The Fire Blocks in downtown Dayton has seen a major transformation in recent years spearheaded by The Windsor Companies, as several buildings on Third Street, including the Elks Building, Huffman Block Building, and Dickey Building, have been redeveloped into apartments, and … [Read more...] about The Oldest Commercial Buildings Downtown (Which Survived Flood and Flames)
Historical Dayton
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
The Historic Orleans House at Hickory and Morton in South Park
South Park is the best neighborhood in Dayton for corner stores. Nearly all have been converted to residential use, but many of them retain some beautiful architectural details. One of the best examples is the building at the NE corner of Hickory and Morton. It was built … [Read more...] about The Historic Orleans House at Hickory and Morton in South Park
History of Euclid Ave UB (Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist) Church
I recently wrote about the former firehouse #13 at West Third and Euclid. That building sits across the street from the Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, which was formerly the Euclid Avenue United Brethren Church. Milton Wright, father of Orville and Wilbur, was a … [Read more...] about History of Euclid Ave UB (Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist) Church
3rd and Irwin and Intact Urban Intersections in Dayton
At first glance this appears to be a rather unremarkable photo: a 1950s neighborhood street scene which turns out to be located at East Third and Irwin Streets. But given the fate of most neighborhood business districts like this in Dayton, it is surprising that all of … [Read more...] about 3rd and Irwin and Intact Urban Intersections in Dayton
Canal at 2nd Street Then and Now
I've previously written a history of the Miami and Erie canal in Dayton that included a then and now photo of an 1899 celebration that included two elephants bathing in the canal. In that post I used a visible business and map to determine where that location is … [Read more...] about Canal at 2nd Street Then and Now
History of the Deeds Barn, Site of the Invention of the Electric Self-Starter
We might not normally think of barns as hotbeds for innovation, but in Dayton we have one with major significance to the world of manufacturing. Built in 1904, the Deeds Barn was originally located at 319 Central Ave in Dayton View behind the house of Edward and Edith … [Read more...] about History of the Deeds Barn, Site of the Invention of the Electric Self-Starter
History of 2200 East Fifth St
A Dayton Vistas reader recently wrote in with a question about the history of the building at 2200 East Fifth St located across Columbus St from the old Carnegie Library which is currently the home of St. Mary Development Corporation. I've covered a few other corner … [Read more...] about History of 2200 East Fifth St
History of the Reibold Building (3 Phases and a Retail Past)
The Reibold Building has been a major landmark in downtown Dayton for more than a century, evolving through three distinct construction phases between 1896 and 1914. Considered one of Dayton’s earliest skyscrapers, it reflects the city’s rapid commercial growth, ornate … [Read more...] about History of the Reibold Building (3 Phases and a Retail Past)
History of the Conover Building
Image credit The Conover Building can be found at the SE corner of Third and Main Streets right in the middle of downtown. An eclectic Renaissance Revival style structure, it was designed by architect Frank Mills Andrews, who gave himself an office under an art glass … [Read more...] about History of the Conover Building