The recently announced preliminary development plan for the former Montgomery County Fairgrounds site has excited many due to its walkable design, sustainability, and potential to connect to adjacent areas. Granted, the plans are still in the very early stages, but one element is unlikely to change: the central role of the historic roundhouse (pictured above). Part of the terms of the sale of the fairgrounds to the University of Dayton and Premier Health was to preserve the structure.
The roundhouse, also referred to as the Octagon Building and the Exhibition Building, dates back to 1874, the same year the Fair Association was officially formed. (This wasn’t the first fair at the fairgrounds location, however, as that took place in 1856. And the first fair anywhere in Dayton was in 1839 at Swaynie’s wagon yard on East First and Race St).
For the roundhouse’s first exhibition it showcased “household appliances, including heating and cooking stoves and grates, furniture, pianos and organs, sewing machines and jewelry.” In more recent years, it has hosted a variety of parties and special events, and the roundhouse was also the longtime home of the A.B. Hallum furniture store when it wasn’t fair season.
image credit Dayton Metro Library
I have a great story to share about my late grandparents winning a car at the fair in 1936. There is a beautiful picture of my grandmother in front of the car. My uncle who is 96 submitted it to Reminisce magazine and I will try to find my issue and send you a photocopy of the article.
I write you to find out the latest news about the fate of Roundhouse and will it remain standing. The area played a role in my Brookville, Ohio family history in the 1930;’s and I hope that the Roundhouse will not be demolished. I never got to know Dayton as an adult as I started college in 1972 and move to Georgia in 1979. I hope the Roundhouse can be incorporated into plans for the property. History is so important to preserve.
68-72 worked part time for ABHLlum. I worked in the round house n fine arts bldg. moving furn. _and selling some.
I knew bunch Of Chaminade Friends mostly from The East End. That worked there too.
He was a trip. I’ll tell you. !