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
New Housing for West Dayton’s Wolf Creek Neighborhood
Dayton's Wolf Creek neighborhood, just across the river from downtown, has historically suffered from disinvestment and a large share of its housing stock was recently found to be in a dilapidated state. But a variety of new projects are bringing new housing options to … [Read more...] about New Housing for West Dayton’s Wolf Creek Neighborhood
A Hidden River Walk along the Great Miami in Downtown Dayton
I recently took a morning stroll on the nice walking path along the Great Miami River behind the Downtown YMCA. Riverscape Metropark is a very popular destination on the east side of Main Street, but not as many people continue across and experience the other side. The … [Read more...] about A Hidden River Walk along the Great Miami in Downtown Dayton
History of the Dayton Art Institute: From Its First Home to Today [Old Photos]
All historic images are courtesy of Dayton Metro Library The Museum's Founding and Original Location What is today the Dayton Art Institute was founded in 1919 as the Dayton Museum of Arts. Its letter of incorporation was signed on February 28, 1919, and some of its … [Read more...] about History of the Dayton Art Institute: From Its First Home to Today [Old Photos]
RKO Colonial Theater and DPS Buildings: Downtown Then and Now
Today we'll look at a before and after of the intersection of Fifth and Ludlow Streets looking north towards Fourth. This was a bustling commercial area in the early 20th century, and there have been some significant changes to the buildings over time, although the block … [Read more...] about RKO Colonial Theater and DPS Buildings: Downtown Then and Now
Ebenezer Thresher Home: From Main Street to Robert Boulevard
In my recent writing and video about Dayton's Old "Park Avenue" of West First Street, including the prominent early Dayton business leaders who lived in close proximity to one another, I discussed the Ebenezer Thresher homestead which was built a little earlier than … [Read more...] about Ebenezer Thresher Home: From Main Street to Robert Boulevard
The Grocery that Never Slept: Frank Hale, the Wright Brothers, and Dayton’s First Store Chain
The Wright-Dunbar neighborhood has multiple sites connected to the Wright Brothers' exploits in bicycles and then airplanes, but the Hoover Block at the SE corner of West Third and Williams is where Wilbur and Orville worked on their first business venture: printing. The … [Read more...] about The Grocery that Never Slept: Frank Hale, the Wright Brothers, and Dayton’s First Store Chain
Historic Homes of Dayton’s 1800s Prominent Citizens: Then and Now
Many of the most prominent Daytonians of the 19th century, from pioneer settlers to the founders of some of Dayton's most important businesses, were clustered in one particular area just west of the central business district at that time. The neighborhood centered on West … [Read more...] about Historic Homes of Dayton’s 1800s Prominent Citizens: Then and Now
The Fowler-Parrott House: Last Standing Home on Old West First Street
In the 19th century, Downtown Dayton, especially west of Main Street, was primarily a residential area. One of the most luxurious streets was Robert Boulevard on the western edge near the river. But another was West First Street, where the largest concentration of … [Read more...] about The Fowler-Parrott House: Last Standing Home on Old West First Street