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Miscellaneous Articles

 
Make sure to also check out articles written by Howard Burba here 
Make sure to also check out articles written by Roz Young here

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.


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.


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

150 Years: Play by Play
by Bert Klopfer Copyright 1946
A list of important happenings in Dayton from 1796 to 1946. The article appeared in the Dayton Herald March 23, 1946


Aircraft Production in Dayton
by NCR World Copyright 1970
The early days of aviation, including the Wright Brothers shop in 1910. Published in NCR World September-October, 1970.


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.

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


America's Best Employers
by Forbes Magazine Copyright 1918
An article on the reasons why NCR was a great employer appeared in Forbes Magazine March 16, 1918

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

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

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


At Dayton
by Time Magazine Copyright 1924
This article on aviation races in Dayton appeared in Time magazine October 13, 1924.

Aviation
by James Farber Copyright 1937
A wonderful article about Dayton's place in the hsitory 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.

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.

The Bolter Bolted
by George W. Holt Copyright 1852
An article by Judge George W. Holt  shows Vallandigham was alienating the "establishment" long before the Civil War. The article appeared in the Dayton Journal and Advertiser on August 28, 1852

Building the Bomb in Oakwood
by Howard Shook and Joseph M. Williams Copyright 1983
The Runnymede Playhouse on the Talbott Estate in Oakwood was taken over by the government in the 1940s. It was there that the radioactive element used in the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki was made. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on September 18, 1983.

The Bug
by NCR World Copyright 1970
This article on Charles F. Kettering's work on a pilotless "buzz bomb" appeared in NCR World September-October, 1970

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.

Carillon Park
by George F. Baker Copyright 1940
The writer tells the exciting news that Carillon Park will be opening in 1941. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1940.


A City Can Be No Greater Than Her Men
by Robert R. Nevin Copyright 1927
Seven men are recognized during dedication of Van Cleve Park Memorial. The article appeared in NCR News’ July-August 1927 issue

City Manager Plan of Government for Dayton
by L. D. Upson Copyright 1913
How in 1913 voters of Dayton, Ohio, approved a charter giving to that city a "city-manager" plan of government. The article first appeared in the National Municipal Review in October 1913.

A Close Tie
by NCR Corporation
Edward Deeds ties to Dayton, NCR and aviation. The article appeared in NCR World September-October 1970 issue


Comment on the Dayton Charter
by Lent D. Upson Copyright 1915
On Dayton's change to a city manager government.  Published in National Municipal Review, April, 1915


The Country's Defenders Soldiers' Monument at Dayton
by New York Times Copyright 1877
President Rutherford B. Hayes unveiled the Soldiers' Monument that stands at the VA (then Soldiers' Home) on September 12, 1877. Published in the New York Times on September 13, 1877.

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.


Dayton Dental Society History
by the Ohio Dental Journal
The start of dentistry in Dayton in 1831 to the mid 1950s. The article appeared in the March 1964 edition of the Ohio Dental Journal

The Dayton Idea
by Elbert Hubbard Copyright 1914
Highlights of an article that originally appeared in the FRA July 1914 issue. The article deals with the formation and ideals of The Greater Dayton Association.


The Dayton Plan
by Isaac F. Marcosson Copyright 1914
Article that originally appeared in Colliers January 3, 1914 issue.  The article discusses how Dayton is changing to a Commission-Manager form of governing.

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


Daytonians Who Went to Pan for Gold During the 1949 Gold Rush
by various authors Copyright 1849-1850
A series of articles and personal letters from and about Daytonians who were bitten by the Gold Fever


Dayton's Deeds Carillon
by Steel Horizons Copyright 1942
This article appeared in Steel Horizons Volume 4, No. 2 issue in 1942. It describes the newly built Deeds Carillon.

Dayton's First Families
by Carol V. Roberts Copyright 1976
Tracking down the families that first settled in Dayton in 1796.

Dayton's Most Urgent Needs
Author Unknown Copyright 1904
Article promoting changes to be made to make Dayton a better city, including more parks, getting rid of the canal and opening more manual training schools. The article appeared in Men's Welfare Volume 1 #2, October 1904

Dayton's Part in Ohio's Worst Riot
Dayton's part in protecting Cincinnati after its citizens burned parts of the city down and tried to lynch a man in 1884. Published in the Dayton Daily News on April 16, 1931

Dayton Soapmaker Revamps Operation
by Mike Seemuth Copyright 1984
Hewitt Soap Company celebrates 100 years in business while revamping company to stay in business.

Dayton Still City of Aviation Miracles
by Journal Herald Copyright 1943
How Materiel Command developed the automatic landing gear, the cantilever wing, high octane fuels, pressurized cabins and many others which have made American aircraft superior and commercial aviation practical. 

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.

Dayton's Face Lifting
by Bernard J. Losh Copyright 1946
If you wondered where Mexico, Miami City, Tin Town and other unusually named areas of Dayton were located, you will find them here. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News in December 8, 1946.

 
Dedication of the New Wright Field
Author unknown Copyright 1927
Article on Wright Field's dedication on October 12, 1927. The article appeared in NCR News, October 1927 issue

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. 

Department of Public Welfare - City of Dayton
by D. F. Garland Copyright 1916
An article stating Dayton's need to improve its public parks, employment, medical services and other services in order to help decrease poverty, disease and crime. Printed by the City of Dayton September 1916

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

Doorway to a New Era
by Chrysler Corporation Copyright 1948
How the Airtemp Division of Chrysler came to Dayton.

Dr. L. E. Custer: Dedicated to His Profession
by E. J. Spencer, D.D.S. Copyright 1964
Dayton's most inventive dentist, and father to Levitt Luzerin Custer, inventor of the Custer Car. The article appeared in the March 1964 edition of the Ohio Dental Journal

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


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


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.

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


Early Dayton, Flood Recalled in Reminiscence
by Mary L. Patterson Copyright 1972
Memories of early Dayton before and just after the flood that hit the city in 1913. The article appeared in four parts in the NCR Dayton newsletter from September 29 to November 10, 1972.

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.

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.


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

 
An Epidemic Checked: A Chronicle of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Dayton, Ohio
by Jackie Frederick Copyright 2003
How influenza was contracted by approximately a third of the population of Dayton and caused over 570 deaths.

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. 

Five Beautiful Girls Murdered
author unknown Copyright 1909
An article published in the Wilkes Barre Times newspaper on February 8, 1909, reports of five unsolved murders over a period of eight years, thought to possibly have been committed by "Jack the Strangler".

Financial Crises and Depressions
by A. A. Thomas Copyright 1907
A paper read by Mr. Thomas at the Saturday Club tells about the various depressions that hit Dayton over the years, and his personal memory of the "crises" of 1857.

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

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.

A Fortification and a Cemetery at Dayton, Ohio
by S. H. Binkley Copyright 1885
Describes an unusual enclosure and an abandoned Indian mound.  Published in The American Antiquarian and Oriental Journal, September 1885

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.

Gibbeted - Execution of a Youthful Murderer
by Laficado Hearn Copyright 1876
Description of the execution of Dayton murderer, James Murphy, who had to be hung twice
Cincinnati Commerical newspaper, August 26, 1876

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.

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. This article appeared in the Journl Herald September 4, 1950.

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.

 The Golden Rule of Business
by Success Copyright 1899
Success magazine's January 14, 1899 issue included an article of how successful John H. Patterson and NCR was due to the creation of a welfare system for his employees

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.

A Great Sporting Event
by Samuel Wesley Long Copyright 1913
The tale of how the powers that be were convinced to hold the Fourteenth Grand American Handicap trap shoot in Dayton in June 1913 - which it did in spite of having just gone through a terrible flood just three months before.

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.


Heart to Heart Talk with Philistines by the Pastor of His Flock
believed to be by Elbert Hubbard Copyright 1907
This article that appeared in The Philistine magazine in April 1907 tells of how John H. Patterson once threatened to move NCR to New York and sell the company's buildings to a fertilizer business.


Here's How It Was Really Reported
by Roz Young Copyright 1970
How the report of the Wright Brothers first flight was handled by Dayton newspapers at the time. Published in NCR World September-October 1970.


Hewitt Soap Co.
by Adam Housh Copyright 2006
A short history of the Hewitt Soap Company from its beginning to its closing in 2005.
Reproduced here with the author's permission

High School A Different Way
by Dayton USA Copyright 1965
The history of co-operative schools in Dayton, from Parker to Patterson. The article appeared in Dayton USA, January 1965.

Hills and Dales / The Call of the Country-side
by NCR / Arthur Dilks Copyright date unknown
The rules of Hills and Dales Park and the advantages of being one with nature by strolling through the countryside - which is exactly what Hills and Dales had to offer visitors.


How I Get My Ideas Across
by John H. Patterson Copyright 1918
Patterson's methods of "teaching through the eye", charts and slides to educate his employees and the public.

How We Made the First Flight
by Orville Wright Copyright 1913
Orville's article was published in Flying and The Aero Club of America Bulletin, December 1913
 

How We Select Salesmen
by Frederick B. Patterson Copyright 1922
The criteria used to choose people who became salesmen for NCR. The article appeared in The Cincinnatian magazine, December 1922

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.

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.

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.

John H. Patterson
by Elbert Hubbard Copyright circa 1915
How Patterson saved Dayton from the flood and also nearly went to jail.


Lakeside, Forest Near Par in Dayton
by Billboard Copyright 1950
Both Lakeside Park and Frankie's Forest Park were still going strong in 1950. 

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.

Letter From George W. Houk and Others
by George W. Houk Copyright 1887
Attorneys for the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Dayton, protesting against including in an appropriation bill amounts of verdicts against the Soldiers' Home. February 25, 1887

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


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


Linden Community Center
by Captain R. H. Mallory Copyright 1941
How the Linden Community Center came into being. The article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report of 1941.


The Little Boss and the Big Manager
by Harold Howland Copyright 1916
Improvements in Dayton due to changing to City Manager governing. Published in Metropolitan, November 1916


Lion Cast by Torch Light, Scupltor Recalls

by Betty S. Dietz Copyright 1952
How the famous sculptor created the bronze Leo the Lion for Steele High School. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on February 17, 1952.

Looking Backward
by David MacClement Rowe (Copyright date unknown) All Rights Reserved by Linda Trent
The author's life in Dayton, to Evansville, and back again, from 1868 to 1888
Taken from original handwritten text owned by Linda Trent and reproduced here with her permission


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

The Man on the Job at Dayton
by Edgar Allen Forbes Copyright 1913
The article on John H. Patterson's work during the 1913 Flood appeared in Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly Newspaper, May 8, 1913

The McGuire Sisters
by Dayton USA Copyright 1965
The story of Phyllis, Christine and Dorothy McGuire who became famous as singers. The article appeared in Dayton, USA January 1965


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.

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

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.

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. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 4, 1976.

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


Mrs. Hedges' House
by Roz Young Copyright 1967
Dayton's most famous madam of the "red light" district, Lib Hedges.  The article first appeared in the Summer 1967 issue of the Motgomery County Historical Society Bulletin


Mrs. Miller Laid to Rest
by Dayton Daily News  Copyright 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

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

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


My Acquaintance with Orville Wright
by Edward A. Deeds Copyright 1943
Deeds tells of meeting the Wright Brothers in John H. Patterson's office at NCR and how he became friends with Orville Wright over the years. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on December 12, 1943

The National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soliders
by Maria Barrett Butler Copyright 1886
Butler gives a wonderful description of the Soldiers Home in Dayton as it appeared in the late 1800s.  The article appeared in Harper's Magazine October 1886

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

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.
 
No. 14 Closes Doors to Public Next Saturday
by Dayton Daily Journal Copyright 1918
What was known as Dayton's classic gambling joint, called No. 14, closed its doors for good in 1918. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily Journal on February 11, 1918.

The Ohio Flood of 1913 - Our First Great Relief Task
by Ernest P. Bicknell Copyright 1934
Tells of how the Red Cross was there for the citizens of Dayton during the 1913 flood. The article appeared in Red Cross Courier magazine September 1934

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

Old Market House Coming Down to Make Room for Route 35
by Rex Broome Copyright 1961
The fate of the old Wayne Avenue Market House is discussed. The article appeared in the Journal Herald August 24, 1961.

One Year of City Management in Dayton, Ohio
by Lent D. Upson Copyright 1915

A look at the first year after Dayton switched to a City Manager to govern the city's affairs. The article was published by the Bureau of Municipal Research in Dayton, March 1915

Orville and Wilbur Wright As I Knew Them
by Brig. Gen. Frank Lahm Copyright 1943
The General, who was the first Army pilot, tells of his meetings with the Wrigth Brothers. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on December 12, 1943

Orville Wright Looks Ahead
by Alexander McSurely Copyright 1943

On the 40th anniversary of flight Orville talks of the future of aviation. This article appeared in the Dayton Journal Herald on December 12, 1943

Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty ZinsThe  tThe Oscar Wilde in Dayton
by Charlotte Reeve Conover Copyright 1937
Oscar was not exactly "wild" about his short visit to Dayton in 1882. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on June 13, 1937

Our City Parks
by S. E. Seitner Copyright 1940
The creation of Dayton's city parks, including Riverview, Eastwood and McKinley. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1940


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


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


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


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.

People in the Public Eye: John H. Patterson Colossus of Dayton
by Business America Copyright 1913
A short piece on Patterson, including work during the 1913 flood and welfare programs, which appeared in Business America, Anniversary Issue, June 1913

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

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.


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

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.

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.

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


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.

Ready for Rough, New Country
by Carl V. Roberts Copyright 1976
Many of dayton's first doctors learned their trade during the Revolutionary War.

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.

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

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.

Research & Development: Cornerstone of the Future
by Dayton, USA Copyright 1965
How the Dayton area was rich in research and development in the 1960s.
Article reprinted here courtesy of Dayton Chamber of Commerce

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.

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.


A Serious Warning to Young Men
by John McAffee Copyright 1825

A confession in verse by John McAffee, Dayton's first man to be executed for murder. Published as a broadside March 28th, 1825.

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

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

Skylines over Dayton
by Charles Starrett Jr. Copyright 1943
The latest in war aircraft is discussed forty years after the first flight by the Wright Brothers. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on December 12, 1943.

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

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.

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.


Solving the Model Factory Problem
by Spenser Forbes Copyright 1899
How John H. Patterson and NCR improved the daily lives of the factory's workers. Article appeared in American Magazine, April 1899

Some Excerpts from the Policewomen's Bureau
by Lula B. Sollers Copyright 1941
How the dance halls, beer gardens and bingo places were creating domestic problems in 1941. The article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1941.


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

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.”


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


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

Story of the Chaplaincy, Veterans Administraion Center
Author unknown, Copyright 1950

A history of chaplains at the old Soldiers' Home, now known as the VA Center, from 1867 to 1950.

Story of the Dayton Flood of 1913
by Clarence C. Mauch, Copyright 1913 
A personal account of Mauch's experience during the 1913 flood.

The Strike
by Michael Solomon, Copyright 1942
In 1942 many Dayton city employees went on strike after not getting raises for over a year. This article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1942.


They Taught Me to Fly
by General H. H. Arnold Copyright 1943
The General tells of how he regards the Army Air Force as the heritage of Orville Wright. This article appeared in the Journal Herald on December 12, 1943

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.


University of Dayton: Potential Unlimited
by Kay Timmons Copyright 1965
How the University of Dayton grew from only 14 students and how their graduates were the best choice for hiring by prospective employees. Published in Dayton USA magazine on September 1965.
Article reprinted here courtesy of Dayton Chamber of Commerce

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.


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.

The Veterans' Big Beer Hall at Dayton
by New York Times Copyright 1895
Veterans at the Soldiers' Home (now the VA Center) were, on average, consuming over 5,000 glass of beer per day, at a profit to the Home of nearly $100,000 a year. Published in the New York Times on January 3, 1895.

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.

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.

Walled City
by Barbara Fraser Copyright 1979
A story of the Kossuth Colony, where Hungarian workers for Barney & Smith lived behind a walled-in section of town. The article appeared in the Journal Herald on March 24, 1979.

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.

The Way We Were Much Like It is Now
by Dave Allbaugh Copyright 1980
The article covers some Dayton government highlights  from the inception of the city manager form in 1913 through 1936. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on March 2, 1980.

Week-Day Church Schools
Author unknown Copyright 1937
Written in 1937 as one of the WPA projects in Dayton during the Great Depression, the paper talks about the Community Week-Day Schools of Religious Education of Dayton, which offered religious instructions to children.


 Welfare Work: The New Industrial Policy
by Chas. M. Steele Copyright 1905
How John H. Patterson and NCR began the trend of improving their workers lives by providing them education and better working conditions. The article appeared in Facts magazine, July 1905

Welfare Work in Dayton
by E. V. Stoecklein Copyright 1941
The state of the park system, House of Correction and Junior Counseling Service in Dayton during 1941. The article appeared in the City of Dayton Annual Report for 1941.


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.

When Flying Machine Stock Went Up
edited by Leonard K. Henry Copyright 1936

A few interesting facts about Orville Wright, including his fear of heights! This was part of the Federal Writers Project during the Great Depression.


When Influenza Came to Dayton
by Dayton Daily News Copyright 1918
A series of reports that appeared in the Dayton Daily News newspaper from October 1918 to January 1919 on the devastating effects influenza had on Dayton citizens and how it rampaged throughout the city.

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.

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.

 The Wright Brothers - The first magazine article written about them (The article had no title)
by Amos Ives Root Copyright 1905
First article to appear about the Wright Brothers. Published in Gleanings in Bee Culture, January 1, 1905.


The Wright Brothers' Aeroplane
by Orville and Wilbur Wright Copyright 1908
How the Wright Brothers invented the airplane, in their own words. First appeared in The Century Magazine on September 1908.


The Wright Flyer
by NCR World Copyright 1970
How the 1905 Flyer was reassembled and displayed (which it still is) at Carillon Park, Dayton, Ohio. The article appeared in  NCR World, September-October 1970 issue.

Young Dayton Was Industrious
by Carl V. Roberts Copyright 1976
Early citizens’ ‘manufactories’ provided for county, pioneer nation’s needs.

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 put people's mind at ease. This article appeared in the Erie Dispatch Herald on February 11, 1945.

 

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