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
Historical Dayton
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 … [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?
The Santa Clara Business District: History and Preservation
We recently wrote about two architectural gems on North Main Street in Riverdale. Continuing north a few blocks we find an impressively intact group of commercial buildings: the Santa Clara Business District. Historically this was a thriving area for shopping and … [Read more...] about The Santa Clara Business District: History and Preservation
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.
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
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 … [Read more...] about John Williams Stoddard, Business Pioneer of Dayton