At a time when so many once great homes throughout Dayton are being turned into vacant lots, it's inspiring to see an example of the opposite happening. While perusing the archives of the St. Anne’s Hill blog recently, I came across an interesting story about a house at 155 … [Read more...] about Historically Accurate Infill House in St. Anne’s Hill
History of the Centre City (United Brethren) Building
The Dayton Arcade has attracted the most attention among potential downtown projects lately, but a building whose rehab would have a more visible effect on Dayton's skyline is found just across Main Street. I'm talking about the Centre City Building, which has a fascinating … [Read more...] about History of the Centre City (United Brethren) Building
James Ritty’s Pony House Saloon
We recently looked at James Ritty’s invention of the cash register, before John Patterson took the enterprise to greater heights with NCR. But Ritty also has another interesting story that connects to a present-day business. His original occupation was a saloonkeeper and he … [Read more...] about James Ritty’s Pony House Saloon
Dayton Motor Car Company District: Good and Bad News
One of the sites in Lost Dayton, Ohio, the Dayton Motor Car Company Historic District, has been in the news a couple of times recently, for very different reasons. The good news is that a property in the area, 15 McDonough St (right), was recently awarded $1.8 million … [Read more...] about Dayton Motor Car Company District: Good and Bad News
Then and Now: Aerial of Third and Jefferson, Fire Blocks
With the Fire Blocks development undergoing some major changes and hopefully starting real construction soon, let's travel back in time and take a look at the area from a high vantage point. Some buildings will look familiar, but others are long gone. The Beckel Hotel … [Read more...] about Then and Now: Aerial of Third and Jefferson, Fire Blocks
What’s Going On With? Dayton Arcade Redevelopment
This article is part of my larger Dayton Arcade History Guide, which covers the full story of the complex, its buildings, decline, and redevelopment. The Dayton Arcade project continues to receive good news, but some Daytonians will remain skeptical until the day they set … [Read more...] about What’s Going On With? Dayton Arcade Redevelopment
Who Invented the Cash Register? Meet James Ritty, a Dayton Saloonkeeper
The invention of the cash register began not with a major corporation, but with a Dayton saloonkeeper confronting a very practical problem. In 1879, James Ritty created the first mechanical cash register as a way to prevent employee theft, a simple idea that would ultimately … [Read more...] about Who Invented the Cash Register? Meet James Ritty, a Dayton Saloonkeeper
Downtown Dayton Restaurants: 2007 vs. 2018
Downtown Dayton is enjoying a major resurgence, and just about everyone is in agreement that there's much more to do today than in decades. But it's an interesting experiment to compare the actual number of amenities at two points in time. Thanks to an article from 2007 … [Read more...] about Downtown Dayton Restaurants: 2007 vs. 2018
More Dayton Demolitions: East Side as Seen via Streetview
We've already looked at before and after shots of demolitions that have taken place in the Streetview era (2007-2018), focusing on some downtown buildings, Old North Dayton's former commercial center, and few others scattered throughout various Dayton neighborhoods. But … [Read more...] about More Dayton Demolitions: East Side as Seen via Streetview
What’s Going On With? Balsley Building
Dayton has seen a surge in redevelopment projects in recent years, but a few that were announced with much fanfare haven’t been able to get off the ground years later. This What's Going On With series will chronicle those first announcements as well as later updates in order … [Read more...] about What’s Going On With? Balsley Building