Dayton History

Join us at Dayton Local as we explore the rich history and culture of Dayton Ohio, sharing historical and nostalgic stories from our local communities.

Dayton History in Dayton

A piece of the Wright brothers' first airplane is set to fly on Mars

A piece of the Wright brothers' first airplane is set to fly on Mars

NASA's Ingenuity Martian helicopter holds a small piece of fabric from the wing of the 1903 Wright Flyer, which was donated to the agency by Carillon Historical Park.

Malcolm MacLeod's Clubhouse 22

Malcolm MacLeod's Clubhouse 22

Though he's now a realtor in Palm Beach, Florida; many feel that Clubhouse 22, located in Dayton is Malcolm MacLeod's most valuable property.

100 years today, Gov. Cox and FDR led parade in downtown Dayton

100 years today, Gov. Cox and FDR led parade in downtown Dayton

Running on a ticket with future President Franklin D. Roosevelt as his running mate, Gov. Cox returned to Dayton on August 7th, 1920 to accept the nomination of his party.

Dayton Radio Icons - DJs from the past

Dayton Radio Icons - DJs from the past

While their careers in radio have past, the voices of several former Dayton disc-jockeys remain in the minds of their many fans.

The 'Flyover' celebrating the first flight was dedicated on Independence Day

The 'Flyover' celebrating the first flight was dedicated on Independence Day

The 'Flyover' depicting the first powered flight by Orville Wright, was commissioned to celebrate Dayton's 200th anniversary and was dedicated on Independence Day, 1996.

Dayton: A City of Inventors

Dayton: A City of Inventors

Dayton: The birthplace of aviation and square cut pizza, but stepladders and ice cube trays? Who knew?! You won't believe what else!

Over a hundred years of history at Hills & Dales

Over a hundred years of history at Hills & Dales

Hills and Dales, originally a gift from John Patterson, the founder of the NCR, is now one of Five Rivers MetroParks' most popular destinations.

"Dayton's Children" chronicles world-changers, now in E-book

How is "Murphy" of Murphy's Law tied to Charles Kettering to the Wright brothers? In the new e-book edition of "Dayton's Children" they are among 20 innovators who changed our world.

Belmont Auto Theatre: The story behind the iconic drive-in movie theater

Belmont Auto Theatre: The story behind the iconic drive-in movie theater

The Belmont Auto Theatre, located at the southeast corner of the intersection at County Line and Shakertown Road, opened on August 7, 1947.

The stories behind Dayton street names

The stories behind Dayton street names

What's in a Dayton street name? From Alex-Bell to Watervliet, we reveal the history and the people behind familiar, yet curious street names around Dayton.

Orville Wright's Final Flight

Orville Wright's Final Flight

On April 26, 1944, Orville Wright climbed into a C-69. Do you know the fascinating story behind Orville Wright's final flight?

As scheduled Opening Day passes, we celebrate the Dayton Dragons

As scheduled Opening Day passes, we celebrate the Dayton Dragons

Due to COVID-19 and the stay-at-home-order in Ohio, the scheduled opening day for the Dayton Dragons 21st season will pass without a single called strike or passed ball.

Happy Birthday, Dayton Ohio!

Happy Birthday, Dayton Ohio!

It's no April Fools! The City of Dayton was founded on April 1, 1796. Here are some fun facts about our hometown of Dayton, Ohio.

Memories of the Salem Mall

Memories of the Salem Mall

The memory may not be as fond as our first kiss, or car, but we all remember the first shopping mall we visited. I'm sure I'm not alone in that my introduction to shopping occurred at the Salem Mall.

Triangle Park: Site of First Game In The NFL

Triangle Park: Site of First Game In The NFL

On October 3, 1920, the Dayton Triangles made history when they hosted the Columbus Panhandles at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio.

Young's celebrating 150th with $1.50 ice-cream, cheeseburgers, more

Young's celebrating 150th with $1.50 ice-cream, cheeseburgers, more

A look back on 150 years of Young's Jersey Dairy as they celebrate with several menu items priced at $1.50.

In Memory of Judy Chaffin - The Pumpkin Lady

In Memory of Judy Chaffin - The Pumpkin Lady

It is with great sadness that we report Judy Chaffin, the Pumpkin Lady passed away Friday, December 21st.

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights Featured on National TV

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights Featured on National TV

Video: The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill will be featured on ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight" Monday, December 3.

A Lifetime of Ingenuity: Edward A. Deeds

A Lifetime of Ingenuity: Edward A. Deeds

No good Deeds go unnoticed. Recognizing the accomplishments of Colonel Edward Andrew Deeds.

The Amazing History Behind Dayton's Grotto Gardens

The Amazing History Behind Dayton's Grotto Gardens

Its scenic beauty is breathtaking and in the early 1900's was one of the country's leading tourist attractions.

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