Long before the Wright Brothers transformed flight and NCR became an industrial giant, another name defined Dayton's manufacturing might: Barney & Smith. From a modest railcar works founded in the mid-1800s, the company grew into one of the largest … [Read More...] about Barney and Smith Car Company: History of Dayton’s Early Industrial Power
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History of the Ware Block (Bonnett’s Books and More)
One of the most beautiful historic commercial buildings in Dayton can be found right in the heart of the Oregon District neighborhood on East Fifth … [Read More...]
New Indie Bookstore Open in Historic Building on East Third in Huffman
There's a new bookstore on East Third Street in the Huffman neighborhood. The Cozy Book Nook, a shop focused on indie authors, has recently opened … [Read More...]
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More Recent Posts
Barney and Smith Car Company: History of Dayton’s Early Industrial Power
History of Chaminade-Julienne Catholic High School (Notre Dame Academy)
Today's Chaminade-Julienne Catholic High School is a longtime downtown anchor. It has existed in its current form since the 1970s, but the school has roots that can be traced back to previous institutions that were established long before. The story begins … [Read More...] about History of Chaminade-Julienne Catholic High School (Notre Dame Academy)
Dayton Convention Center Then and Now: Pruden, Gebhart, and Urban Renewal
I've previously written about the major Downtown Dayton urban renewal project that cleared just about all of a 4-city-block area just east of Main between 4th and 5th (the only exception was the old DP&L Power House which is now soon to be razed for a new … [Read More...] about Dayton Convention Center Then and Now: Pruden, Gebhart, and Urban Renewal
Belmont Billiards: Dayton’s Oldest Pool Hall Marks 100 Years
Last week I took a quick trip to Dayton's Belmont neighborhood to visit a business located near the intersection of Watervliet and Smithville. This may not be at the top of your list when thinking of historic spots in the city, but my destination was … [Read More...] about Belmont Billiards: Dayton’s Oldest Pool Hall Marks 100 Years
A Minister’s Eyewitness Account of the Great Flood of 1913 from North Dayton
I often hear from Dayton Vistas readers who send me personal memories and family experiences connected to Dayton’s past. But today I’m excited to share one of the most remarkable original sources I’ve come across: a firsthand account of the Great Flood of … [Read More...] about A Minister’s Eyewitness Account of the Great Flood of 1913 from North Dayton
Dayton’s Lost Union Station and Early Train History
In my book Lost Dayton, Ohio I cover Dayton's Union Station, a beautiful brick structure including a seven-story clock tower which was once a hub of activity downtown. This article will showcase that magnificent station that's been gone for many years, but … [Read More...] about Dayton’s Lost Union Station and Early Train History
From NCR and James Cox to the Hotel Ardent: a History of the Barclay (Harries) Building
In February 2025, a new boutique hotel became part of the renaissance of Downtown Dayton. The 118-room Hotel Ardent is located in the historic Barclay Building at Main and First Streets, a site that has a fascinating story involving some big names from … [Read More...] about From NCR and James Cox to the Hotel Ardent: a History of the Barclay (Harries) Building
New Housing for West Dayton’s Wolf Creek Neighborhood
Dayton's Wolf Creek neighborhood, just across the river from downtown, has historically suffered from disinvestment and a large share of its housing stock was recently found to be in a dilapidated state. But a variety of new projects are bringing new … [Read More...] about New Housing for West Dayton’s Wolf Creek Neighborhood
A Hidden River Walk along the Great Miami in Downtown Dayton
I recently took a morning stroll on the nice walking path along the Great Miami River behind the Downtown YMCA. Riverscape Metropark is a very popular destination on the east side of Main Street, but not as many people continue across and experience the … [Read More...] about A Hidden River Walk along the Great Miami in Downtown Dayton
History of the Dayton Art Institute: From Its First Home to Today [Old Photos]
All historic images are courtesy of Dayton Metro Library The Museum's Founding and Original Location What is today the Dayton Art Institute was founded in 1919 as the Dayton Museum of Arts. Its letter of incorporation was signed on February 28, 1919, … [Read More...] about History of the Dayton Art Institute: From Its First Home to Today [Old Photos]
RKO Colonial Theater and DPS Buildings: Downtown Then and Now
Today we'll look at a before and after of the intersection of Fifth and Ludlow Streets looking north towards Fourth. This was a bustling commercial area in the early 20th century, and there have been some significant changes to the buildings over time, … [Read More...] about RKO Colonial Theater and DPS Buildings: Downtown Then and Now
Ebenezer Thresher Home: From Main Street to Robert Boulevard
In my recent writing and video about Dayton's Old "Park Avenue" of West First Street, including the prominent early Dayton business leaders who lived in close proximity to one another, I discussed the Ebenezer Thresher homestead which was built a little … [Read More...] about Ebenezer Thresher Home: From Main Street to Robert Boulevard
The Grocery that Never Slept: Frank Hale, the Wright Brothers, and Dayton’s First Store Chain
The Wright-Dunbar neighborhood has multiple sites connected to the Wright Brothers' exploits in bicycles and then airplanes, but the Hoover Block at the SE corner of West Third and Williams is where Wilbur and Orville worked on their first business venture: … [Read More...] about The Grocery that Never Slept: Frank Hale, the Wright Brothers, and Dayton’s First Store Chain
Historic Homes of Dayton’s 1800s Prominent Citizens: Then and Now
Many of the most prominent Daytonians of the 19th century, from pioneer settlers to the founders of some of Dayton's most important businesses, were clustered in one particular area just west of the central business district at that time. The neighborhood … [Read More...] about Historic Homes of Dayton’s 1800s Prominent Citizens: Then and Now