With Dayton having experienced a major snow storm this week which broke the record for single day snowfall (previously held by the blizzard of 1978), this is an appropriate historic image to look at. It depicts two residences on East Third Street in 1873 … [Read More...] about Lost Mansions of East Third Street: Huffman Then and Now
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History of Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton (Notre Dame Academy)
Today's Chaminade-Julienne Catholic High School is a longtime downtown anchor. It has existed in its current form since 1973, but the school has roots … [Read More...]
Centre City Building (The Mainline) Redevelopment Overview
With the Dayton Arcade’s major construction largely complete, attention is shifting just across Main Street to another huge structure that has sat … [Read More...]
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More Recent Posts
Lost Mansions of East Third Street: Huffman Then and Now
The Dayton Arcade’s Flemish-Style Grand Entrance Through Time
On this site I've written a variety of articles about the Dayton Arcade as it has worked its way through an inspiring redevelopment, including a new Arcade history guide that breaks down its past and current status in detail. But today I will look at just … [Read More...] about The Dayton Arcade’s Flemish-Style Grand Entrance Through Time
History of the McCook Theater and Bowling Alley
In a recent article I dug into some history of the McCook shopping center, the first suburban-style commercial strip in Dayton. In that piece I mentioned that two major tenants were a theater and a bowling alley, and here I will share their histories in more … [Read More...] about History of the McCook Theater and Bowling Alley
America’s Packard Museum: Where Dayton’s Automotive History Still Lives
Dayton, Ohio has no shortage of museums due to its history as a major center of American innovation and industry. But while visitors often gravitate to the best-known attractions like the Air Force Museum, Carillon Historical Park, and Wright Brothers sites, … [Read More...] about America’s Packard Museum: Where Dayton’s Automotive History Still Lives
Belle of Dayton: A Distillery with a Prohibition-Era Connection
Located at the edge of Dayton's Oregon District, the Belle of Dayton distillery has a fascinating history not only for its location, which has housed a wide range of tenants over the years, but also for the story of the Belle of Dayton brand which takes us all … [Read More...] about Belle of Dayton: A Distillery with a Prohibition-Era Connection
Joui Wine and History of the Huffman Block Building
Another stop on our Holi-Dayton Vacation last week was Joui Wine on East Third Street in the Fire Blocks for drinks and small plates. That district's name dates back to the Great Flood of 1913, but as the name indicates, the most destructive force on this … [Read More...] about Joui Wine and History of the Huffman Block Building
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 History and Architecture of 1922 and 1918 Brown Street
A pair of interesting buildings on Brown Street forms part of one of the more intact blocks of neighborhood commercial structures in Dayton, and also help tell the story of the surrounding area. Recently these buildings were sold, and online posts have … [Read More...] about The History and Architecture of 1922 and 1918 Brown Street
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
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 at 1400 East Third Street after relocating from a smaller space on South Dixie in Moraine. Husband and … [Read More...] about New Indie Bookstore Open in Historic Building on East Third in Huffman
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