Editor's note: I’ve written quite a bit about Courthouse Square and its history, challenges, and future as a central gathering place. One thing that can get overlooked in those conversations is the role of the institutions already in and around space today. This guest … [Read more...] about A Place for Peace: Inside Dayton’s International Peace Museum on Courthouse Square
Dayton Culture
America’s Packard Museum: Where Dayton’s Automotive History Still Lives
Dayton, Ohio has no shortage of museums due to its history as a major center of American innovation and industry. But while visitors often gravitate to the best-known attractions like the Air Force Museum, Carillon Historical Park, and Wright Brothers sites, the city is also … [Read more...] about America’s Packard Museum: Where Dayton’s Automotive History Still Lives
Dayton Triangles: Team History 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: Team History and the First NFL Game
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]
Island Park History with Waste Free Dayton
Last week I enjoyed the opportunity to give a short history talk at a meeting of the group Waste Free Dayton. It was great to meet their co-directors Natalie Warrick and Brett Bogan and the members in attendance. We also talked about the park's connectivity to the regional … [Read more...] about Island Park History with Waste Free Dayton
Architecture Walking Tour and a Revamped Courthouse Square
I previously wrote about the history of Courthouse Square downtown as well as its challenges and prospects for revitalization moving forward. On May 11 I was excited to participate in a downtown event that centered on the square: the Downtown Housing Tour. As part of the … [Read more...] about Architecture Walking Tour and a Revamped Courthouse Square
All About Dayton Formation Limestone: A Key Historic Building Material
One important material in Dayton's historic architecture is stone, which was used in early dwellings, key transportation infrastructure, and grand public buildings like the Old Courthouse. Most of the stone you see in these structures is a special type that is local to … [Read more...] about All About Dayton Formation Limestone: A Key Historic Building Material
New Book on Dayton’s West Side History
When it comes to researching and writing books on Dayton history, there's no one more prolific than Curt Dalton. In a career spanning several decades he has published over 30 public history books focused on Dayton and Ohio. The format and subject matter of Dalton's works … [Read more...] about New Book on Dayton’s West Side History
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)