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.
History of Patterson Homestead (Rubicon Farm)
Brown Street near the University of Dayton is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, but one structure dates back to a time when the area looked completely different. The Patterson Homestead (also known as Rubicon Farm) was built in 1816, making it one of Dayton’s … [Read more...] about History of Patterson Homestead (Rubicon Farm)
Dayton Demolition Watch: St. Joseph School
The Webster Station area is currently booming with new construction as well as the redevelopment of historic structures. But according to multiple sources, one of the oldest buildings in the neighborhood is in danger of being demolished. Historic preservationist Andrew … [Read more...] about Dayton Demolition Watch: St. Joseph School
Update: Arcade, Fire Blocks Construction Progress (And When Will They Open?)
There are two major projects underway that aim to transform major sections of downtown Dayton. And these developments are transitioning from ideas to reality as increasing construction activity has started to bring the historic structures back to life. Let's look at a few … [Read more...] about Update: Arcade, Fire Blocks Construction Progress (And When Will They Open?)
Riverdale’s Architectural Gems: Flatiron and Fire Station #14
North Main and Forest is a major intersection for the Riverdale neighborhood of Dayton. Development reached this part of Main Street around the middle of the 19th century, and Forest Ave was originally known as Tates Mill Road and likely dates to the early 1800s as a … [Read more...] about Riverdale’s Architectural Gems: Flatiron and Fire Station #14
History of The Delco (Mendelson) Building: Early Delco in Dayton
With the recent news that Sandy Mendelson has sold the massive building that has long housed his liquidation outlet, we're going to take a look at the history of the structure since no news reports appear to have mentioned it. Crawford Hoying, who along with Woodard have … [Read more...] about History of The Delco (Mendelson) Building: Early Delco in Dayton
Dayton’s Lost Dominic’s Restaurant: 1957-2007
One of Dayton's more popular longstanding restaurants was Dominic's, which for decades occupied a spot on South Main Street across from the Fairgrounds. The restaurant had just celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007, however, when it was sold to Miami Valley Hospital and … [Read more...] about Dayton’s Lost Dominic’s Restaurant: 1957-2007
History of Early Dayton Catholic Churches: Emmanuel, St. Mary’s and More
The first Catholic church in Dayton was Emmanuel on Franklin Street, built in 1837. At first it primarily served German parishioners, but Dayton's rapid growth and subsequent increase in its Catholic population led to the parish becoming overcrowded, so it was divided … [Read more...] about History of Early Dayton Catholic Churches: Emmanuel, St. Mary’s and More
John Williams Stoddard, Business Pioneer of Dayton
In our last article, we looked at the history of 15 Bainbridge Street aka the Dayton Motor Car Building. The founder of that automobile firm was John W. Stoddard, who made his first mark by building up a major farm implement company. This article will take a closer look at … [Read more...] about John Williams Stoddard, Business Pioneer of Dayton
History of the First Black Church in Dayton
The first neighborhood in Dayton that was identifiably black was located along Seely's Ditch just to the east of today's Oregon District. First occupied around 1827, the area known as "Africa" was populated largely by men who worked on the Miami-Erie Canal. It was here … [Read more...] about History of the First Black Church in Dayton