Preservation Dayton - News & Events

Dayton History Books Online

Visit www.daytonhistorybooks.com to access Dayton history books that are out of copyright and in the public as well as books by Dayton author and historian Curt Dalton.

The web site's mission is to provide books and other educational information to the highest number of children at the lowest cost possible. While the web will never replace the need for books, especially since the neediest children do not have a computer at home, it can help in the schoolroom and libraries by allowing children to access information from books that cannot normally be found except in the rare book section.

This site is free and the books can be printed out as a whole or in pages as needed by the reader at no cost from the site.

Dayton Motor Car District/Packard Museum

The Dayton Motor Car District is located in the Southwest corner of downtown and bounded roughly by US 35 to the South, Patterson Boulevard to the East, Ludlow Street to the West, and the railroad tracks to the North. The heart of the district is located on Franklin Street between Main and Ludlow Streets. New identity signs mark this unique and interesting area.

Dayton’s first motorcar dealerships located here because of the proximity of the railroad freight yards. Following World War I, as automobile ownership increased significantly, the number of dealership and related businesses grew. Dealerships included the Barlow Motorcar Company (Maxwells), The Citizens Motorcar Company (Packards), Borchers Ford, Stomps Chevrolet, and the Dayton Buick Company. The close proximity to downtown’s various lending institutions made it convenient to obtain financing for the purchase of a new motorcar.

Today, the Dayton Motorcar District ins on the rebound. The historic buildings in the area represent the area’s finest collection of early twentieth century motorcar architecture. The original Citizens Motorcar Company building at 420 South Ludlow has been restored and is now home to the Packard Museum. The structure directly to the East ins being renovated into banquet and meeting space to accommodate the numerous functions which are currently held in the museum. The Packard Museum is a wonderful visit for old car buffs and preservationists.

Packard Museum

Terra Cotta District

At 360 South Main Street, the former Borchers Ford buildings have been renovated by Miami Valley Hospital. The terra cotta on the two story building is truly a beautiful sight to behold. Many other buildings in the area are being adapted to new uses as this unique corner of downtown comes alive again

The Aviation Trail

The Aviation Trail is overseen by Aviation Trail Inc., a local nonprofit organization formed in 1981 to preserve and promote the Dayton/Miami Valley area’s unique aviation heritage and to stimulate economic development by encouraging tourism. Aviation Trail sponsors a self-guided tour highlighting various aviation landmarks located in the Maimi Valley. Some of the highlights of the of the tour include:

The Wright Cycle Company (937-225-7705) – A museum that was operated as a bicycle shop by the Wright Brothers from 1895-1897.

Kettering-Moraine Museum (937-299-2722) – A museum featuring an extensive collection of furniture from the Wright Family.

United States Air Force Museum (937-255-3286) – Site of the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, and featuring over 300 aircraft.

Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum (937-228-3221) – A historic cemetery featuring the burial sites for the Wright Brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar and other local dignitaries.

WACO Museum and Aviation Learning Center (937-335-9226) – Museum which details the history of the world’s largest civilian airplane manufacturer during the 1920-30s.
For more information contact: Aviation Trail, P.O. Box 633, Wright Brothers Branch, Dayton, Ohio 45409. Phone: 937-443-0793.

Carillon Historical Park

Carillon Historical Park is one of Dayton’s gems and is truly a welcoming place to visit. The park is located at 1000 Carillon Blvd, a few blocks south of downtown, and showcases Dayton’s history through its 35 exhibits. A few of the highlights include a Barney and Smith rail car from 1903; Newcom Tavern; Deeds Barn; and of course the 1905 Wright Flyer III. Some of the lesser known exhibits include an 1881 Morrison iron bridge; Lock #17 from the Miami Erie Canal; and the Sun Oil Service Station which was once at the corner of Brown and Warren Streets. The park is open April through October and is closed Mondays. Call 937-293-2841 for more information.