At first glance, the building at 1906 Brown Street looks like a fairly ordinary brick storefront. But there's more than meets the eye to this historic structure. The oldest section of the building sits behind the portion currently fronting Brown Street and was originally … [Read more...] about History of 1906 Brown St. (Patterson Memorial church, General Furniture, tend & flourish)
Historical Dayton
History of Huffman Place / Huffman Elementary School
We recently looked at the history of the Third and Linden Market building in the Huffman neighborhood. Continuing our look at this area and traveling a few blocks south into the heart of the neighborhood, we arrive at this beautiful building at 100 Huffman Avenue. Built … [Read more...] about History of Huffman Place / Huffman Elementary School
History of the Third and Linden Market Building
Dayton lost a staggering amount of its historic architecture in the latter half of the 20th century, and one of the greatest casualties has been the “neighborhood business district,” once ubiquitous throughout town but today limited to only a couple of surviving examples. … [Read more...] about History of the Third and Linden Market Building
History of the University of Dayton (St. Mary’s Institute)
The land that would become the University of Dayton was originally farmland owned by John Stuart, who endured a tragedy in 1848 when daughter Mary Louisa succumbed to cholera. Afterward, Stuart and his wife wished to sell the property, known as Dewberry Farm, and move back … [Read more...] about History of the University of Dayton (St. Mary’s Institute)
An Annex and a Museum at the Old Main Library
Images of Dayton's lost downtown public library are relatively popular, but not many show the Library Annex pictured here on the right-hand side. The Annex was constructed on the east side of the main building in 1924. Three years later a second floor was added to … [Read more...] about An Annex and a Museum at the Old Main Library
The People Behind the Buildings: Who Were Kuhns, Reibold, Lindsey, Conover?
Downtown Dayton, despite all it has lost over the years, still maintains an enviable architectural legacy featuring a number of early office towers and other commercial structures built around the turn of the 20th century. Many of these were named for people, including the … [Read more...] about The People Behind the Buildings: Who Were Kuhns, Reibold, Lindsey, Conover?
History of Sears and Roebuck in Downtown Dayton
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
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)