The National Cash Register Company (NCR) was one of the most influential corporations based in Dayton, shaping the city’s economy, landscape, and national reputation for innovation. From its transformation of James Ritty’s cash register into a global business under John H. … [Read more...] about NCR: A Then and Now History in Dayton
John H Patterson
Historic Buildings on the University of Dayton Campus
Originally published 4/29/2020; updated 3/27/2025 with info on demolition of Chaminade Hall (at bottom of article) Our last article looked at the history of the University of Dayton. Today we'll explore some of the old buildings on campus that are still standing. Zehler Hall … [Read more...] about Historic Buildings on the University of Dayton Campus
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 History of 1141 Brown Street
The nondescript but interesting building was originally part of Dayton's early transit network, the streetcar running between Dayton and Oakwood. The Oakwood Street Railway was incorporated on July 20 1870 by John H. Patterson, John W. Stoddard and others to join the two … [Read more...] about The History of 1141 Brown Street
The Last of NCR in Dayton: Repurposed Buildings That Still Stand
In my book Lost Dayton Ohio I have a detailed chapter outlining the early history of National Cash Register (NCR): its early years taking James Ritty's invention to incredible heights; its physical footprint in Dayton and longstanding impact on the community; and ultimately … [Read more...] about The Last of NCR in Dayton: Repurposed Buildings That Still Stand
The Lost Patterson Elm Tree at NCR
NCR was well-known for its innovative factory buildings featuring abundant windows to allow in more light, and founder John H. Patterson also made huge investments in parks, landscaped boulevards, and other natural areas in Dayton. But did you know that NCR once had its … [Read more...] about The Lost Patterson Elm Tree at NCR
History of Patterson Homestead (Rubicon Farm)
Brown Street near the University of Dayton is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, but one structure dates back to a time when the area looked completely different. The Patterson Homestead (also known as Rubicon Farm) was built in 1816, making it one of Dayton’s … [Read more...] about History of Patterson Homestead (Rubicon Farm)
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
James Ritty’s Pony House Saloon
We recently looked at James Ritty’s invention of the cash register, before John Patterson took the enterprise to greater heights with NCR. But Ritty also has another interesting story that connects to a present-day business. His original occupation was a saloonkeeper and he … [Read more...] about James Ritty’s Pony House Saloon
James Ritty: How a Dayton Saloon Owner Invented the Cash Register
The invention of the cash register began not with a major corporation, but with a Dayton saloonkeeper confronting a very practical problem. In 1879, James Ritty created the first mechanical cash register as a way to prevent employee theft, a simple idea that would ultimately … [Read more...] about James Ritty: How a Dayton Saloon Owner Invented the Cash Register