The land that would become the University of Dayton was originally farmland owned by John Stuart, who endured a tragedy in 1848 when daughter Mary Louisa succumbed to cholera. Afterward, Stuart and his wife wished to sell the property, known as Dewberry Farm, and move back … [Read more...] about History of the University of Dayton (St. Mary’s Institute)
An Annex and a Museum at the Old Main Library
Images of Dayton's lost downtown public library are relatively popular, but not many show the Library Annex pictured here on the right-hand side. The Annex was constructed on the east side of the main building in 1924. Three years later a second floor was added to … [Read more...] about An Annex and a Museum at the Old Main Library
The People Behind the Buildings: Who Were Kuhns, Reibold, Lindsey, Conover?
Downtown Dayton, despite all it has lost over the years, still maintains an enviable architectural legacy featuring a number of early office towers and other commercial structures built around the turn of the 20th century. Many of these were named for people, including … [Read more...] about The People Behind the Buildings: Who Were Kuhns, Reibold, Lindsey, Conover?
History of Sears and Roebuck in Downtown Dayton
In its heyday, downtown Dayton bustled with retail activity, from small shops to massive department stores with so many amenities that they almost served as mini cities of their own. I tell the story of Rike’s in my book Lost Dayton, but today’s article will be about … [Read more...] about History of Sears and Roebuck in Downtown Dayton
Work Underway at Graphic Arts Building?
In the last couple of days, there has been activity spotted at the Graphic Arts Building downtown. Part of the Terra-Cotta Historic District, the building is located just south of the intersection of Fifth and Ludlow Streets, across Ludlow from the Third Perk coffee … [Read more...] about Work Underway at Graphic Arts Building?
Miami & Erie Canal History: When and Where was Dayton’s Canal?
That Dayton once had a canal run directly through it is no secret. There are even several remaining references to this unique chapter in history, such as the park-like Canal Walk near the ballpark and Canal Street Arcade and Deli across the street. But some details about … [Read more...] about Miami & Erie Canal History: When and Where was Dayton’s Canal?
Juicery Closing Deals Blow to Santa Clara Business District
When the owners of the Santa Clara Juicery opened up their storefront on North Main Street in 2018, they hoped to bring hope to a struggling neighborhood. "We’re the first new storefront in the community in 15 years," said co-owner Elizabeth Furst at the time. "We want to … [Read more...] about Juicery Closing Deals Blow to Santa Clara Business District
Dayton, Arcade Getting Plenty of National Attention
This year there has been quite a bit of national attention on Dayton, Ohio. Much was due to the horrible series of tragedies the Gem City endured. But beyond the Memorial Day tornadoes and the Oregon District shooting, here have been other reasons Dayton has been in the … [Read more...] about Dayton, Arcade Getting Plenty of National Attention
The Santa Clara Business District: History and Preservation
We recently wrote about two architectural gems on North Main Street in Riverdale. Continuing north a few blocks we find an impressively intact group of commercial buildings: the Santa Clara Business District. Historically this was a thriving area for shopping and … [Read more...] about The Santa Clara Business District: History and Preservation
Edgemont’s Industrial History: Green & Green (Sunshine) Biscuit Co, Kroger, etc.
Dayton's Edgemont neighborhood dates back to 1853. It grew rapidly during the latter half of the 19th century and became home to a diverse group of residents including Germans, Italians, and African-Americans. Many flocked to this "industrial suburb" to seek employment in … [Read more...] about Edgemont’s Industrial History: Green & Green (Sunshine) Biscuit Co, Kroger, etc.