One of the most beautiful historic commercial buildings in Dayton can be found right in the heart of the Oregon District neighborhood on East Fifth Street. The Ware Block at 502-510 E Fifth was built in 1891 in the Romanesque Revival style. The impressive facade is … [Read more...] about History of the Ware Block (Bonnett’s Books and More)
Dayton Triangles: History of the Team and the First NFL Game
Today, Dayton is a great sports town for college basketball, minor league baseball, and much more. But despite the many passionate fans in the Gem City, establishing a team in one of the major professional leagues isn't a realistic possibility. But Dayton will always … [Read more...] about Dayton Triangles: History of the Team and the First NFL Game
Howard’s Pharmacy, a Valley St Then and Now
I enjoy covering the history of Dayton's built environment, but I don't only focus on the buildings like the Dayton Arcade that would normally be considered "historically significant." Instead, I'm also fascinated by the everyday, more humble structures that make up the … [Read more...] about Howard’s Pharmacy, a Valley St Then and Now
Barney and Smith Car Company: History of Dayton’s Early Industrial Power
Long before the Wright Brothers transformed flight and NCR became an industrial giant, another name defined Dayton's manufacturing might: Barney & Smith. From a modest railcar works founded in the mid-1800s, the company grew into one of the largest employers in Dayton … [Read more...] about Barney and Smith Car Company: History of Dayton’s Early Industrial Power
Hawthorne School: History of an 1886 Dayton School Converted to Condos
McPherson Town is a Dayton neighborhood just a short walk from downtown that is known for its beautiful stock of historic homes. There's also one prominent building in the area that is residential today but was constructed for a different purpose. That is the … [Read more...] about Hawthorne School: History of an 1886 Dayton School Converted to Condos
Dayton Convention Center Then and Now: Pruden, Gebhart, and Urban Renewal
I've previously written about the major Downtown Dayton urban renewal project that cleared just about all of a 4-city-block area just east of Main between 4th and 5th (the only exception was the old DP&L Power House which is now soon to be razed for a new police … [Read more...] about Dayton Convention Center Then and Now: Pruden, Gebhart, and Urban Renewal
Belmont Billiards: Dayton’s Oldest Pool Hall Marks 100 Years
Last week I took a quick trip to Dayton's Belmont neighborhood to visit a business located near the intersection of Watervliet and Smithville. This may not be at the top of your list when thinking of historic spots in the city, but my destination was celebrating its 100th … [Read more...] about Belmont Billiards: Dayton’s Oldest Pool Hall Marks 100 Years
A Minister’s Eyewitness Account of the Great Flood of 1913 from North Dayton
I often hear from Dayton Vistas readers who send me personal memories and family experiences connected to Dayton’s past. But today I’m excited to share one of the most remarkable original sources I’ve come across: a firsthand account of the Great Flood of 1913. Joe … [Read more...] about A Minister’s Eyewitness Account of the Great Flood of 1913 from North Dayton
Dayton’s Lost Union Station and Early Train History
In my book Lost Dayton, Ohio I cover Dayton's Union Station, a beautiful brick structure including a seven-story clock tower which was once a hub of activity downtown. This article will showcase that magnificent station that's been gone for many years, but it turns out … [Read more...] about Dayton’s Lost Union Station and Early Train History
From NCR and James Cox to the Hotel Ardent: a History of the Barclay (Harries) Building
In February 2025, a new boutique hotel became part of the renaissance of Downtown Dayton. The 118-room Hotel Ardent is located in the historic Barclay Building at Main and First Streets, a site that has a fascinating story involving some big names from Dayton's past, and … [Read more...] about From NCR and James Cox to the Hotel Ardent: a History of the Barclay (Harries) Building