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 in 1875, the former Huffman Elementary was Dayton’s first brick school house. Operating as the ninth district school for many years, it served area children for over a century before finally closing in 1982.
When the school was constructed, it featured a tower facing the Huffman Avenue side:
Later the tower was removed along with a few other alterations:
After the school closed, it took about 15 years before the building would be converted to a new use. In 1998, it was renovated into a senior living facility known as Huffman Place at a cost of $8.4 million.
The project kept much of the historic detail on the building’s exterior and added also added new, complementary structures. Ten of the housing units are located in the original 1875 school building.
Sources: The Spirit of Huffman Tour of Historic Homes booklet
Historic images courtesy of Dayton Metro Library
Carl Retter says
MFK coffee shop was in the Biltmore back in 55 – 65. I would go in and have milk shakes at $.27 cents.
When I saw it in later years it was a cheap chinese restaurant and made me sick to see it.
It also had the Kitty Hawk Dining Room across the hall.
Jesse L Hensley says
Huffman school was my first school from kinder garden to fifth grade I didn’t know it’s the oldest school in dayton ohio great memory
Deb says
What years did you attend?
Ronda Harris says
Huffman School. was my first school. I went there in 1st and 2nd grade. I started 1st grade in the fall of 1962, and Mr. Frederick was the principal.
Sheila wilmoth says
I also attended Huffman around the same time. Moved at middle of 7th grade in 1970. Sheila Wilmoth
Chris says
i went there from 5th grade to 8th grade 1974-1976
Jan Cannon says
I went there from 1959 to 1966 – kindergarten to 7th grade. I lived across the street from the school.
Joseph kreitzer says
I was there 1962 to 68
Joseph kreitzer says
Miss Koo was my teacher
Joel Evans says
I attended kindergarten through eighth grade and finished in 1958. Mr Frederick was my principal. I lived just down the street on E 4th st. Across the street from Adams Market.
Barbara Spoerlein says
I just recently moved into a 2-bedroom apartment in Huffman Place. I am on the 4th floor that overlooks the parking lot at the main entrance on Centre St. and is in the oldest part that was the school. Did not realize that it had been the oldest school in Dayton.
James Moore says
I went there first through fourth grade 1949, 50, 51, 52. Mr. Fredericks what is the principal, Mrs. cool was my second grade teacher and Mrs. Clark was my fourth grade teacher. Can’t remember the other two. Play kickball in the side lot, and had festivals in the spring had real ponies. That was the days.
Matt Baker says
I moved into East Dayton in !962 and attended the 4th grade mid year through the 8th Grade.
Katrina thacker says
What happened to all the teachers who taught at theold huffman school in dayton ohio and the principal mr federicks principal