Ready for some more Dayton Firsts?
First Cabinet Maker – Matthew Patton
First Tailor – Thomas McNutt.
Category Archives: Dayton Fun Facts
Prominent Local Figures: Jonathan Dayton
Jonathan 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.
Dayton Firsts Parts 1
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.
Local Street Names – Part 5
If you’re familiar with Dayton, you might wonder about some of the names of local streets.
Here are a few!
- Soldier’s Home Road – named for the Soldier’s Home that was formerly in Dayton
Dayton’s 220th Anniversary
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.
Hometown Eats – Part 4
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!
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
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.
Hometown Eats – Part 3
Hungry? Check out these local restaurants!
- Hawthorn Grill – Comfort Food
– 1222 E Stroop Rd, Kettering
– Stop in for some “Comfort on a Plate” - Olive, An Urban Dive – Paleo, Vegan, Gluten free, and multi-allergy friendly.
– 416 W Third Street, Dayton
– The website recommends calling ahead for reservations - Jay’s Seafood
– 225 E. Sixth Street, Dayton
– The seafood is always fresh! - Coco’s Bistro
– 250 Warren Street, Dayton
– Reservations are not required, but recommended. - Fusian –Sushi
– 1200 Brown Street Ste 125, Dayton
– Make your own sushi! - Amber Rose – Eastern European Cuisine
– 1400 Valley Street, Dayton
– Try the cabbage rolls!
Dayton Inventions – Part 3
- Stepladder – John Balsley, 1862.
- Ice Cream Cone Dispenser – Alexander McLaren, 1919.
- Electric Furnace for cars – Charles L. Lee, 1923.
- Air Conditioner (window/wall units) – Robert R. Candor, 1943.
Local Street Names – Part 4
Curious about the names of streets around Dayton? Here’s a few namesakes:
- Eaker Street: Mary Belle Eaker, a local philanthropist who gave her home to the YMCA.
- Gummer Avenue: named for Henry R. Gummer, a co-founder of the Gem City Stove Company.
- Gunckel: named after Lewis B. Gunckel, a politician, congressman, and attorney.
- Harries Street: J. W. Harries, a local brewer.
Dayton Unknown 