Alfred Cornell, Sr., and his family came to Ionia during November, 1833. His son, Dr. Alanson Cornell, was a physician and druggist who operated a drug store at the southwest corner of Main Street and Cornell Alley. Dr. Cornell's home was on the north side of Front Street (now Adams Street) at the south end of this alley. Local clothier Richard Hudson and family, including J. L. Hudson, resided at one time on the west side of Cornell Alley between Dr. Cornell's drug store and his residence. For many years, the alley served as a path for access between stores and houses on either side and was not improved or maintained by the Village. In 1873, when Ionia became a City, the passage was designated Cornell Alley and included as part of the city's official street system.