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
Main Content
NCR: A Then and Now History in Dayton
The National Cash Register Company (NCR) was one of the most influential corporations based in Dayton, shaping the city’s economy, landscape, and … [Read More...]
A Place for Peace: Inside Dayton’s International Peace Museum on Courthouse Square
Editor's note: I’ve written quite a bit about Courthouse Square and its history, challenges, and future as a central gathering place. One thing that … [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
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
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
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)