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
Main Content
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
I also have a YouTube channel and I give talks and walking tours locally. Join my Dayton Newsletter to keep up with all of my work.
More Recent Posts
Dayton’s Lost Union Station and Early Train History
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
The Fowler-Parrott House: Last Standing Home on Old West First Street
In the 19th century, Downtown Dayton, especially west of Main Street, was primarily a residential area. One of the most luxurious streets was Robert Boulevard on the western edge near the river. But another was West First Street, where the largest … [Read More...] about The Fowler-Parrott House: Last Standing Home on Old West First Street
The Historic Ulrich-Boone Home in McPherson Town
McPherson Town is a fascinating neighborhood near Downtown Dayton. It was first platted way back in 1845 but was not a popular area to settle then due to its flood-prone nature. But by the end of the 19th century, the levees had been improved and the city also … [Read More...] about The Historic Ulrich-Boone Home in McPherson Town
History of the Hotel Holden (Holden House Apartments)
Recently there has been a flurry of new hotels opening in Downtown Dayton, from the Fairfield Inn and Suites and AC Marriott in Water Street/Webster Station to the Hotel Ardent and the Hilton Garden Inn at the Dayton Arcade. Historically there were many … [Read More...] about History of the Hotel Holden (Holden House Apartments)
New Arcade Hotel and History of the Gibbons and Third Street Buildings
The brand-new Hilton Garden Inn is now open at the Dayton Arcade. It features 93 rooms as well as a 2nd floor bar and restaurant open to the public which overlooks Courthouse Square and the North Arcade retail marketplace. The hotel occupies two buildings, … [Read More...] about New Arcade Hotel and History of the Gibbons and Third Street Buildings
The Young Building, From Bowling Alley to Longtime Downtown Grocery
Today it's not one of the 9 interconnected buildings in the Dayton Arcade redevelopment, but the 3-story structure immediately to the west of the Third Street Building has an interesting history of its own as well as a long association with the complex. And … [Read More...] about The Young Building, From Bowling Alley to Longtime Downtown Grocery
History of 1731 Philadelphia, “Home Beautiful” in Upper Dayton View
While doing Dayton history research I often stumble upon interesting references and images that lead me to take on completely new topics. In this case I was researching the Gibbons Building in the Dayton Arcade and an article happened to reference a banker who … [Read More...] about History of 1731 Philadelphia, “Home Beautiful” in Upper Dayton View