News and Updates


July 3, 2008
1941 School Air Raid Drills Were Much Cause for Alarm
by Roz Young June 29, 1991
Teachers get confused about air raid vs. fire alarm drills

Christmas in the Parlor
by Roz Young Copyright December 25, 2004
Christmas was a special time of year, especially the time when the tree caught on fire...

Credible Story About Booth Uncovered By Dayton Editor
by Roz Young February 8, 1992
A story of how John Wilkes Booth may not have died after shooting Abraham Lincoln

Cyclone at Washington Court House
by Howard Burba 1934
Newspaper accounts reprinted on the September 1885 cyclone that hit Washington Court House. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on June 24, 1934
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp

Dr. Rose Had Just the Right Cure
by Roz Young July 11, 1992
A strange doctor and his even stranger medicine and habits

Farewell Old Friend
by Roz Young January 11, 1992
A last goodbye to Rike's Department Store/Lazarus

The Little Engines That Could
by Roz Young October 20, 1990
The steamless locomotives of NCR

A Parlor Production
by Roz Young December 21, 1991
Christmas gathering when Roz was young included singing, poetry recital

Patterson Got the Most Out of Life by Being a Man of Very Few Words
by Roz Young April 4, 1992
A tale about John H. Patterson, founder of NCR

Preserving Past was a Monumental Affair
by Roz Young May 18, 1991
The installation of Pvt. Fair on Main and Monument Avenue in 1884

Readers Recall Long-Long Memories with Help of Local History Column
by Roz Young October 26, 1991
Memories include the funeral of John H. Patterson

July 2, 2008
A Generous Man
by Roz Young Copyright June 26, 1990
The many contributions of Adam Schantz to the city

Thanks to Deeds' Deed, NCR Cashed in on Invention
by Roz Young Copyright July 28, 1990
How Deeds adn Kettering made the electric cash register possible

June 28, 2008
The Day They Mobbed the Shakers
by Howard Burba Copyright 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. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on October 7, 1934
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer A
ngie Hoschouer

The Night They Dedicated the Armory
by Howard Burba Copyright 1934
The Armory on Patterson Blvd. was dedicated in 1894.  The article appreared in the Dayton Daily News on September 16, 1934.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp

June 23, 2008
The Night of the Policemen's Ball
by Howard Burba Copyright 1934
Entertainment at a ball held for Dayton policemen in 1890. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on October 14, 1934.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp

June 15, 2008
The Salvation Army's First Battle in Dayton
by Howard Burba Copyright 1934
How the Salvation Army came to Dayton in 1884. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on December 2, 1934.

Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

May 30, 2008
Dayton, the Home of Religious Literature
by Howard Burba Copyright 1932
Several publishers of religious material were once in Dayton, including the famous United Brethren Publishing Company. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on August 7, 1932
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Angie Hoschouer

How a Dayton's "Printer's Devil" Rose to Fame
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
William Dean Howells, author of A Boys Town, spent part of his youth in Dayton. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on November 29, 1931
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

The Night They Opened the Phillips House
by Howard Burba Copyright 1932
One of the best hotels of the city opened its doors in 1852. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on March 13, 1932
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

A Tabloid History of Dayton
by Howard Burba Copyright 1932
A large number of "firsts" about Dayton, including the first birth and death, first mill, first school, etc. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on March 30, 1932
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Unruly Student Grew Up to be President
by Roz Young Copyright September 13, 2003
Roz's student was none other than Ramon Estevez, also known as Martin Sheen


May 11, 2008
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


The Dean of Dayton Showman
by Howard Burba Copyright 1932
Larry Reist tells of the entertainment Dayton had to offer in the early days. The article appeared in Dayton Daily News May 22, 1932.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Three Dayton Bankers Tell: How I Earned My First Dollar
by Howard Burba Copyright 1922
Three famous Dayton bankers - Valentine Winters, Harry H. Darst and William R. Craven - tell of how they got to where they were and what young men had to do to succeed. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 2, 1922
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Jeri Kniess

May 4, 2008
The Day They Opened the Miamisburg Mound
by Howard Burba Copyright 1932
The opening of the Indian burial mound in Miamisburg in 1869. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on February 28, 1932
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Jeri Kniess

When Kayser the Miser Shuffled Off
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
Kayser's trips to the Dayton dumps made him some cash. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on June 28, 1931
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


May 1, 2008
122 Years of Freemasonry in Dayton
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
The beginnings of St. Johns Lodge No. 9 and the first meetings in Dayton in 1809. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on May 24, 1931
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Dayton's First "Wet and Dry" Campaign
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
The first crusade to close down saloons began in Dayton in 1874. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News May 3, 1931.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

When Dayton was the Home of the Gypsies
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
A time when the Stanley's, leaders of the English tribe of Gypsies, lived in Dayton. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on May 10, 1931.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

April 28, 2008
Friend's Death Spurs Old Regrets
by Roz Young Copyright November 9, 2002
Roz remembers a trip to Ireland with Evangeline Lindsley

Losing Miller's Market Is Like Losing A Friend
by Roz Young Copyright March 23, 2002
When the Millers ran a market on 6386 Far Hills Avenue

A Picnic in the Park Leads to Pop-Top Can
by Roz Young Copyright December 23, 2000
A forgotten bottle opener inspires Ermal Fraze to invent the pop-top and pull-top can

Release of Census Data Evokes Memories of Youth
by Roz Young Copyright April 27, 2002
Graduating from Steele High school in 1930 was quite an event

Where Are They Now?
by Roz Young Copyright April 13, 2002
A crush on Peter Grant of the 50-50 Club leads to an on-air kiss

April 18, 2008
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.
Transcribedby Dayton History Books Online volunteer Lori Hellmund


April 15, 2008
The Day the Soldiers' Monument was Dedicated
by Howard Burba Copyright 1930
That faithful day in 1884 when Pvt. Fair was immortalized forever as the Dayton representative of the Civil War. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on November 9, 1930
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Dayton in the Days of '49
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
The mad days of the California Gold Rush on 1849 and Dayton's role there. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on April 12, 1931
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

The Floods and THE FLOOD
by Roz Young Copyright March 22, 2003
Roz recalls of how Dayton had plenty of warnings before the big flood of 1913

A Glimpse into the Past
by Roz Young Copyright July 26, 2003
Roz remembers what Dayton was like in 1940

Market Day Brought Bustle to Downtown
by Roz Young Copyright November 30, 2002
When buyers and sellers jammed Dayton's streets 100 years ago

When Dayton Learned to Say "Hello"
by Howard Burba Copyright 1921
History of the telephone in Dayton, going back to when there were only 10 subscribers in 1878. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on March 6, 1921
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

When the Cholera Plaque Swept Dayton
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
For over a month cholera killed up to a dozen people a day in Dayton. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on March 8, 1931
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins



April 9, 2008
Christmas in the Parlor
by Roz Young Copyright December 25, 2004
Christmas was a special time of year, especially the time when the tree caught on fire...

The Day Lincoln Spoke in Dayton
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
Lincoln's visit to Dayton while running for president in 1859. The article, which appeared in the Dayton Daily News on February 8, 1931, includes sections of the speech he gave on the Old Court House steps.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

The Day Women Ran the 'News'
by Roz Young Copyright June 5, 2004
March 30, 1901, marked the day that the entire editorial staff of the Dayton Daily News was composed entirely of women.



A new section has been added to the Dayton History Books Online web site. Dayton Daily News has given permission for articles written by Roz Young to be placed on our site. Please check out Roz Young's Writings here.

March 27, 2008
The First Time Dayton Went to War
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
How Daytonians fought in the War with Mexico in the 1840s. Published in the Dayton Daily News February 1, 1931
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


March 25, 2008
Why Dayton Never Has A Big Fire
by Howard Burba Copyright 1931
How changes over the years in construction, civic pride and a great fire department made Dayton one of the best cities in terms of dealing with fires downtown. The artice appeared in the Dayton Daily News on January 25, 1931
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

March 20, 2008

Romance of the Lightning Rod
by Howard Burba Copyright 1925
A little known fact that the first copper lightning rods were built in West Milton. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on July 12, 1925
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


March 16, 2008
This County's Last Hanging 
by Howard Burba Copyright 1930
The murder of Henry Mulharren by Harry Adams on February 13, 1876. Published in Dayton Daily News on November 16, 1930
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


March 11, 2008
Part Six section has been added to the Annual Labor Review book, much having to do with cities outside of Dayton, like Miamisburg, Germantown, etc.

March 10, 2008
The Day the First Canal Boat Arrived
by Howard Burba Copyright 1930
The glorious day when the canal boat, "Governor Brown", arrived in Dayton on January 25, 1829. The artcle appeared in the Dayton Daily News on November 30, 1930
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Amanda Mieskoski


February 25, 2008
An Early Miami Valley Missionary
by Howard Burba Copyright 1932
The life of Father James Finley, one of Miami Valley's first Christian ministers. The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on March 6, 1932
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


February 21, 2008
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Priscilla Luttrell

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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Priscilla Luttrell

M. E. Niswonger: Outstanding Dayton Dentist
by E. J. Spencer, D.D.S. Copyright 1964
Dr. Milo E. Niswonger was an authority in the field of prosthetic dentistry and recognized as a great speaker. The article appeared in the March 1964 edition of the
Ohio Dental Journal
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Priscilla Luttrell

Story of a Shovelful of Dirt
by Howard Burba Copyright 1929
The beginning and the end of the Miami and Erie Canal that ran through the state of Ohio and eventually became Patterson Blvd. in Dayton, The article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on October 27, 1929
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

February 18, 2008
100 Years of Episcopal Church in Dayton
by Howard Burba Copyright 1930
The history of the Episcopal Church from the first meeting in Dayton on May 15, 1817 to the 1930s. This article appeared in the Dayton Daily News on October 12, 1930
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


February 8, 2008
How Dayton Was Saved from the Drought
by Howard Burba Copyright 1930
A story of how melted glaciers has guaranteed Dayton a water supply that will supposedly never end
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

History of the First Baptist Church
by Rev. Henry Francis Colby Copyright 1914
The story of the Baptist Church in Dayton, starting from the petitioning of land from Daniel C. Cooper in 1806 to 1914
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Public Transportation in Dayton, Ohio: From 1870 to the Present
by Harvey I. Hylton Copyright 2007
A very informative look at the history of how people got around in the Gem City, from horses and mules to our modern day trolleys and diesel buses
Reprinted here with permission of the author

January 20, 2008
Taking Nature in as a Side Partner
by Howard Burba Copyright 1928
A short article on the zoo that once graced Forest Park. Published in Dayton Daily News on January 8, 1928
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Jeri Kniess

January 17, 2008
The Old Beavertown Pike Mystery
by Howard Burba Copyright 1937
Tracking the murderer of Julius Kruse, who was killed on Beavertown Pike on October 18, 1897. This article appeared in the magazine supplement of the Dayton Daily News, Sunday, January 31, 1937
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

December 29, 2007
Biography of Dayton
by Joseph W. Sharts Copyright 1922
A quite unusual interpreation of Dayton's history through the eyes of the author, who seems to have been a member of the Miami Valley Socialist organization
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

December 17, 2007
Businesses and Advertisements of Dayton Circa 1889
edited by Curt Dalton Copyright 1996
Various sources were gathered together to tell the histories of businesses in Dayton in 1889

Firms and Manufactorie of Dayton Circa 1889
edited by Curt Dalton Copyright 1996
Various sources were gathered together to tell the histories of firms and factories in Dayton in 1889

Foreigners in Dayton: An Investigation
by Alice M. Doren Copyright 1917
A study by the YWCA on how many foreigners were living in Dayton in 1917 and the various organizations that touched their lives and helped them.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Erin Hunt

Industries and Institutions of Dayton Circa 1889
edited by Curt Dalton Copyright 1996
Various sources were gathered together to tell the histories of industries and institutions in Dayton in 1889

December 14, 2007
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.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia L. Kamp

December 6, 2007
Romance of the Cash Register
by Mort Weisinger Copyright 1954
An article on the first 70 years of the National Cash Register, which appeared in the March 1954 issue of Coronet magazine.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp


December 4, 2007
Proposed Charter for the City of Dayton
by the Charter Commission  Copyright 1913
Dayton charter outlining the responsibilities of city management and departments.

December 2, 2007
Doorway to a New Era
by Chrysler Corporation Copyright 1948
How the Airtemp Division of Chrysler came to Dayton.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia L. Kamp

November 26, 2007
The Buckeye Portable Tool Company
by Citizens Historical Association Copyright 1942
A short history of the Buckeye Portable Tool Company, which had grown from its beginnings in 1920 to having over 20 offices when this article was written in 1942.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Sylvia Kamp

History of the National Home for Disabled Soldiers
by Chaplain William Earnshaw  Copyright 1875
One of the best accounts written about the Soldiers Home in Dayton, Ohio. Includes visitors to the Home and the various duties of the ex-soldiers that lived there.


November 3, 2007
A Century of Service: History of the Dayton Public Library, Dayton, Ohio 1847-1947
by Elizabeth Faries Copyright 1948
The beginnings of what has now become the Dayton Metro Library. Also includes the history of libraries in Dayton before the present organization, stretching back to 1805.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

October 27, 2007
Constitutions and By-Laws of Dayton Police Benevolent Assn.
by Dayton Police Benevolent Association Committee Copyright 1947
Articles involving membership and rules for the association.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

October 12, 2007
History of the VA Center
by Williard G. Hitchings Circa 1972
A short history of the VA Center located in Dayton, Ohio, from 1867 to 1972.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

September 30, 2007
History of the Advance Club 1897 - 1922 
Author Unknown Copyright 1922
The Advance Club's purpose was to enlighten women about modern events and literature. The group also helped better Dayton by working to raise money for charity and helping the Red Cross during World War I.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Bettys Zins

Story of the Miami Conservancy District
Compiled by C. N. Phillips, Office Engineer Copyright 1922
The story of how, after the 1913 flood, five dams were built to protect the Dayton area. The dams were completed on December 31, 1921.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


September 22, 2007
Before the Flood
by Harry Rogers Copyright 1962
This manuscript tells of Harry Roger'slife as a child at the turn of the 20th century in Downtown Dayton
Permission to reprint this manuscript was given by William A. Rogers, Jr.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

September 11, 2007
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

September 1, 2007
Short Stories of Science and Invention
by Charles F. Kettering Copyright 1942-1945
A collection of 59 talks on science and invention that Kettering gave during intermission of the General Motors Symphony of the Air radio show.

August 24, 2007
Report on Proposed Park System for the City of Dayton
by Olmsted Brothers Copyright 1911
A wonderful document by the Olmsted Brothers, designers of Central Park in New York, written to convince the city to have them design a system of parks.  Readers will recognize quite a few of the parks mentioned here.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Katie Bernard


August 17, 2007
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.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

August 10, 2007
Alonzo Thirlkill
by the Assistant Clerk of the Court of Claims Copyright 1910
Report to Congess that Alonzo was suing the government to get overtime pay denied him while working at the Dayton Post Office.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


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.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Sale of Federal Building and Site at Dayton, Ohio
by Mr. Ashbrook on behalf of Congress Copyright 1916
A report to authorize the sale of the old Post Office in Dayton in 1916
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

August 7, 2007
Application of Ohio For That Portion of the Land Granted For the Miami Canal
by Congress House of Representatives Copyright 1837
This is a complex bill that more or less says that the U. S. government misused funds that were to go to building the canal from Dayton to the Maumee river and that the State of Ohio would like to be compensated. It was presented on February 7, 1837.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

On a Claim of Land in Ohio
Reported by Mr. Patterson to Congress Copyright 1837
A petition of sorts to Congress to allow a woman to buy land at the price of $1.25 an acre, the price she would have gotten it for had Congress not doubled the price due to it being close to the canal.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


Post Office and Courthouse, Dayton, Ohio
by The Secretary of the Treasury Copyright 1911
On February 20, 1911 the Secretary of Treasury asked that Congress to include $25,000 on their deficiency bill to allow for the start of the construction of a new post office in Dayton.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


August 1, 2007
Cumberland Road
by Vinton, on behalf of Congress Copyright 1830
A report to the House of Representatives on why what would later be known as the National Road should run through the cities of Eaton and Dayton.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


July 30, 2007
Application for Certain Patent Rights
by Mr. Jennings for the House of Representatives Copyright 1811
Mr. Jennings report on January 17, 1811 to the House of Representatives on opening a road from Vincennes, Indiana to Dayton, Ohio
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Application of Ohio for a Grant of Land for the Construction of a Certain Road
by Congress Copyright 1832
On January 16, 1832 Ohio asked the House of Representatives for land to build what would become the National Road.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Letter From George W. Houk and Others
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


July 26, 2007
At Dayton
by Time Copyright 1924
This article on aviation races in Dayton appeared in Time magazine October 13, 1924.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

Interviews With the Old Timers
by Hans Wagner and others Copyright 1918
Various funny happenings in baseball, including a minor league game in Dayton whose final score was changed due to a little boy
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


July 23, 2007
A Family Camp in the Rockies
by Charlotte Reeve Conover Copyright 1893
Family fun during a camping trip in the mountains of Arkansas in 1893. The two-part article appeared in the August and September, 1893 issues of Outing magazine.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

July 14, 2007
At Home In Geneva 
by Charlotte Reeve Conover Copyright 1887
The author describes why she loved Geneva so much that it became her second home during the summer months. The article appeared in Outing magazine September, 1887.

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

Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


July 10, 2007
Annual Report of the City of Dayton for the Year 1917
by the Dayton City Commision Copyright 1917
A report on the various Dayton Divisions, including Health, Recreation and Welfare, and how the city had changed due to America entering WWI.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Erin Hunt

July 8, 2007
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 Spetember-October 1970.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

July 6, 2007
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.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online Betty Zins

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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


July 2, 2007
The Wright Flyer
by NCR World
How the 1905 Flyer was reassembled and displayed (which it stillis) at Carillon Park, Dayton, Ohio. The article appeared in  NCR World, September-October 1970 issue.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

June 29, 2007
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

June 26, 2007
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.
Article reprinted here courtesy of Dayton Chamber of Commerce
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


June 23, 2007
A Close Tie
by NCR Corporation
Edward Deeds ties to Dayton, NCR and aviation. The article appeared in NCR World September-October 1970 issue
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

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
Article reprinted here courtesy of Dayton Chamber of Commerce
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

June 15, 2007
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

June 11, 2007
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Jackie Frederick


June 5, 2007
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

June 4, 2007
The Remarkable Career of John H. Patterson
by B. C. Forbes Copyright 1917
Patterson's history from toll collector to President of NCR. The article appeared in Forbes Magazine, November 10, 1917
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

May 29, 2007
From Dayton to the Argonne

by The Dayton Wright Airplane Company Copyright 1919
How the Dayton Wright Airplane Company evolved from the early efforts of the Wright Brothers to become the foremost producers of airplanes
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


May 28, 2007
To the Electors of Montgomery County
by Henry Bacon Copyright 1822
Henry Bacon's speech while running for the Ohio State Legislature, for which he was successful
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

May 21, 2007
Story of the Dayton Flood of 1913
by Clarence C. Mauch
A personal account of Mauch's experience during the 1913 flood.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

May 6, 2007
Society of American Florists and Ornamental Horticulturists 22nd Annual Meeting
by Society of American Florists Copyright 1906
A story of landscape gardening work done by N.C.R., incuding the Boy's gardens
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

April 29, 2007
After A Year - Moraine Park School
by Moraine Park School Copyright 1918
An experimental high school in Dayton that didn't believe in grades, but focused on projects and interaction. It only lasted a few short years.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

April 24, 2007
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


April 21, 2007
Down Through the Years
by Winters National Bank Copyright 1921
A short history of Dayton from 1796 to 1921, as well as the first 107 years of Winters Bank
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Onlien volunteer Betty Zins

Dayton - Being a Story of the Great Flood as Seen Form the Delco Factory
Author unknown Copyright 1913
Describes the terrible damage caused by the flood that swept through Dayton during the week of March 24, 1913.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Erin Hunt

April 17, 2007
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

April 16, 2007
Methods and Materials For Paving Between Street Railway Tracks
by F. O. Eichlberger Copyright 1917
Types of materials used for street improvements. This article appeared in The American City, October 1917
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

April 15, 2007
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
Transcribed by Dayton History Books volunteer Betty Zins

Rules and Regulations of the Division of Police, Dayton, Ohio
by Dayton Police Department Copyright 1920
Manual guide for policemen in 1920s. Lists duties, rules, police boxes, etc.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

April 8, 2007
Rike's Department Store Clothing Guideline
by Rike's Department Store Copyright 1968
A guide on how female employees were supposed to dress for work  at Rike's in 1968.
Transcribed by Dayton History Books volunteer Lori Hellmund

April 5, 2007
The Good Old Times: A Poem
by E. M. Thresher  Copyright 1888
Thresher, a graduate of Centra High School in 1858,  remembers his glory days there
Transcribed by Dayton History Books volunteer Katie Bernard

A Trip From Dayton To Chicago By Water in the Year 1847 
by John Van Cleve Copyright 1911
John Van Cleve tells of the trip he made by passenger boat on the canal to Chicago, all in verse, no less
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

April 3, 2007

Governor Cox's Speech 
by Governor James M. Cox Copyright 1920
Governor Cox's speech on accepting Democratic nomination for President of the United States on August 7, 1920
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins


Subscribers of the Dayton Telephone Exchange

by the Dayton Telephone Exchange Copyright 1881
A list of businesses and people who had telephones in Dayton in 1881, as well as instructions on how to use the service
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online Volunteer Brendan Epps

March 27, 2007
What Shall We Do With the Canal? 
by A. A. Thomas Copyright 1911

An argument to not repair the
MiamiErie Canal that ran through Dayton. The canal is now under Patterson Blvd.
Transcribed by
Dayton History Books Online volunteer Katie Bernard

March 11, 2007
Against Change of Location of National Road In Dayton
Congress House of Representatives Published 1836
The State of Ohio asked that Congres not change its plans to have the National Road run through Dayton and Eaton, Ohio
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer J. T. Ryder

Canal From Dayton to Lake Erie
by Woods, on behalf of Congress Written in 1828
How the State of Ohio were granted land to extend the Miami Canal from Dayton to Lake Erie
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer J. T. Ryder

Construction of the Lake Erie and Mad River Railroad
Congress House of Representatives Published 1834
Application from the State of Ohio to Congress for aid to build the Lake Erie and Mad River Railroad
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer J. T. Ryder

Modifying the Act to Aid Ohio in Completing the Miami Canal from Dayton to Lake Erie
Senate report Published in 1830
A discussion on whether canal money given to the State of Ohio should go towards railroads instead
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online voluteer J. T. Ryder

What Dayton, Ohio Should Do to Become a Model City
by John H. Patterson Copyright 1896
Plans that needed to be made to make
Dayton a better city in which to live and work
Transcribed by
Dayton History Books Online volunteer Betty Zins

March 1, 2007
Constitution of Dayton Encampment of Patriarchs No. 2, of Ohio of the I.O.O.F.

by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Copyright 1839
Constitution and Rules of Order of I.O.O.F.
Reference copy available at Dayton Metro Library
Transcribed by Dayton History Books Online volunteer J. T. Ryder