The Fire Blocks in downtown Dayton has seen a major transformation in recent years spearheaded by The Windsor Companies, as several buildings on Third Street, including the Elks Building, Huffman Block Building, and Dickey Building, have been redeveloped into apartments, and … [Read more...] about The Oldest Commercial Buildings Downtown (Which Survived Flood and Flames)
Island Park History with Waste Free Dayton
Last week I enjoyed the opportunity to give a short history talk at a meeting of the group Waste Free Dayton. It was great to meet their co-directors Natalie Warrick and Brett Bogan and the members in attendance. We also talked about the park's connectivity to the regional … [Read more...] about Island Park History with Waste Free Dayton
The Historic Orleans House at Hickory and Morton in South Park
South Park is the best neighborhood in Dayton for corner stores. Nearly all have been converted to residential use, but many of them retain some beautiful architectural details. One of the best examples is the building at the NE corner of Hickory and Morton. It was built … [Read more...] about The Historic Orleans House at Hickory and Morton in South Park
History of Euclid Ave UB (Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist) Church
I recently wrote about the former firehouse #13 at West Third and Euclid. That building sits across the street from the Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, which was formerly the Euclid Avenue United Brethren Church. Milton Wright, father of Orville and Wilbur, was a … [Read more...] about History of Euclid Ave UB (Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist) Church
The First House Built in Dayton and Early Settlement History
I've written about the oldest house still standing in Dayton, but what about the first house that was ever built in the city? I recently came across an illustration of it, which led me to its history: History of How Dayton Was Founded The story brings us to the … [Read more...] about The First House Built in Dayton and Early Settlement History
Dayton’s Fire House #13 at Third and Euclid
A Dayton Vistas reader recently wrote in to share that the building at 1500 W Third Street (the SW corner of 3rd and Euclid) was listed for sale for $55,000. The listing indicated that a complete rehab is needed, but that it "will be a beautiful building once back to its … [Read more...] about Dayton’s Fire House #13 at Third and Euclid
3rd and Irwin and Intact Urban Intersections in Dayton
At first glance this appears to be a rather unremarkable photo: a 1950s neighborhood street scene which turns out to be located at East Third and Irwin Streets. But given the fate of most neighborhood business districts like this in Dayton, it is surprising that all of … [Read more...] about 3rd and Irwin and Intact Urban Intersections in Dayton
The Point in Old North Dayton: History and Future
Most of Dayton's 19th century neighborhoods feature one or two historically prominent commercial streets. To the east and west of downtown, it's primarily Third and Fifth, through neighborhoods like the Oregon District, St. Anne's Hill/Huffman, and Wright Dunbar. To the … [Read more...] about The Point in Old North Dayton: History and Future
Canal at 2nd Street Then and Now
I've previously written a history of the Miami and Erie canal in Dayton that included a then and now photo of an 1899 celebration that included two elephants bathing in the canal. In that post I used a visible business and map to determine where that location is … [Read more...] about Canal at 2nd Street Then and Now
The Deeds Barn and Reconstruction as Preservation with Dan Barton
In my last article about the history of the Deeds Barn, the site of the invention of the electric self-starter, I traced its somewhat convoluted path over the decades: a replica was built in Carillon Park in 1949 but the original barn remained in Grafton Hill until 1962 when … [Read more...] about The Deeds Barn and Reconstruction as Preservation with Dan Barton