The Dayton Arcade opened in 1904, but one part of what we call the Arcade today was built a couple decades earlier. That's the Kuhns Building, and like the Arcade itself it also represented a Dayton industrialist investing profits into enhancing downtown's … [Read More...] about Benjamin Kuhns, Farmers Friend Manufacturing, and the Wheelhouse
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Early Buildings: What’s the Oldest House in Dayton? (Newcom Tavern and More)
What’s the oldest house in Dayton? As with many questions like this, the answer is “it depends.” It turns that out we need to add some qualifications … [Read More...]
Lumpia Queen Restaurant Opens in Downtown Dayton’s Tallest Tower
The last few years have been challenging for many Downtown Dayton eateries, but a popular restaurant and food truck has just opened up its new … [Read More...]
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Benjamin Kuhns, Farmers Friend Manufacturing, and the Wheelhouse
The Hewitt Soap Company: Rise, Fall, and the Future Hewitt District on Linden Ave
Hewitt Soap is another example of a Dayton industrial company that may not be a household name, but was once a dominant force in its industry and a major presence in the neighborhood surrounding it. And like many others, its decline and eventual closure … [Read More...] about The Hewitt Soap Company: Rise, Fall, and the Future Hewitt District on Linden Ave
Newcom Tavern: Saved From Demolition, Then Survived the Great Flood
Newcom Tavern (or Newcom's Tavern) is the oldest surviving building in Dayton and the only structure remaining that was built in the 1700s. Built for pioneer settler George Newcom circa 1796, it today resides in Carillon Historical Park after being moved … [Read More...] about Newcom Tavern: Saved From Demolition, Then Survived the Great Flood
The Wise Building Downtown: Dragon’s Lair Books, Vintage Shops, and More
I've always liked this building on West Fifth Street just beyond Ludlow. It's exactly the type of smaller commercial structure that has become an endangered species in Dayton due to so much demolition over the years. (I recently wrote about another rare … [Read More...] about The Wise Building Downtown: Dragon’s Lair Books, Vintage Shops, and More
The Journey That Founded Dayton, Ohio in 1796
I've written about the oldest houses in Dayton, but what about the first home that was ever built in the new settlement? I recently came across an illustration of it, which inspired me to tell the story of the journey that established Dayton. Dayton's … [Read More...] about The Journey That Founded Dayton, Ohio in 1796
Why Parking Is the Key to Downtown Dayton’s Rebirth
As I've covered downtown buildings and redevelopment project, parking has been coming up more and more, and it's one of the most common reasons people give for skipping downtown altogether. I recently recorded an episode of the Dayton Vistas Podcast about … [Read More...] about Why Parking Is the Key to Downtown Dayton’s Rebirth
Sinclair Then and Now: Dayton’s Candy & Popcorn King, Maud Muller Apartments
A corner at the edge of Sinclair Community College's campus has seen radical changes over time, from a mansion belonging to a little-known inventor to a large apartment building that featured a popular restaurant and local brand of candy, before it and the … [Read More...] about Sinclair Then and Now: Dayton’s Candy & Popcorn King, Maud Muller Apartments
Dayton’s Interurban Rail History: How the City Became Ohio’s Hub
I've written about Dayton's lost Union Station and early train history. Back around the turn of the century, however, this was only one element of an elaborate, interconnected transportation network. That included an extensive streetcar network for local … [Read More...] about Dayton’s Interurban Rail History: How the City Became Ohio’s Hub
Dulahan Song Has Dayton History, Flood Connection
I spent a large percentage of last weekend at Riverscape MetroPark in Downtown Dayton because it was one of my favorite festivals of the year: Dayton Celtic Fest. The festival began in 2002 and features incredible Celtic music across multiple stages, … [Read More...] about Dulahan Song Has Dayton History, Flood Connection
How Dayton Earned the Name “City of a Thousand Factories”
It's no secret that Dayton, Ohio was an industrial powerhouse from the latter decades of the 19th century until the middle of the 20th. The major industries shifted over time, from wooden rail cars and sewing machines (see image above) to more famous … [Read More...] about How Dayton Earned the Name “City of a Thousand Factories”
History and Demolition of the Ohmer Garage Building
Update: 7/20/26 Demolition of the Ohmer Garage Building is scheduled to begin today, Monday July 20, 2026. The Dayton Daily News reported that "it's expected to cost nearly $1 million and take three months to complete" and that demolition "was … [Read More...] about History and Demolition of the Ohmer Garage Building
Rike’s Department Store and a Then and Now Look at 2nd and Main
I always enjoy a good then and now view of the same corner, and it's even more interesting when we can compare three different scenes as the spot has changed over time. Today we will do that with the northwest corner of Second and Main Streets in Downtown … [Read More...] about Rike’s Department Store and a Then and Now Look at 2nd and Main
Two Lost Grand Entrances in Downtown Dayton
A little while back I wrote about the great collection of grand entrances one can still find on Ludlow Street, a key downtown corridor. In addition to their beauty and aesthetic value, these entrances also played a major role in communicating the identity … [Read More...] about Two Lost Grand Entrances in Downtown Dayton
Vacant Building on East Third in the Fire Blocks Waiting for Its Next Chapter
The Fire Blocks district of Downtown Dayton has seen a lot of revitalization in the last few years. But a couple of interesting commercial buildings remain vacant, and will hopefully see some new life soon. The small commercial building pictured above is … [Read More...] about Vacant Building on East Third in the Fire Blocks Waiting for Its Next Chapter