Category Archives: Historical Neighborhoods

Dayton Hero – David T. Chambers

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The chain of events that started Dayton’s Great Flood started on March 21, 1913, with a rainstorm. Over the next few days, more rain came, ultimately weakening the levees and flooding the already oversaturated soil. Water rose quickly, and as gas lines were destroyed, a fire started downtown that destroyed most of a block.

As these events were happening, twenty four year old David T. Chambers of North Dayton could not stand by and watch without helping. From the safety of his home, which was located above the flood waters, he could see the damage being caused by the rising waters.

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The Story of Mary Knight

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There was no question about it – Mary Knight and her mother, Catherine Hark, argued constantly. There was a long history; Mary had shown a lifelong disrespect toward her mother. Mary was the type of lady who liked to stay out with “questionable companions” in bad parts of the city.

Marriage did not settle the spirit of Mary Knight. Drinking caused much strife in her marriage and after a particularly ugly argument with Mr. Knight, Mary moved in with her mother.

The arguments that ensued brought neighbors from their homes, attempting to calm the ladies and bring peace back to their street. On the morning of May 10, 1895, the screaming became so loud that neighbors considered calling the police. Once the shouting stopped, neighbors saw Mary stagger out of the house, obviously drunk.

As this behavior was typical, they went about their daily business, ignorant of the events to come.

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Lib Hedges

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Everyone knew about Pearl Street in Dayton’s Red Light District, but nobody admitted so.

“Most of the houses were ornately trimmed; each had the name of the proprietor, a single woman posted in the door glass or permanently etched there, and at night, in the window on a table sat a red lamp, spreading its cheery invitation to all.  Within the houses many women followed a profession dignified only by its extreme age.”

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Hometown Eats – Part 3

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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!

Picking Up Cans and Chasing Women: Charlie’s Story

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Although we generally reserve the category of Prominent Local Figures to historic figures, one can’t argue the prominence of Charlie/Billy in the Oregon District.

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We’ve known him for 7 years, but many who have spent countless nights meandering through 5th Street have known him longer. Known as Charlie to some, and Billy to others, many have taken time out of their drinking nights to stop and talk to him. How many stories has he told over the years?

We sat down and asked him to tell us another story: his life.

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