Over the past several years, as I’ve researched Dayton’s industrial history and the neighborhoods that once surrounded its factories, one theme has come up repeatedly: Appalachian migration. Between the late 1930s and 1960s, tens of thousands of people from eastern … [Read more...] about Appalachian Migration to Dayton, Ohio: Where Families Lived and Worked
Oregon District
Belle of Dayton: A Distillery with a Prohibition-Era Connection
Located at the edge of Dayton's Oregon District, the Belle of Dayton distillery has a fascinating history not only for its location, which has housed a wide range of tenants over the years, but also for the story of the Belle of Dayton brand which takes us all the way back … [Read more...] about Belle of Dayton: A Distillery with a Prohibition-Era Connection
Lily’s Dayton: A Site with a Wild Historical Chapter
Last weekend I was excited to participate in an experience called Holi-Dayton vacation, where I joined a group of local social media creators to tour local businesses and participate in some fun holiday activities around the downtown area. As part of it we got to enjoy a … [Read more...] about Lily’s Dayton: A Site with a Wild Historical Chapter
The Dietz Block, One of Dayton’s Great Corner Buildings
One of Dayton's best corner commercial buildings can be found at 531 Wayne Ave, the corner of Wayne and Jones. The structure was built in 1886 for John C. Dietz, who ran a drug store and apothecary on the ground floor with apartments above. It is a "prime example of … [Read more...] about The Dietz Block, One of Dayton’s Great Corner Buildings
Oregon District Buildings to See New Investment, One Is Razed: Some History
A major developer in Downtown Dayton's renaissance recently acquired several buildings in and near the Oregon District. Woodard Development, which has completed major projects throughout downtown and Webster Station including both adaptive reuse and new construction, will … [Read more...] about Oregon District Buildings to See New Investment, One Is Razed: Some History
Pocket of Buildings Recalls Old Wayne Ave
The area around Fifth Street and Wayne Ave has seen tremendous change over the years. Once a dense neighborhood commercial district that extended far in all four directions, today we still can enjoy well-preserved Fifth Street in the Oregon District to the west. But head … [Read more...] about Pocket of Buildings Recalls Old Wayne Ave
Two Historic Restaurant Properties for Sale in Dayton
Two popular neighborhood restaurants in historic Dayton buildings are currently for sale, and in both cases the current owners as well as loyal patrons are hoping that someone new will step in to continue the tradition. Thai 9 in the Oregon District and Angie's Firehouse … [Read more...] about Two Historic Restaurant Properties for Sale in Dayton
Opinion: Should Fifth Street in the Oregon District Go Car-Free?
In spite of the recent tragic events in the Oregon District, East Fifth Street remains one of Dayton’s great destinations. I often say that the Oregon District, specifically Fifth Street, is Dayton’s one true “big city” neighborhood. The business and entertainment district … [Read more...] about Opinion: Should Fifth Street in the Oregon District Go Car-Free?
Opinion: A Pedestrian Vision for Wayne Avenue
The Wayne Avenue corridor is trending in a nice direction right now. New businesses are popping up, including the microbrewery Branch and Bone. It’s even becoming a bit of a coffee shop corridor anchored by Ghostlight to the south and Press to the north with two new ones, … [Read more...] about Opinion: A Pedestrian Vision for Wayne Avenue
The William McHose House at 53 Green St.
A recent post detailed candidates for the oldest house still standing in Dayton. In this new article series, we'll take a closer look at the histories of other interesting Dayton homes. The house at 53 Green Street in the Oregon District was built in 1873 by William McHose … [Read more...] about The William McHose House at 53 Green St.