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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

C. L. Vallandigham
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
Clement L. Vallandigham was against the Civil War and publicly said so, which led to his arrest in Dayton in 1863 and banishment to the Confederate South.
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
The Atlas Hotel
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
This article actually deals more with Ludlow Street and Sullivan selling bricks at the turn of the century.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Ann Nicholson

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.

Our City Parks and Playgrounds
by S. E. Seitner Copyright 1942
Seitner explains how during WWII Dayton's city parks were more important than ever. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942


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

Relief - 1942 Style
by Walter M. Costello Copyright 1942
How welfare rolls had reduced considerably since the start of the Great Depression. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942.

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.

Obese Dayton Judge Made Big News in 1874
by Roz Young Copyright March 16, 1996
How an ex-
judge got stuck in a hole in a fence while trying to get away from members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. 


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
The Cemeteries of Dayton, Ohio
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1944
A look at some of the earliest cemeteries in the area.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp

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

The Telephone
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1941
Who would believe you could talk to someone over a wire in 1880?
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
The Colorful Career of Dayton Slim
by Howard Burba Copyright April 30, 1933
The history of Charles Stimmel, who eventually went to the electric chair for murder.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Kathleen Lauri

A Day of Horror
by Roz Young Copyright March 19, 1994
A man recalls his experiences during the 1913 flood when he was 11 years old.


Dayton Missed Opportunity to Manufacture Horseless Carriage
by Roz Young Copyright April 2, 1994
How Dayton businessmen turned down the chance to build automobiles in 1897.

Downtown Clock A Reminder of '21 Competition
by Roz Young Copyright November 18, 1995
Why the Callahan clock was moved to the Reynolds and Reynolds building (now at Carillon Park). 

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


Roller Skating
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
Charles remembers the first skating rinks in Dayton during the 1880s, including the Gebhart Theater.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp


A Ship Wreck on the Raging Canal
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
A boat loaded with passengers comes apart during a trip down the canal in 1888.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


They Called it "The Toughest Street in Dayton"
by Howard Burba Copyright May 17, 1936
When Joe Street was a place to avoid.

Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Kathleen Lauri


The Y.M.C.A.
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
Charles recollects his days at the Y.M.C.A. and how it came into
being.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

March 20, 2010
Dayton Civic Leaders Take Matters Into Own Hands
by Roz Young Copyright June 18, June 24 and July 2, 1994
A group of businessmen come together to make sure the streets of Dayton were finally paved.

The Floods of Dayton, Ohio
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
A tale of several floods that have hit Dayton, including a personal account of the 1913 flood by Sullivan.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Paddling a Perfect Panacea
by Roz Young Copyright April 30, 1994
How a little discipline stopped a noisy problem in Roz's classroom

The Streets of Dayton and Why So Named
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1946
Charles explains the meaning behind the names of dozens of Dayton's streets.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Terry Ann Nicholson

Toads and Small Boys
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1944
How two boys turned their home into a haven for toads.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

March 14, 2010

Charles Kettering Made Dayton Site of Feverish Medical Research

by Roz Young Copyright December 3, 1994
Kettering received the Chevalier Legion d' Honneur, France's highest civilian award, for his work in fever research.

March 10, 2010
Artifacts Recall Old Pony House Saloon
by Hubert Meeker Copyright 1968
How the inventor of the cash register created a showplace, including a handcarved bar that now resides at Jays Restaurant in the Oregon District. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on June 15, 1968
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Dedication of the Soldiers' Monument
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright 1941
A personal account of when the Soldiers' Monument was dedicated on Main Street in 1884.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

A New Story to Add to the Wright Archives
by Roz Young Copyright December 17, 1994
Someone writes in to say they watched the Wright Brothers fly at a state fair in Pennsylvania in 1908

Would This Be Allowed Today?
by Charles F. Sullivan Copyright Unknown
When horses, pigs and cows were common in downtown Dayton.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

March 3, 2010
The Curfew Tolls the Knell of Parting Day
by Lulu B. Sollers Copyright 1943
During WWII juvenile criminal delinquency "become a menace to the preservation of public peace, safety, health, morals", so a curfew was set for minors under fifteen years old.

Food Stamps and Nutrition
by Walter M. Costello Copyright 1942
How the food stamp program was helping during WWII. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942.

The Municipal Airport and the War Department
by George M. McSherry Copyright 1942
Wright Field and Patterson became so busy with airplanes during WWII that the government also began using the municipal airport in Vandalia as well. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942

Public War Housing
by Charlton D. Putnam Copyright 1943
How the Dayton Metro Housing Authority developed temporary housing for war workers who were working in the city. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1943
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

The Soldiers' Service Club
by Mrs. W. B. Mansur Copyright 1942
A recreation center for service men was opened in 1941. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942.

Victory Gardens
by Edward V. Stoecklein Copyright 1943
How planting a victory garden was "vital to the welfare of the nation". This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1943.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

February 28, 2010
33 Years a City Policeman
by Dan McLaughlin Copyright 1957
Detective Captain Roy T. Shephard recalls the good old days of being on the Dayton Police force. The article appeared in the Journal Herald July 9, 1957
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

Army Uses Eastwood Park
by S. E. Seitner Copyright 1943
The U.S. Army created a recreational center at Eastwood Park to help boost morale of soldiers working at Wright Field during WWII. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1943
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

Dayton Police Ballistic Department in the 1930s
by various authors Copyright 1933 & 1934
This series of six articles that appeared various Dayton newspapers chronicle the beginnings of the Dayton Police ballistic laboratories in the 1930s.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp 

It Was a Splendid Old Mansion
by Jessie Donahue Copyright 1968
How the Pollak House (now the Dayton Peace Museum) was in danger of being demolished.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

February 27, 2010
1913 Memories Come Flooding Back
by Roz Young Copyright March 20, 1993
Roz prints a letter Amos Crow wrote to his parents shortly after the 1913 flood hit Dayton

Album of Memories
by Margaret Ann Ahlers Copyright 1960
When Dayton’s growth demanded more hotels and new street cars. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on August 16, 1960
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

The Downfall of Chief Farrell
by Howard Burba Copyright April 25, 1937
Dayton Police Chief Thomas J. Farrell was forced to resign in 1900.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Kathleen Lauri

Park Gift Recalls Pioneer Days
by Larry Collins Copyright 1952
Patterson Homestead, on Brown Street, is given to the City of Dayton. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on June 22, 1952
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp

Police Force Has White Elephant in Sleek, Streamlined Ambulance
by Sylvan Fred Copyright 1941
Dayton police had troubles with Sally, their new ambulance, as well as Black Maria, their old one. This article appeared in the Dayton Journal on March 10, 1941
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

Survey of Dayton Public Markets
by Bureau of Municipal Research Copyright 1914
A survey of where the markets were located, how many stalls were in use and who used them
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

February 21, 2010
Platt Iron Works
by Roz Young Copyright December 30, 1976
The story of Platt Iron Works and how well their products held up

Rike's Arkay News Celebrates Big Birthday
by Roz Young Copyright February 21, 1978
Rike's employee newsletter, called the Arkay News, celebrated 50 years of being in print in 1978

Shakers (and Movers)
by Roz Young Copyright July 29, 1978
How Melba Hunt, who would go on to create the Kettering-Moraine Museum, started the Shaker festivals in Ohio

February 18, 2010
Celebrate July 4th with a Toast to Benjamin Van Cleve
by Roz Young Copyright May 2, 1992
Van Cleve was chairman the first time Dayton celebrated the Fourth of July, which took place in 1809

Dayton Company Lifted Spirits of Many During Dry Season
by Roz Young Copyright June 26, 1993
Dayton's name became famous across the country as the center of the mail-order whiskey business

Mabel Beck's Story Part of Wright Brothers' Story
by Roz Young Copyright November 20, 1993 - March 12, 1994
A series of articles that deal with Mabel Beck, who was Orville Wright's lifelong secretary

Matriarch Murder
by Roz Young Copyright May 8 and May 15, 1993
Mary Knight is found guilty of murdering her mother, Catherine Hark, in 1895

Police Collar Clergyman for Murder
by Roz Young Copyright July 24, 1993
In 1891 Rev. Charles M. J. Clark is accused of murdering his wife in order to marry someone else

Sister Aimee's Revivals
by Roz Young Copyright August 14 and August 21, 1993
Sister Aimee came to Dayton to heal the sick and make the blind see

A Walk Through Woodland Can be Memorable Journey
by Roz Young Copyright May 23, 1992
A book came out that year that celebrated Woodland's 150th anniversary.

February 16, 2010
Dayton Street Names (Video)
How some of the streets in Dayton got their names. Courtesy of the Montgomery County Report.

Dayton's 1930s Gangster Connections (Video)
The time John Dillinger was captured by the Dayton Police Department. Courtesy of the Montgomery County Report. 

Montgomery County's War Memorials (Video)
A tour of the many war memorials honoring those from Montgomery County who served their country. Courtesy of the Montgomery County Report.

The Old Court House (Video)
A history of the Old Court House at Third and Main. Courtesy of the Montgomery County Report.

The Reibold Building (Video)
A short history of the Reibold Building. Courtesy of the Montgomery County Report.

February 10, 2010
The Dayton Hostage Negotiation Team
by retired Sgt. Steve Grismer Copyright 2010
The history of how the Dayton Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) came into existence.
Reproduced here with the author's permission

February 8, 2010
Dayton in the 1940s
Photographs of Dayton during the 1940s. Thirteen have been placed online so far. More will be added as DHBO comes across them.

Neighborhoods of Dayton - West Side
Photographs of various people and places on the west side of Dayton. Eighteen have been placed online. More will be added as DHBO comes across them.

February 5, 2010
Parking Meters
by Captain E. S. Bates Copyright 1940
The reason why Dayton began putting parking meters downtown. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1940
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Lisa Kell

The W.P.A. - Old and New
by Karl Woditsch Copyright 1940
How the W.P.A. program helped unemployed Daytonians during the Great Depression. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1940.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Lisa Kell

February 3, 2010
The Duties of a Fireman
by C. J. Murphy Copyright 1940
What firemen did from 7am to 8pm while on duty. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1940
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Lisa Kell

A Modern Highway Replaces a State Canal
by Fred O. Eichelberger Copyright 1940
How the canal that ran through Dayton was turned into Patterson Blvd. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1940
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Lisa Kell

The Siege of Cincinnati
Edited by George Crout and W. D. Vorhis Copyright 1962
An account of the battle to protect Cincinnati during the Civil War, including sections from Daytonian Sgt. Charles B. Palmer's diary, who was there. This article appeared in Camerica Sunday on October 28, 1962

A Steam Carriage on Rails - In A Church!
by Margaret Ann Ahlers Copyright 1961
In 1830 a miniature locomotive and car were exhibited here in the Methodist “meeting house.”
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

Trolley Coaches and Curb Stops
by R. F. Wurstner Copyright 1940
On April 23, 1933, the first electric trolley coaches ever used in Ohio were placed in operation in Dayton. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1940.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Lisa Kell

January 30, 2010
Dayton Arcade
There are 27 photos of the magnificent Dayton Arcade during 1969 here now. More images from other years will be added later.

Photographs of Dayton Today
The photos of various Dayton landmarks were taken over the last three years.  Eighteen more photos were added today for a total of 91 images.

A Letter From the Past
by Roz Young Copyright July 7, 1979
Roz reprints a letter written in 1884 by a man who watched the unveiling of the Soldiers Monument downtown
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Liberty Head Penny Used For City of Dayton Seal in 1826
by Dayton Daily News Copyright 1937
When Dayton had to choose a town seal, the Liberty Head penny, with its 13 stars around a woman's portrait, was chosen. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on December 5, 1937
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

Two-Way Radio for Police
by Perry E. Benton Copyright 1940
Dayton police decided to buy two-way radios for their police cars in order to protect President Franklin D. Roosevelt during his visit to Dayton. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1940.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Lisa Kell

January 28, 2010
Soldiers' Monument - Series of Articles
by Dick Cull Jr. Copyright 1946
Three articles on the history of the monument due to the possibility of it being moved from downtown (which happened shortly afterwards). The articles appeared in the Dayton Daily News May 15-17, 1946
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

January 27, 2010
100 Years Ago Today Dayton Went to Town For Columbus Day
by Roz Young Copyright October 10, 1992
How Dayton celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Columbus discovering America

Poor Albert Frantz - Bessie Little's Sad Story Brings Back Memories
by Roz Young Copyright October 6, 2000
The murder of Bessie Little is remembered in a song

Rest In Peace
by Roz Young Copyright December 1, 1990
Bessie Little's grave marker is restored 

September 1896
by Roz Young Copyright September 14, 1991
September 1896 was a busy one, with the murder of Bessie Little and Dayton's Centennial celebration

January 26, 2010
The End of the Van Cleve
by Jerry R. Cole Copyright 1969
The demise of the Van Cleve hotel in 1969. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on June 11, 1969
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Old Lady Gets a New Face
by Herbert Meeker Copyright 1966
How the Victoria Theater fared in the 1960s, including a restoration by the owners. The article appeared in the Journal Herald on Augsut 26, 1966
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

A Piece of History Will Be No More
by Rex Broome Copyright 1961
The demise of the old Wayne Market House on Wayne Avenue that had to be removed to make room for Route 35. The article appeared in the Journal Herald August 24, 1961
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Steele Lion
Author unknown Copyright Circa 1935
The story of the lions that once stood in front of Steele High - both the original plaster one and the more familiar bronze one that later replaced it. This was written as part of the WPA writers project during the Great Depression
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

January 21, 2010
Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum's History (Video)
The history of this beautiful cemetery is told here in two parts. Founded in 1841, Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum is the resting place of many Daytonian notables, including Paul Laurence Dunbar, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Adam Schantz, Erma Bombeck and Charles Kettering, to name just a few. More videos about Woodland can be found
here on their YouTube website.

January 17, 2010
Dr. Brown Found "Light" in Blindness
by Mary Ellen Wolf Copyright 1964
A write-up on Dr. Eleanor Brown following her death in 1964. Although blind, she taught school for 35 years at Steele High, then went on to Wilbur Wright High School. The article appeared  in the Journal Herald on July 22, 1964

Special Sense of Sight
by William Bennington Copyright 1964
A write-up on Dr. Eleanor Brown following her death in 1964. Although blind, she taught school for 35 years at Steele High, then went on to Wilbur Wright High School. The article appeared  in the Journal Herald on July 22, 1964
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

January 16, 2010
Another Link in Unbroken Chain
by Carl Wise Copyright 1935
The early days of education in Dayton are recalled. The article appeared in The Dayton Journal on August 14, 1935
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

A Dream
by Walter B. Costello Copyright 1940
Dayton becomes the second city in the United States to become a part of the Food Stamp Plan
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Lisa Kell

The Man Who Rivaled Edison in Number of Inventions
by James W. Beckman Copyright 1941
The story of Vincent G. Apple, who holds more patents than anyone else in Dayton.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

The Municipal Airport Goes to War
by George M. McSherry Copyright 1943
A wide variety of changes were made to the airport in Vandalia so that it would be up to the standards the military needed during World War II
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Amanda Mieskoski

Our City Parks
by S. E. Seitner Copyright 1940
The creation of Dayton's city parks, including Riverview, Eastwood and McKinley
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Lisa Kell

January 12, 2010
Sam's Monuments Falling
by Billie Bledsoe Copyright 1972
A wonderful collection of monuments to a man's memory came down due to "progress". The article appeared in the Journal Herald on July 8, 1972.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

January 4, 2010
Institutional Farming
by James W. Russell Copyright 1943
How prisoners at the Workhouse Farm had their own Victory Gardens to raise food during WWII. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1943.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Oscar Wilde in Dayton
by Charlotte Reeve Conover Copyright 1937
Oscar was not exactly "wild" about his short visit to Dayton in 1882.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Sirens Installed for Safety
by Perry Benton Copyright 1943
Dayton placed "Victory Sirens" around the city during WWII to warn of enemy attack. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1943
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Soldiers' Service Club Activities
by Viola D. Mansur Copyright 1943
A variety of services and entertainment was available at the Dayton Soldiers' Service Club to the estimated 17,000 soldiers that came through the city every month during WWII. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1943.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

War Housing
by Fowler S. Smith Copyright 1943
How Dayton tried to cope with the problem of trying to house all of the workers who had poured into the city to work in the factories during WWII. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1943.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

January 2, 2010
The Liberty Bell
by Dayton Daily News Copyright 1936
For 15 minutes on the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 18, 1904, Dayton gazed in patriotic interest on America’s most treasured historical relic – the Liberty Bell. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on January 12, 1936
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

Mrs. Miller Laid to Rest
by Dayton Daily News 1914
A tribute to Emma L. Miller, "Little Mother of the Soldiers' Home", who died there in 1914. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on January 20, 1914
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins