Dayton Vistas | History of Dayton Ohio, architecture, preservation, urban redevelopment – A Look at the Past, Present, and Future of the Gem City

Lily’s Dayton: A Site with a Wild Historical Chapter

Last weekend I was excited to participate in an experience called Holi-Dayton vacation, where I joined a group of local social media creators to tour local businesses and participate in some fun holiday activities around the downtown area. As part of it we … [Read More...] about Lily’s Dayton: A Site with a Wild Historical Chapter

The Fate of McCook Shopping Center, Dayton’s First Suburban Commercial Strip

I've written about Downtown Dayton's retail history, as well as its decline as suburban shopping malls emerged to take advantage of a region that was spreading out significantly in the 1950s and 1960s. But today we will look at an interesting chapter … [Read More...] about The Fate of McCook Shopping Center, Dayton’s First Suburban Commercial Strip

Fidelity Building and Paru Tower: History and What’s Happening Now?

Original article posted 11/27/2024 It's been over five years since I wrote an article about what major downtown site could be next after the Dayton Arcade redevelopment had officially gotten underway. Today, of course, the Arcade's first phase has been a … [Read More...] about Fidelity Building and Paru Tower: History and What’s Happening Now?

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 Street. The Ware Block at 502-510 E Fifth was built in 1891 in the Romanesque Revival style. The … [Read More...] about History of the Ware Block (Bonnett’s Books and More)

Dayton Triangles: History of the Team and the First NFL Game

Today, Dayton is a great sports town for college basketball, minor league baseball, and much more. But despite the many passionate fans in the Gem City, establishing a team in one of the major professional leagues isn't a realistic possibility. But Dayton … [Read More...] about Dayton Triangles: History of the Team and the First NFL Game

Howard’s Pharmacy, a Valley St Then and Now

I enjoy covering the history of Dayton's built environment, but I don't only focus on the buildings like the Dayton Arcade that would normally be considered "historically significant." Instead, I'm also fascinated by the everyday, more humble structures … [Read More...] about Howard’s Pharmacy, a Valley St Then and Now

Barney and Smith Car Company: History of Dayton’s Early Industrial Power

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

Hawthorne School: History of an 1886 Dayton School Converted to Condos

McPherson Town is a Dayton neighborhood just a short walk from downtown that is known for its beautiful stock of historic homes. There's also one prominent building in the area that is residential today but was constructed for a different purpose. That … [Read More...] about Hawthorne School: History of an 1886 Dayton School Converted to Condos

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

History of the McCook Theater and Bowling Alley

Belle of Dayton: A Distillery with a Prohibition-Era Connection

Dayton History