Edward Deeds: Would He Have Been A Part Of The Creative Class In Dayton?

Jeff at Daytonology has an excellent post about the advent of military R & D here in Dayton . . . obviously a major factor in Dayton's present economy. This led me to ask the question, "How did this happen? Was it the Wright Brothers? Well, yeah . . . to a certain extent. But history shows that the Wrights weren't the best businessmen. They invented the technology, but were they successful in commercializing it? The answer? No. The person who actually "branded" Dayton as the "Birthplace of Aviation" and as a center of creativity and innovation was Edward Andrew Deeds.

Historic Preservation: Where Do We Go From Here?

  Jeffrey at Daytonology has an interesting post concerning the process of historic preservation in this town (or the lack of it). He refers to the recent DDN editorial which laments the fate of Building 26, but the article’s focus is more on asking the question, “What historic Dayton structures are worth saving and how do we determine that?” Preservation Dayton has a list of endangered structures on its website, but where’s the community buy-in? Dayton History, the organization which manages Carillon exhibits and programs, recently announced plans of a major overhaul of the park; but what should be its role, if any, in promoting historic preservation within the Dayton community? The editorial makes the claim that communities across the nation are “using history of far less consequence” than Dayton’s to spur economic development. What role should the Dayton Development Coalition be playing in preserving and promoting our history as an economic development tool?

Progress on Saving the Arcade

Jeff at Daytonology and the DDN report on a new plan being advocated by Dayton developers for reusing the Arcade complex. This particular plan, first briefed on October 21 by Bob Shiffler and David Bohardt, holds great promise.

UPDATE 11/06/07: I just found out from Susan Gruenberg, the person who honchoed the Urban Nights event at the Arcade on September 15, that the Arcade rotunda will again be open for public tours the evening of the Grande Illumination, Friday, November 23. More information to come!

Arcade a Hit on Urban Nights

Downtown Dayton was rockin' Friday evening and one of the hottest spots for Urban Nights was the venerable Arcade, not seen by the general public since its closing in 1991. Read the Dayton Daily News article on the event.

Sep 17 UPDATE: See the DDN video that was done Friday evening.

Another Building 26 Update

Nothing really new in the DDN this morning, just sad. Even before the push that forced UD to give their decision to tear down Building 26 a little more thought (in June). . . even before they announced they were forming a committee to determine how to memorialize the work of Joe Desch and his colleagues, UD had already made up its mind. I spoke with a volunteer at Dayton History in the early Spring who said that UD and Dayton History had already decided to set up a memorial to the work in Building 26 at Carillon Park. It'll be interesting to see what goes on the corner of Stewart and Patterson Blvd. Why has the university been so silent about its plans for that area?  Just speculating, but I won't be surprised if someone with deep pockets really wants that corner and is willing to "donate" big bucks to UD. If anyone is more enlightened on the issue, please speak up.

Huffman Prairie Flying Field To Get International Spotlight

The 102nd anniversary Celebration of Practical Flight will take place at Huffman Prairie Flying Field the week of October 1 through 5, commemorating Wilbur Wright's flight of October 5, 1905. The week- long series of events, sponsored by the National Park Service, is open to the public and will be highlighted by a visit from Russia's ambassador to the United States the morning of October 5.

More on the Engineers Club

See today's DDN on some more interesting features of the Engineers Club on Monument. The piece about the clock is interesting.  It's also good to know that it will be on the National Register of Historic Places. The featured picture is the auditorium which is quite similar to the Renaissance auditorium at the DAI. 

Dayton's Arcade: Truly Distinctive, Truly Dayton

The Downtown Dayton Arcade is perhaps the most distinctive piece of architecture in our city. The Flemish-style facade on Third Street and sun-drenched arcade of shops beckon you to the breathtaking rotunda that stood as Dayton's central marketplace. This special place speaks volumes about the robust commercial past of the Gem City. Can Dayton's present leaders and citizens make this jewel the centerpiece of Dayton's future?

The Engineers Club: An Innovative Place

Downtown Dayton was hopping last weekend with the Celtic Festival, and many people strolling along Monument Avenue no doubt asked themselves what the significance is of the stately two storey building across the street from Riverscape. The Engineers Club has been standing guard along Dayton's riverfront since its dedication in 1918, although the organization itself was founded in 1914 by Colonel Edward A. Deeds and Charles F. Kettering, who were members of an informal group called "The Barn Gang." But the venerable institution is not just a relic of Dayton's industrial past. It still is a center of innovation where professionals get together to network and share creative ideas.

Hawthorn Hill Will Be Open for Tours: Is It Final?

See this morning's Dayton Daily News article on the Oakwood City Council's decision to overrule the city's planning commission vote. I assume last night's ruling is the final step, but I never say never. Will this decision be taken to court? We'll see.

Hawthorn Hill's Dining Room