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
Historical Dayton
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 Historic Ulrich-Boone Home in McPherson Town
McPherson Town is a fascinating neighborhood near Downtown Dayton. It was first platted way back in 1845 but was not a popular area to settle then due to its flood-prone nature. But by the end of the 19th century, the levees had been improved and the city also built a new … [Read more...] about The Historic Ulrich-Boone Home in McPherson Town
History of the Hotel Holden (Holden House Apartments)
Recently there has been a flurry of new hotels opening in Downtown Dayton, from the Fairfield Inn and Suites and AC Marriott in Water Street/Webster Station to the Hotel Ardent and the Hilton Garden Inn at the Dayton Arcade. Historically there were many different hotel … [Read more...] about History of the Hotel Holden (Holden House Apartments)
The Young Building, From Bowling Alley to Longtime Downtown Grocery
Today it's not one of the 9 interconnected buildings in the Dayton Arcade redevelopment, but the 3-story structure immediately to the west of the Third Street Building has an interesting history of its own as well as a long association with the complex. And today it also … [Read more...] about The Young Building, From Bowling Alley to Longtime Downtown Grocery
History of 1731 Philadelphia, “Home Beautiful” in Upper Dayton View
While doing Dayton history research I often stumble upon interesting references and images that lead me to take on completely new topics. In this case I was researching the Gibbons Building in the Dayton Arcade and an article happened to reference a banker who worked there. … [Read more...] about History of 1731 Philadelphia, “Home Beautiful” in Upper Dayton View
Award-Winning Architecture at the Corner of Keowee and Webster
When you think of award-winning architecture in Dayton, it's unlikely you'd picture the intersection of Keowee and Webster Streets. But among the auto service shops and empty land that occupy the majority of the area, we find one really interesting building. The light … [Read more...] about Award-Winning Architecture at the Corner of Keowee and Webster
Midtown Survivors at Washington and Longworth
Overall there is not a whole lot that remains intact in the "Midtown" area of Dayton located immediately south of the Central Business District. The immense footprint of US-35 hollowed out much of the neighborhood and the commercial buildings on Main, Warren and other … [Read more...] about Midtown Survivors at Washington and Longworth
Urban Renewal and Lost Buildings at Main and 3rd
Recently I wrote about the lost East Second Street historic district (today the Premier Health Tower). For today's post we'll shift south one block to see how the entire east side of Main and the north side of Third have also been lost to demolition over the years, not at … [Read more...] about Urban Renewal and Lost Buildings at Main and 3rd
Lesser-Known Historic Buildings of the University of Dayton
I've written about the oldest buildings remaining on the historic University of Dayton campus, but that article focused primarily on the more well-known structures. There are a few others dating to the late 19th and early 20th century that don't typically get as much … [Read more...] about Lesser-Known Historic Buildings of the University of Dayton