Category Archives: Dayton Fun Facts

Dayton Firsts Part 3

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On the first Friday off every month, we share some firsts for Dayton!

First Prosecutor – Daniel Symmes, of Cincinnati

First Coroner – James Milles

First Jail – It stood on the site of the present county jail on West Third Street, and was erected in 1804. It was of log construction, 30×16 feet, with log flooring and ceiling. It contained two disconnected cells and was erected by David Squirer at his bid of $299.

First Post Office – The first post office was opened in 1804 in a cabin at First and St. Clair Streets with Benjamin VanCleve as the first postmaster.

First Metropolitan Police force – Organized in 1873 with a chief, two lieutenants, 26 patrolmen, three roundsmen and three turnkeys.

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Hometown Eats – Part 5

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Try these delicious restaurants in Dayton!

  • Pasha Grill – Turkish
    – 72 Plum Street, The Greene
    – Try the hummus!

  • George’s Family Restaurant – Diner
    – 5216 North Dixie, Dayton
    – Friendly service and great food!

  • Smokin Bar-b-que
    -200 East Fifth Street, Dayton
    -The pulled pork and Southern Style greens are delicious!

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Prominent Local Figures: Jonathan Dayton

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JDaytonJonathan Dayton (Source)

Although he is not from Dayton, and had never actually visited Ohio, we owe our city’s name to a relatively unknown historical figure, Jonathan Dayton.

Jonathan Dayton was born in Elizabethtown (presently named Elizabeth), New Jersey in 1760. His father, Elias Dayton, was a storekeeper and active in local and state politics. Jonathan entered into the Continental Army after graduating from the College of New Jersey, which was later renamed Princeton.

Dayton served under his father, General Elias Dayton, and became Captain by the age of 19. Some of the men serving under him were Israel Ludlow, James Wilkinson, and Arthur St. Clair, who would later purchase the land that bears his name.

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Dayton Firsts Parts 1

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Curious about the early days of Dayton? Here’s a little more information:

First Surveyor – Daniel C. Cooper, of New Jersey. He laid out lands now embraced within the city of Dayton.
    
First Blacksmith – The first blacksmith to open up a shop in Dayton was John Burns. Others opening in competition with him were Obadiah Conover, Jacob Kuhn and James Davis.

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Dayton’s 220th Anniversary

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Happy 220th Anniversary Dayton!

If the 50th anniversary gift is gold, I suppose we could make the 220th anniversary gift some Dayton Firsts:

First day:

“April 1, 1796. Landed at Dayton, after a passage of ten days, William Gahagan and myself having come with Thompson’s and McClure’s families in a large pirogue.”

– Benjamin Van Cleve, in his journal.

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Hometown Eats – Part 4

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Looking for a place to eat dinner this weekend? Check out these local restaurants!

  • Thai 9 – Thai & Sushi
    – 11 Brown Street, Dayton
    – Business Casual Dress Code – Jeans and tshirt accepted, no tank tops.

  • El Meson – Hispanic Food/Tapas
    – 903 East Dixie Drive
    – Gluten Free and Vegetarian Friendly

  • Carver’s Steak & Chops
    – 1535 Miamisburg Centerville Road
    – Happy Hour 5-7 Weekdays

  • Boston’s Bistro & Pub
    – 7500 North Main Street, Dayton
    – Say hi to Dave the owner for us!

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    Owner David Boston with Millionaire Matchmaker’s Justin Bird.

  • Barnsider Restaurant
    – 5202 North Main Street
    – Great Service!

  • Crazy Mango Bar & Bistro
    – 81 Magnolia Lane, The Greene
    – Eat outside for a great atmosphere!

Esther Price – Dayton’s Sweetheart

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Christmas in Dayton isn’t complete until a box of Esther Price candy has passed through your hands.

Although the business got its start in 1926, Esther Price’s roots as a candy maker go back to a 7th grade Home Economics class. After partnering with her classmate to make fudge the first time, Esther kept her share to give to her mother, but decided instead to eat that share and make more when she got home. A love affair with candy was born.

Esther started making candy for income while she worked at Rike’s, selling candy to her coworkers to supplement her income. After leaving the job to stay at home with a growing family, Esther started making candy to help make ends meet while her husband Ralph worked at the National Biscuit Company.

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