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January 11, 2012
I Saw Kitty Hawk (VIDEO)
An interview with man who was present at the Wright Brothers' first flight.
Wright Brothers on Huffman Prairie (VIDEO)
A history of the Wright Brothers, put out by the Department of Defense in 1988.
January 9, 2012
The Magic Wheel (VIDEO)
Imaginative telling of the hsitory of the National Cash Register Company through a 25 year veteran of it's chemical engineering division. Produced in 1952.
January 8, 2012
Make-Believe Trip to Kitty Hawk
by A. S. Kany Copyright 1943
A fantastic account of the time the Wright Brothers spent getting ready for the first flight, including words from Captain Tate. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on December 12, 1943
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
December 6, 2011
100 Years of Dayton Police Patrol Communication Technology
by Sgt. Stephen C. Griser (ret.) Copyright 2011
The history from the 1896 Patrol Call Box to Computer-Aided Dispatching
Reproduced here with the author's permission
December 4, 2011
The First Automobile Owned and Driven by Daytonian
by Carl L. Bauman Copyright 1910
Carl tells of his bringing a sweet little car to Dayton during the winter of 1899-1900. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on June 17, 1910.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
November 24, 2011
15 Brave Clans Laid Claim to Dayton in 1796
by Carl V. Roberts Copyright 1976
How Dayton almost didn't become a city. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 4, 1976.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sue Ann Greda
November 20, 2011
Reports of Beautiful Valley Fueled 'Ohio Fever' Back East
by Carl V. Roberts Copyright 1976
The days when buffalo roamed the Miami Valley. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 4, 1976
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
November 14, 2011
Private Schools First in Area
by William L. Sanders Copyright 1963
A short article about the first private schools in Dayton, the first one starting in 1808.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
November 10, 2011
Ready for Rough, New Country
by Carl V. Roberts Copyright 1976
Many of dayton's first doctors learned their trade during the Revolutionary War.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
November 7, 2011
Emergencies Gave Birth to First Hosptials
Copyright 1976
The start of hospitals in Dayton, as we know them today, began in 1878. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 4, 1976.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
October 29, 2011
Miami Valley Chautauqua Then and Now
by Seymour S. Tibbals Copyright 1946
The history of the first fifty years of the beautiful community of Chautauqua, Ohio.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
October 27, 2011
Roll of Honor, Ohio's Rank and File From Montgomery County in War of the Rebellion
by H. H. Hardesty Copyright 1887
An alphabetical list of men from Montgomery County, Ohio who fought in the Civil War. The information varies per person, but can include when and where enlisted and with what companies, and when the person was discharged or died.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sue Ann Greda
September 24, 2011
Young Poet Became Well Versed in Lunch at the League
by Roz Young Copyright December 5, 1972
A story about a young poet, and another about the man known as the "father of beekeeping".
September 14, 2011
Harvest Home Day Will Be Held by Widows' Home
Copyright 1939
The more important story here is the telling of how the Widow's Home was opened to the widows of Dayton Civil War veterans in 1872. The article appeared in the Journal Herald on October 8, 1939.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
September 11, 2011
George Newcom
by Merab Eberle Copyright 1950
The story of George Newcom, one of Dayton's first settlers, its first sheriff and its first tavern owner.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
September 10, 2011
Unneeded Blockhouse Used for First School
by George Crout Copyright 1976
Dayton's first schools and the opportunities for students in Dayton 200 years later. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 4, 1976.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Nicholson
September 6, 2011
Incorruptable Cashier
by Carl V. Roberts Copyright 1976
The birth of the cash register and NCR. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 4, 1976.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Nicholson
August 26, 2011
Your Kin or Friend Missing In Action?
by Erie Dispatch Herald Copyright 1945
A Daytonian that listened to a shortwave radio at night to try and find out who had been captured or killed during WWII so he could people's mind at ease. This article appeared in the Erie Dispatch Herald on February 11, 1945.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
August 19, 2011
Albert Frantz's Application to Set Aside Execution
by George Ewing Copyright 1900
Albert Frantz was found guilty of killing Bessie Little and sentenced to death. This is his application to have the sentence changed to life imprisonment. The application was excerpted from the Annual Reports for 1899 made to the Seventh-four General Assembly of the State of Ohio.
August 18, 2011
Young Dayton Was Industrious
by Carl V. Roberts Copyright 1976
Early citizens’ ‘manufactories’ provided for county, pioneer nation’s needs.
August 13, 2011
Whitehead or Wrights?
by Ted Bache Copyright 1965
Controversy brewed over whether Gustave Whitehead flew two years before the Wright Brothers. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on January 10, 1965.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
August 3, 2011
Rationing Worked
by Don Stewart Copyright 1973
A memory of how gas rationing was dealt with during WWII. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on November 3, 1973.
July 28, 2011
Corridors of Light
by Eleanor G. Brown Copyright 1958
Written when she was 72 years old, this autobiography is an inspiring tale of how her blindness never slowed her down. Eleanor lived a long and radiant life, rich in public service as a teacher, a lecturer and an author.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
July 22, 2011
This Centennial is 2nd Some Firms Have Seen
by Carl V. Roberts Copyright 1976
A list of several Dayton companies that had been in the city for over 100 years. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 4, 1976.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Nicholson
July 19, 2011
Lakeside, Forest Near Par in Dayton
by Billboard Copyright 1950
Both Lakeside Park and Frankie's Forest Park were still going strong in 1950.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
July 18, 2011
Deeds Barn is Dedicated in Shadow of Frigidaire
by Belva Datcher Copyright 1976
How Deeds Barn was saved and opened to the public on Charles F. Kettering's 100th birthday.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
July 17, 2011
Did You Know?
by Ken Carr Copyright May 2011
The birth of modern salesmanship - Part Two
June 29, 2011
Landmark Awaits Wreckers
by Doc Fisher Copyright 1961
The demise of the famous Miami Hotel, built right after the 1913 flood to encourage people that Dayton was still safe. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 18, 1961.
June 22, 2011
The Passing of the Landmark
by Martin J. Kelly Copyright 1973
The sad story of the tearing down of the old Beaver & Butt Manufactory. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on April 7, 1973.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
June 21, 2011
Barn Idea Sparks 10-Year Marathon
by Eileen Hawk Copyright 1978
How Deeds' Barn inspired Melba Hunt to live a life of saving historical landmarks. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on December 8, 1978.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
June 20, 2011
Gone But Not Forgotten - First Brewery Recalled
by Jessie Nicodemus Copyright 1961
A little bit of info on the Haymarket and the Schiml brewery. (Note: This was not the first brewery in Dayton, George Newcom made a brew at Newcom Tavern decades before). This article appeared in the Journal Herald on July 4, 1961.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
June 16, 2011
Rollyn E. Puterbaugh Sr. Gallery (PHOTOS)
This gallery contains images of Dayton, Parkmoor and Rike's that have been created from large format negatives that Rollyn E. Puterbaugh Sr. took over his long photography career.
June 8, 2011
Miami Hotel Owners to Erect Addition
by Dayton Daily News Copyright 1925
Located at Second and Ludlow, the Miami Hotel later became a part of Rike's in 1960.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
June 4, 2011
Requiem for Tainted Ladies: Flophouses Falling
by Dale Huffman Copyright 1977
The demise of two old hotels on Ludlow Street and stories of what happened there.
May 30, 2011
Members of St. Mary Prepare to Celebrate 125th Anniversary
by Carrie LaBriola Copyright 1985
A short history of how the St. Mary Parish started in 1860. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on August 12, 1985.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
May 25, 2011
New Masonic Temple
by Dayton Herald Copyright 1926
The laying of the cornerstone for the new Masonic Temple. This article appeared in the Dayton Herald on on April 19, 1926.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
May 21, 2011
Pioneers Right Downtown?
by Kay Black Copyright 1966
The Young Women's League celebrated their 65th anniversary in 1966. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on October 16, 1996.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Nicholson
May 16, 2011
Dayton's First Families
by Carol V. Roberts Copyright 1976
Tracking down the families that first settled in Dayton in 1796.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Nicholson
May 10, 2011
Did You Know?
by Ken Carr Copyright February 2011
The birth of modern salesmanship - Part One
May 2, 2011
Early Dayton Dentists Made Big Contributions to the Profession
by Carl V. Roberts Copyright 1976
A short history of dentists in Dayton, starting in 1831. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 4, 1976.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Nicholson
April 25, 2011
As "Ket" Sees It
by Charles F. Kettering Copyright 1943 to 1946
A series of radio talks by Charles Franklin Kettering. Delivered on General Motors Symphony of the Air – September 12, 1943 weekly through July 21, 1946
Today's program placed online is:
A Cube of Copper – September 16, 1945
April 23, 2011
Dunbar Greatest Gift to Literature
by William L. Sanders Copyright 1963
A short history on Paul Laurence Dunbar, whom many consider the best poet to come out of Dayton.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
April 21, 2011
History of Camp Chautauqua
This is a slideshow of the history of Camp Chautauqua, formerly known as Miami Valley Chautauqua.
Pictures are taken from the early 1900's to the late 1970's. Chautauqua is in Montgomery County, northeast of Carlisle.
April 12, 2011
Miami River a Highway for Local Products
by George Crout Copyright 1976
How Dayton used flatboats on the Miami to sell their products in Cincinnati and beyond.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Nicholson
April 11, 2011
The Story of Robert Boulevard
by Margaret Ann Ahlers Copyright 1960
How Robert Boulevard came into being. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on July 23, 1960
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
April 10, 2011
When "Young" Robert Boulevard Possessed An Air of Distinction
by Margaret Ann Ahlers Copyright 1960
Margaret recalls some of the residents that made the Boulevard their home. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on July 30, 1960.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
April 8, 2011
Roads - Robert Blvd
by Jeanne D. Walters Copyright 1978
How one of Dayton's most beautiful residential streets came into being and then disappeared. This article appeared in the Dayton Journal Herald in July 1978.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
April 6, 2011
Nurturing Experience
by Roz Young Copyright December 5, 1992
How a poet was impressed with the Young Woman's League, and why a famous beekeeper from Oxford came to Dayton to spend his last days.
April 5, 2011
A Gift From History - Widow's Home
by Katherine Ullmer Copyright 1984
A tale of how the Widow's Home was created to help widows of Civil War soldiers. This appeared in the Dayton Daily News on March 18, 1984.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Nicholson
March 30, 2011
Progress Dooms League Home
by Georgia Brucken Copyright 1969
The slow demise of the Young Women's League and how the old house where they met was soon to be torn down. In 1972 the League donated its property on 24 West Fourth Street to Children's Medical Center.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Nicholson
March 27, 2011
Charles Otterbein Adams
Charlie Adams recalls electric cars in 1920's Dayton, memories of the Barn Gang and Delco, and a lesson learned from Charles Kettering. Courtesy of www.DaytonInnovationLegacy.org
March 26, 2011
Even Famous Daytonians Didn't Escape Devastation
by Roz Young Copyright November 1, 1997
Orville and Bishop Milton Wright lost a number of personal items during the 1913 flood.
March 25, 2011
Klan Played Role in 1920s Gem City
by Roz Young Copyright October 18, 1997
The rise and fall of the Ku Klux Klan in Dayton.
March 24, 2011
John L. Janning
Inventor John L. Janning perfected the liquid crystal display (LCD) and invented the thermal printing wafer. A self-educated high school dropout, Janning discusses creativity and learning through experience. Courtesy of www.DaytonInnovationLegacy.org
March 15, 2011
Van Cleve Will Be Sadly Quiet Tonight
by James Babcock Copyright 1967
The last days of the Van Cleve Hotel, closing just five days short of its 40th anniversary.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
March 6, 2011
A Time of Terror
by Allan Eckert Copyright 1965
This book, described by Allan Eckert's website as "A thrilling minute-by-minute narrative historical account of the great disastrous flood that struck Dayton, Ohio, in April, 1913", is considered by many to be the best telling of this fantastic event. Our thanks to Allan W. Eckert for giving us permission to place the text of his great book about the 1913 flood onto the DHBO website.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sue Ann Gedra
February 22, 2011
The Levee and Robert's Fill
by Martin Kelly Copyright 1969
Martin gives a great account on the building of Robert Blvd.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
February 14, 2011
Bicycle Enthusiasm Sparked Friendship with the Wrights
by Roz Young Copyright September 6, 1997
Two stories of how Art Stevens's love for bicycles helped develop a friendship with Orville and Wilbur Wright.
February 12, 2011
The Story of Wayne Avenue in the 80's and 90's
by Edward P. Dies Copyright 1950
A wonderful account of the people and places on Wayne Avenue in the 1880s and 1890s.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
February 11, 2011
Steve Canyon Turned 50 This Year
by Roz Young Copyright July 19, 1997
The year 1997 marked the 50th anniversary of the Steve Canyon comic strip by Milton Caniff.
February 10, 2011
91-Year-Old Says She Flew With Orville
by Roz Young Copyright April 19, 1997
Isabel Pifer tells of how she rode in a biplane with Orville Wright in 1913, when she was just eight years old.
February 8, 2011
Gypsie Tribes Fascinated While Evoking Suspicion
by Roz Young Copyright April 5 & 12, 1997
Stories about the gypsies that lived around the Sulpher Grove area in Dayton.
February 6, 2011
Readers Share Tales of Gypsies, Interurban
by Roz Young Copyright March 15, 1997
A mixture of stories on the Stanley gypsies, the interurban, and the rivalry between Johnsville and New Lebanon.
February 5, 2011
Interurban Commuting
by Roz Young Copyright February 8, 1997
Milton Caniff used the interurbans for 5 years, going back and forth from Ohio State University to Dayton.
January 31, 2011
Constitution, By-Laws and List of Members of the Dayton Lawn Tennis Club
by Dayton Lawn Tennis Club Copyright 1888
Articles involving membership and rules for the club.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
January 26, 2011
The Kossuth Colony and Jacob D. Moskowitz
by Stanley R. Chicanowicz Copyright 1963
A tale of Hungarians who worked for the Barney & Smith Car Works and the controversial way they were treated, including being forced to live behind a fence and not allowed to buy outside of the colony.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Ann Nicholson
January 24, 2011
A Statistical Study of the College Records of the Graduates of the Steele High School
by A. F. Foerste Copyright 1923
A report on how well the graduates of Steele High did in college. The report appeared in The School Review Vol. 31, No. 6 (June 1923).
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Amanda Mieskoski
January 20, 2011
Stanley Tribe of Gypsies Articles
by Roz Young Copyright January 4, 11, 18 and 25, 1997
The King and Queen of the Gypsies bought land here and are buried at Woodland. Stories involving them, and other local gypsies, are told.
January 10. 2011
Low and Dry
by the Vocational English Class of Steele High School Copyright 1922
A rare account of the 1913 flood that devastated Dayton, written by high school students 9 years after the fact.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Kathleen Lauri
January 6, 2011
The Progress of Illumination
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1941
How Dayton went from candles to gas to electricity in order to light up the city.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Ann Nicholson
January 4, 2011
50 Years Ago: City's Greatest Day
by George Alford Copyright 1970
When Dayton celebrated James M. Cox's nomination for President of the United States
January 3, 2011
Did You Know?
by Ken Carr Copyright November 2010
The variety of products that use microencapsulation, Patterson's love of mottos, and changes in the factory that were made to benefit employees.
January 2, 2011
Once Upon A Time
A new feature on DHBO geared for people to share longer stories that focus on a single memorable event
December 30, 2010
As "Ket" Sees It
by Charles F. Kettering Copyright 1943 to 1946
A series of radio talks by Charles Franklin Kettering. Delivered on General Motors Symphony of the Air – September 12, 1943 weekly through July 21, 1946
Today's series of programs place online are:
Researching the News– February 27, 1944
Not Guilty– July 16, 1944
20th Century Drama– August 13, 1944
Inverse Economics– September 3, 1944
Molecules in Motion– September 17, 1944
Fourth Benefit– October 29, 1944
What Price Success– November 5, 1944
December 25, 2010
Golden Sahara II (Video)
Daytonian Jim Street shows off his custom car on a June 25, 1962 broadcast of I've Got a Secret.
December 14, 2010
Murder of a Dayton Editor
by Howard Burba Copyright December 21, 1930
How the Civil War helped cause the murder of a newspaper editor in 1862.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
December 8, 2010
Experiences of Charles F. Sullivan
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1946
Adventures Charles had as a mail carrier for 26 years.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Ann Nicholson
December 7, 2010
The Covington Pike
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1943
Just about every house that stood on the pike around 1870.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
December 6, 2010
Dayton, This Year, Is Seeing Last of its Street Market
by Bernard J. Losh Copyright 1948
The end of an era as the street market downtown and at Wayne Market House slowly disappear. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News in August 1948.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia L. Kamp
December 2, 2010
Bessie and Lizzie
by Roz Young Copyright 1972
A few incidents involving Lib Hedges, including how she lent money to a now well-known department store.
Riddle Ancestor Solves Questions Concerning Van Cleve's Murder
by Roz Young Copyright April 28, 1992
How John Van Cleve was murdered by an Indian ambush.
November 29, 2010
Schieble House
by Harry O' Todd Copyright 1943
The short history of one of the hotels in Dayton, which started in 1875. The article appeared in the Journal-Herald Spotlight on January 31, 1943
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
November 22, 2010
The Wright Brothers
by Fred C. Kelley Copyright 1943
The best-known biography of Orville and Wilbur Wright, authorized by Orville Wright himself.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sue Ann Greda
November 14, 2010
Stereoviews of Dayton
Several stereoviews of the old Soldiers' Home have been added.
November 7, 2010
General George H. Wood Dies at Dayton Home
Copyright Journal Herald 1945
The obit for Gen. George H. Wood, native Daytonian well known for his efficient command of Dayton and Montgomery County during the great 1913 flood. The article appeared in the Journal Herald on December 27, 1945.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
The Newcom Tavern
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1943
The history and various changes made to the tavern over the years
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
October 31, 2010
Big Town
by Philip McGee Copyright 1931
Even though the "Big Town" is never mentioned by name, McGee's book is a factual account of Dayton at a time just after the beginnings of the Great Depression. A great read!
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sue Ann Greda
October 27, 2010
The Day They Mobbed the Empire Office
by Howard Burba Copyright May 16, 1937
A riot resulting in a murder due to the Empire newspaper defending Clement Vallandigham's acts of treason.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
October 26, 2010
Twenty-one photos from 1904 added to DHBO.
October 21, 2010
From Seven to Thousands
by Journal Herald Copyright 1940
A history of the first 62 years of using the telephone in Dayton. This article appeared in the Journal Herald February 25, 1940.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
Sixty Years Ago
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1941
Sullivan describes what it was like when he lived in Dayton in 1880.
Transcribed by Terry Ann Nicholson
October 20, 2010
Tiny, But Classic
by Vince McKelvey, Copyright 1986
Early efforts to save a house once owned by George Newcom. It has now been relocated to Carillon Park. The article appeared in the Journal Herald on April 7, 1986.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
October 17, 2010
The National Road - There was Nothing Like It
by Jim Casey Copyright 1976
The history of the first interstate highway. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on June 17, 1976
October 13, 2010
Development of Oakwood Slow - Until Dayton's 1913 Flood
by Joan Thomas Copyright 1970
After the flood hit Dayton people turned to the "high and dry" land of Oakwood. This article appeared in the Kettering-Oakwood Times on July 5, 1970
October 12, 2010
The Miami & Erie Canal
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1942
How the canal came to Dayton and eventually became Patterson Blvd.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Amanda Mieskoski
October 11, 2010
A Woman of Footnote
by Katherine Ullmer Copyright 1982
Mary Hess opened her doors to those sick with cholera in the 1830s. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on November 7, 1982.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
October 8, 2010
When Police Patrol First Stepped Across the Color Line
by retired Dayton Sgt. Steve Grismer Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved
A history of Dayton's first African-American police officers.
Reproduced here with the author's permission
October 7, 2010
The Nation's Dean of Police Chiefs - Rudolph Wurstner
by retired Dayton Sgt. Steve Grismer Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved
A tale of Chief Wurstner's incredible 47 year career with the Dayton Police Department
Reproduced here with the author's permission
October 6, 2010
Did Mary Knight Murder Her Mother?
by Howard Burba Copyright November 22, 1931
A murder mystery that took place in 1895.
October 5, 2010
Dayton, A Manufacturing City
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1946
A list of important manufacturers over the years, and how the canal played a part in the city's growth.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Ann Nicholson
October 3, 2010
The Day They Mobbed the Shakers
by Howard Burba Copyright October 7, 1934
In 1810 upwards of 2000 people gathered near where the Shakers lived in Union Village, near Lebanon, Ohio, to drive them away from their lands. The mob was not successful.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
October 2, 2010
A Poison Mystery That Didn't Pan Out
by Howard Burba Copyright January 19, 1936
A suspicious poisoning of a wealthy farmer back in 1900.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
September 29, 2010
Dayton in the 1990s
Photographs of the Dayton area during the 1990s. Over 70 photographs have recently been added.
August 24, 2010
Did You Know?
by Ken Carr Copyright May 2010
A letter written by John H. Patterson provides a glimpse of the way he thought cash registers should be marketed.
Did You Know?
by Ken Carr Copyright August 2010
Several subjects are discussed, including the OK Telephone and the birth of microfiche.
July 9, 2010
Plat Map of Montgomery County, Ohio 1938 (Downloadable PDF File)
The maps of the 14 townships show property lines and owners, as well as the locations of roads, railroads, rivers, streams, schools, churches, and cemeteries.
June 8, 2010
Aviation
by James Farber Copyright 1937
A wonderful article about Dayton's place in the history of aviation. The article was written by Farber during the Great Depression and paid for by the WPA. It is unknown if it ever got published.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
A Boy is Born Under Difficulties
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1944
A story of how Robert Denman was born in a cold house during the 1913 flood.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
May 25, 2010
Grace Church, Dayton, Ohio
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1943
A history of, and stories about, Grace Church - successor of the old Wesley chapel.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
Third Street & Eaton Pike
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1943
Sullivan rambles about the various people and businesses that were on Third Street and Eaton Pike at the turn of the century, including the Soldiers' Home and the Wright Brothers bicycle shop.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
May 18, 2010
The Bridges of Dayton
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1940
A history of the bridges of Dayton, from 1816 to 1940.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
Builders in New Fields
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
Sullivan discusses two books written by Charlotte Reeve Conover, both dealing with the forefathers of John H. Patterson.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
Mrs. Gorman, Barney Center Founder, Dies
Author unknown, Copyright 1938
Obituary of Anna Barney Gorman, who was responsible for the opening of the Barney Center, which is now Children's Medical Center of Dayton.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
Professor Brooks
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
Isaiah Brooks was an unusual man who did his best to cheer up the people around him.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
The Tractions of Dayton
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
Sullivan describes a number of traction companies that emerged in the area at the turn of the century.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
Winter Sports
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1941
Ice skating on the rivers and the canal seemed to be the popular thing to do 100+ years ago.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
May 13, 2010
The Adventures of a Pioneer
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1942
The great influence the Patterson family had on helping Dayton grow into an industrial city.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
Change and Decay In All Around I See
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1942
Sullivan tells of the many changes that had taken place in the city from 1866 to 1942.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Amanda Mieskoski
Public Transportation in the Miami Valley
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1940
Although he does mention the canal, Sullivan's focus in this article is how the railroad came to Dayton and changed the city forever.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
Why Dayton Became a Big City
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1942
According to the author, Dayton made it due to the canal, the railroads and great leaders like John H. Patterson
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
May 12, 2010
The Street Cars of Early Dayton
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
The development of streetcars in Dayton.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
April 24, 2010
Car Rail Removal
by Fred C. Scharrer Copyright 1942
The city removed street car rails from the streets due to the need for steel during WWII. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
Farm Products Feed Prisoners
by James W. Russell Copyright 1942
Due to food restrictions during WWII prisoners at the Dayton Workhouse were put to work gardening so that they could produce their own food. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942.
Flood of Memories
by Roz Young Copyright March 23, 1996
Thyrza Brown Trant describes in a letter to a friend how Dayton suffered after the 1913 flood.
Metropolitan Housing in Dayton
by Charlton D. Putnam Copyright 1942
Gearing up to house defense workers during WWII, including De Soto Bass Courts and Parkside Homes. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942
One Good Clock Story Deserves Another 2 or 3
by Roz Young Copyright January 6, 1996
How the clock on top of the old Callahan Building was saved from destruction.
Peculiar Angles
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1941
The article focuses on how certain streets got their names and why they sometimes run at unusual angles.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Ann Nicholson
The Transit Problem
by O. F. Mauch, Copyright 1942
Due to shortages of tires and gasoline, several transit companies, like City Railway and Peoples Transit, were ordered to suspend service to parts of their lines. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942.
What the Transportation Committee Has Accomplished
by W. F. Switzer Copyright 1942
How the city of Dayton dealt with congestion of automobiles downtown and the beginning of gas rationing due to WWII. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942.
April 23, 2010
Barney Family Articles
by Roz Young Copyright 1995
Roz wrote a series of nine articles on one of the most influencial families of Dayton.
Daniel Cooper Articles
by Roz Young Copyright 1994
Roz wrote four articles about the savior of Dayton, Daniel Cooper.
The Dayton Public Library
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1941
The city's library was housed in various locations before its final home at Third and St. Clair Streets.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Ann Nicholson
Fourth of July
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1943
Sullivan remembers how people in his neighborhood celebrated the 4th of July in the early 1870s.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
Isaac Davis Coal & Oil Business - 225 East Fifth Street
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
Even though by the title of the article you'd think it would focus on Davis Coal & Oil, it actually deals more with the Durst Milling Company.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
April 22, 2010
Cooper Female Academy
by Roz Young Copyright August 31, 1996
A short history on a 19th century private school for the more privileged girls in and around Dayton.
Dayton's Visionary
by Roz Young Copyright March 2, 1996
In 1896 John H. Patterson predicted what Dayton would be like in the future - many of which came true.
April 18, 2010
Stereoviews of Dayton
A look at Dayton in stereo from around the turn of the 20th Century.
April 17, 2010
Did You Know?
by Ken Carr Copyright February 2010
In 1906, NCR offered employees an eight day vacation near Michigan City, Indiana. Over 2,500 said yes.
April 16, 2010
Political Campaigns
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1941
Old-time elections of Hayes and Garfield, and Sullivan's experience with the voting system in use then.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
The Springfield Pike
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1943
How Springfield Pike has changed somewhat over the years.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
The Wilmington and Watervleit Pikes
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1943
Sullivan describes what was on the pikes and the traction cars that ran on them.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
April 10, 2010
Sounds of Montgomery County (Video)
Music from churches in Dayton and Montgomery County Ohio, Deeds' Carillon, and revelry and retreat at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Courtesy of the Montgomery County Report.
April 8, 2010
History of the Riverdale Churches
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1943
A one-page history of the churches up to the 1940s.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
North Side of Third From St. Clair
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
Sullivan remembers what Third Street looked like 125+ years ago.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
Private Transportation
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1940
How bicycle styles changed over the years from the time Sullivan got one around 1880.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
South Side of East 3rd Street
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1949
Sullivan remembers what Third Street looked like 125+ years ago.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
April 7, 2010
The Dayton Fire Department
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1942
A very nice history of the Dayton Fire Department up to 1942
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
Salem and Riverview Pikes
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1943
A great description of the area of Salem Avenue 125+ years ago.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins
March 31, 2010
Another Glimpse of "Bubbo" Wright
by Roz Young Copyright October 15, 1996
Nicknames and how Orville Wright was sometimes called 'Bubbo'.
Banker Worked Hard To Keep D&W On Track
by Roz Young Copyright November 30, 1996
Valentine Winters bought the Dayton and Western interurban line in 1900. The line ran until 1937.
Dunbar Chronicled 'A C.H.S. Episode'
by Roz Young Copyright October 5, 1996
Paul Laurence Dunbar wrote a poem about a con artist that tricked some Central High School students out of their money.
Ill-Fated Interurban Car Was On Its Inaugural Run
by Roz Young Copyright November 23, 1996
The tragic tale of a Dayton-Xenia Railway car losing its brakes and crashing in 1900.
March 27, 2010
Business Changes
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1947
Businesses of old that are no longer around.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
Industrialist's Biography Spotlights Dayton
by Roz Young Copyright November 4, 1995
Warren Webster's biography tells of a Dayton long past and explains why Dayton is no longer an industrial city.
Orville Shows Rightful Indignation at Museums' Handling of Early Planes
by Roz Young Copyright September 30, 1995
Two letters help explain why Orville was going to give his 1903 airplane to a museum in London instead of the Smithsonian.
Watervliet Ave. and Shakertown Pike
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1945
How the two streets got their names.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
March 26, 2010
Early Schools
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1947
The earliest schools in Dayton, starting with a block house where the Soldiers' Monument now stands.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer
March 22, 2010
The Original Riverbed
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
How the rivers around and through Dayton were straightened in a effort to help control flooding.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp
