Dayton, Ohio has no shortage of museums due to its history as a major center of American innovation and industry. But while visitors often gravitate to the best-known attractions like the Air Force Museum, Carillon Historical Park, and Wright Brothers sites, the city is also … [Read more...] about America’s Packard Museum: Where Dayton’s Automotive History Still Lives
Transportation History
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
Barney and Smith Car Company: History of Dayton’s Early Industrial Power
Long before the Wright Brothers transformed flight and NCR became an industrial giant, another name defined Dayton's manufacturing might: Barney & Smith. From a modest railcar works founded in the mid-1800s, the company grew into one of the largest employers in Dayton … [Read more...] about Barney and Smith Car Company: History of Dayton’s Early Industrial Power
Dayton’s Lost Union Station and Early Train History
In my book Lost Dayton, Ohio I cover Dayton's Union Station, a beautiful brick structure including a seven-story clock tower which was once a hub of activity downtown. This article will showcase that magnificent station that's been gone for many years, but it turns out … [Read more...] about Dayton’s Lost Union Station and Early Train History
Canal at 2nd Street Then and Now
I've previously written a history of the Miami and Erie canal in Dayton that included a then and now photo of an 1899 celebration that included two elephants bathing in the canal. In that post I used a visible business and map to determine where that location is … [Read more...] about Canal at 2nd Street Then and Now
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
Major Development Could Revive Historic Downtown “Power House”
Photos for this article were taken by Alex Parks, professional photographer/videographer and drone pilot. See more of Alex's work at parkspromedia.com. According to recent reports and funding requests, Infinity Labs, a "fast-growing defense contractor" is planning a … [Read more...] about Major Development Could Revive Historic Downtown “Power House”
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?
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 West Third Street Business District in Wright-Dunbar
Columnist Jon White recently wrote about the potential of the Wright Dunbar Business District, so we thought it would be a good time to take a historical tour through the area and learn a little more about it. This first article will look at a general history of the corridor … [Read more...] about History of the West Third Street Business District in Wright-Dunbar