In its heyday, downtown Dayton bustled with retail activity, from small shops to massive department stores with so many amenities that they almost served as mini cities of their own. I tell the story of Rike’s in my book Lost Dayton, but today’s article will be about … [Read more...] about History of Sears and Roebuck in Downtown Dayton
Historical Dayton
Miami & Erie Canal History: When and Where Was Dayton’s Canal?
That Dayton once had a canal run directly through it is no secret. There are even several remaining references to this unique chapter in history, such as the park-like Canal Walk near the ballpark and Canal Street Arcade and Deli across the street. But some details about … [Read more...] about Miami & Erie Canal History: When and Where Was Dayton’s Canal?
Edgemont’s Industrial History: Green & Green (Sunshine) Biscuit Co, Kroger, etc.
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)
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