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
History of the Deeds Barn, Site of the Invention of the Electric Self-Starter
We might not normally think of barns as hotbeds for innovation, but in Dayton we have one with major significance to the world of manufacturing. Built in 1904, the Deeds Barn was originally located at 319 Central Ave in Dayton View behind the house of Edward and Edith … [Read more...] about History of the Deeds Barn, Site of the Invention of the Electric Self-Starter
History of 2200 East Fifth St
A Dayton Vistas reader recently wrote in with a question about the history of the building at 2200 East Fifth St located across Columbus St from the old Carnegie Library which is currently the home of St. Mary Development Corporation. I've covered a few other corner … [Read more...] about History of 2200 East Fifth St
History of the Reibold Building (in 3 Phases)
The title of Dayton's first skyscraper is not universally agreed upon (many give the nod to the 1892 7-story Callahan Building, since demolished) but the Reibold Building is definitely in the conversation. This structure was built in 3 sections, with the first opening in … [Read more...] about History of the Reibold Building (in 3 Phases)
History of the Conover Building
Image credit The Conover Building can be found at the SE corner of Third and Main Streets right in the middle of downtown. An eclectic Renaissance Revival style structure, it was designed by architect Frank Mills Andrews, who gave himself an office under an art glass … [Read more...] about History of the Conover Building