I recall the patronizing three grocery stores, (Miners Supply, the Co-op, and Kanoskis Market.) George Kasarda, who owned and operated Kasarda's Furniture, furnished our home with carpet and quality home furnishings. George successfully turned his furniture business into a quaint a little convenient store I frequented. How I miss hearing George's and voice visiting his store. In the late 80's there were three gas stations, (DeLongs, formerly Raymer's) George Madzia's, and Bud's Mini Market), two barber and beauty shops, Bangs Bargain Buys, Walkers Hardware and Kidd's hardware. The restaurant/pubs were Mario's restaurant, Terry's Bar, P & M and the "Drug Store" commonly known as Morris Pharmacy. Before the Zeroski family built their garages for their excavating business, there stood on Blairmont's end, ye ole' Sugar Shack. Today in Adena people still wave at each other and stop on the sidewalks to exchange greetings. The People's National Bank, the post office, Hair Headquarters barber and beauty shop, Kidd's Hardware store, Figgy's Fuel Mart, Bernosky Pizza, and Jefferson Landmark are still centrally located in the heart of the town. Adena has a restaurant, The Snack Shack where the soda shop, Candy Land, used to serve Adena years ago. Terry's Bar sells the best sub sandwiches in town, and when you walk into P & M Restaurant and Kidd's hardware, there is a warm recollection of Adena's past. Adena has two operating schools; Adena West Elementary (formerly Adena High School) who is part of Buckeye Local Public School and Adena HeadStart located on Hanna Avenue in the former building of Adena St. Casimir's Catholic School. The Adena Branch Library can be found next door to the school also on Hanna Avenue. George's Shell Gas Station, The Railroad Inn, Ann Prunesky's Place, and the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad Inn have been removed. These places no longer exist in Adena. Adena remains with about seventy percent of its population of low income. There is no state route in town, and Adena is split between Jefferson and Harrison Counties. There is little communication between and Jefferson County government and Adena. There has been no major industry in Adena, such as the coalmines and railroads, since the late 70's. Due to decreases in local government funds, Adena continues the struggle to maintain its village. Adena has two sportsman's clubs. One is Pine Valley Sportsmans, known for prime fishing of four lakes, picnic areas, and camp sites, and the other is Short Creek Sportsman's renowned for Spring and summer ATV rallies. There are three religious denominations in the Adena/Harrisville are; they are Presbyterian, Methodist, and Catholic. St. Casimir's Catholic Church and the United Methodist Church can be found in Adena. Adena has organizations that function independently for their cause. These groups are all non-profit entities. They are: Adena Fire Company, Adena Lions Club, Womens Club of Adena, AARP, Adena Baseball League, Adena Softball League, Adena Heritage Committee, Adena American Legion Post 525, Adena American Sons of the Legion Post 525, Adena Ladies Auxiliary, Adena Cub Pac 146, and Adena Girl Scout Troops. These organizations have helped improve the town in this regard:
They've helped improve Adena in this regard.
Grant funding directed by our village government have helped improve our village in this respect:
Former property that belonged to the Bedway family has been purchased by the town and will be preserved and utilized. The village green and Bedway Park have recently become town property. There are several events that occur throughout the year. For the most part, organizations are considerate of each other. Programs such as the Lions Club sponsored Cantata and Minstrel, Caroling on the Village Green, Pictures with Santa, Lunch with the Easter Bunny, Polka Dances, a Halloween cakewalk and Costume Contest are held annually. Memorial Day and Veteran's Day Services are held the American Legion and Auxiliary. There is Spring baseball and girls Softball sponsored by the Adena Baseball and Girls Softball Leagues, Fourth of July Festivities sponsored by the Adena Fire Company, and Adena Heritage Days in late summer. The town has three annual parades: Memorial Day, The Fourth of July, and Heritage Day. In my research of Adena history one thing particularly has not changed. People who live here live seriously and want to help to improve the village. I believe in that the hard work that Adena founding forefathers prospered this town. Most people who live here today work outside of the area driving 25-100 miles away, when Adena was an industrial haven in the early 1900's. Hard work and generosity will again have to be achieved to improve this town, and work is being done. From what was an great metropolitan is now a small village where it began. Consequently herein remains visualization and determination to enrich Adena keeping it an incorporated village. I dare say, my fellow Adenians; we are lucky to live here. |