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 travel (like … [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, cultural … [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 innovations like the … [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 recommended after … [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 Dayton, which … [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 and value of … [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 the structure at … [Read more...] about Vacant Building on East Third in the Fire Blocks Waiting for Its Next Chapter
Appalachian Migration to Dayton, Ohio: Where Families Lived and Worked
Over the past several years, as I’ve researched Dayton’s industrial history and the neighborhoods that once surrounded its factories, one theme has come up repeatedly: Appalachian migration. Between the late 1930s and 1960s, tens of thousands of people from eastern Kentucky … [Read more...] about Appalachian Migration to Dayton, Ohio: Where Families Lived and Worked
Senior Resource Connection Closing, Leaving Behind Interesting Midcentury Building
Senior Resource Connection (SRC) is closing its doors. The nonprofit, which provided Meals on Wheels, in-home care, and support services to more than 10,000 older adults and people with disabilities across nine counties, announced in May 2026 that it will permanently … [Read more...] about Senior Resource Connection Closing, Leaving Behind Interesting Midcentury Building
New Salon Opens at the Dayton Arcade in Downtown Dayton
A new business opened its doors in the North Arcade retail spaces this First Friday: Tiffany's on Third, a salon offering a variety of quick high-end beauty services. Described as a boutique dry bar, the business is owned by Tiffany Goins, a longtime beauty industry … [Read more...] about New Salon Opens at the Dayton Arcade in Downtown Dayton