Category Archives: Local Businesses

Martin Gottlieb

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Although from Dayton, Author Martin Gottlieb had initially only heard of Clement Vallandigham just a few times over many years. It wasn’t until he started paying attention to the name he felt surprised knowing that despite Vallandigham’s story, he wasn’t more well known. During his author talk for the book Lincoln’s Northern Nemesis, the War Opposition and Exile of Ohio’s Clement Vallandigham, it was clear Gottlieb lived and breathed this subject while writing.

His passion for Vallandigham’s life was clear as he spoke. During the question and answer session of his author talk, Gottlieb was asked why he thought Vallandigham wasn’t more well known in today’s world. His initial answer was simple, history is told by the victors. He expanded on this by surmising that perhaps Dayton would have wanted to disassociate itself with a man who:

  • Wanted to keep slavery as-is
  • Was known for being an adversary to Abraham Lincoln
  • Accidentally shot and killed himself while demonstrating how he thinks a man shot and killed himself

    • Gottlieb retired from the Dayton Daily News in 2011 and has spent the time since researching Vallandigham for his book. Not all the time since 2011 was spent on research and writing however, as Gottlieb said he is good at being retired. Martin has also written a book called Campaigns Don’t Count. How the Media Get American Politics All Wrong. Gottlieb’s books can be bought from Amazon (linked above) or by contacting him directly at mgottlieb@woh.rr.com.

Even More Street and Bridge Honorary Designations

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This list is thanks to the book Hidden History by Tony Kroeger, with a small amount of Googling on our part.

  • Walter J. Hickman Sr. Avenue (Brooklyn Avenue) – Hickman was a respected neighborhood leader in the Westwood area, where Brooklyn Avenue is located.
  • Pastor S. N. Winston Sr. Way (Siebenthaler Road) – Winston was a pastor at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church for 46 years.
  • Lloyd Lewis Jr. Way (Ludlow Street) – Lewis was a city of Dayton Assistant City Manager, City Commissioner, State Representative, an executive at Rike’s, and VP at DP&L.
  • Willis “Bing” Davis Way (Diamond Avenue) – Davis is a renowned artist who grew up on Diamond Avenue.
  • Peace Bridge (Third Street bridge) – Connects two sides of the Great Miami River
  • Sergeant Edward Brooks Way (Elmhurst Drive) – Brooks was killed at age 25 by an IED in Iraq, on August 29, 2007.
  • Ted Mills Way (Sears Street) – Mills had a baseball school location on Sears Street.

Happy Veterans Day!

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A way to honor our local heroes this Veterans Day could be to check out this book by Ken Serey. Ken worked with blind and visually impaired people and through his work, he has heard many veterans stories over the years. He published a book of stories from Dayton area veteran residents, called What’s the Story?

The book available for purchase on Amazon and at the upcoming Wright Library Local Author Book Sale on December 10.

Vulcan Tool Open House – October 6th

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Did you know that October 7th is National Manufacturing Day? According to their website, National Manufacturing Day “is manufacturing’s biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation to start careers in modern manufacturing through a series of focused events to promote manufacturing to students, parents and educators.”

A few years ago, we did a post about local manufacturer, Vulcan Tool Company and their history.

As part of National Manufacturing Day, Vulcan Tool is hosting an open house on Thursday, October 6th. This event is an inaugural event for a new Manufacturing Explorer post, and will feature hands-on activities, historic facility tours, chili and cornbread, and learning about the Manufacturing Explorer Post and how to join. The Post is for ages 14-2 and is intended to teach young people about manufacturing and skilled trades.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is recommended.
Vulcan Tool Open House
October 6th, 2022, 6-9pm
Vulcan Tool Company
730 Lorain Avenue
Dayton, OH 45410

Katharine Wright Haskell

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The youngest of the seven Wright Children, Katharine Wright Haskell was an amazing person and she needs more credit.

When Katharine was 15, her mother Susan died of tuberculosis, leaving Katharine to care for her entire family on her own. Katharine was the only surviving daughter and the responsibility for caring for the household fell to her. Despite the amount of work she had to do at home, Katharine persisted in her studies at Central High School and attended Oberlin College. She graduated in 1898 as one of the few co-ed students in the US at the time and the only child of Susan and Milton to have a college education. She took a position teaching Latin at Steele High School and hired a maid to help with household chores.

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Roger Glass

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CEO and President of Marion’s Pizza Roger Glass passed away on August 24th. Roger’s father, Marion Glass, was the founder of Marion’s Piazza in 1965. Roger took over in 2006 when his father died. Roger wasn’t just known for his business, he was also a community leader and donated to many charities and causes.

Roger was well known in the community as a philanthropist. Most recently, Roger donated money to University of Dayton, his alma mater. His donations helped fund the future Roger Glass Center for the Arts and his donations to Chaminade Julienne funded Roger Glass Sports Stadium.

Roger split his time between Oakwood and Lauderdale-by-the-sea, Florida. In both areas, Roger was an active member of the community and philanthropist. He served on various boards, both charitable and professional. He was an avid fan of local sports, including the UD Flyers and Dayton Dragons.

Roger has been interred in Calvary Cemetery alongside his parents. He will be remembered and missed as a generous friend and a kind human being.

More Wright Brothers Facts

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Here are a few more interesting facts you may not know about the Wright Brothers!

  • The first woman to fly was Mrs. Hart O Berg. Mrs. Berg and her husband often accompanied Wilbur to various flying fields where he demonstrated his machine.
  • The first flight in Dayton occurred on September 22nd, 1910, as part of Aviation Day in Dayton. Orville flew from Huffman Prairie Flying Field in a Wright Model B flying machine. He circled the city and returned to the starting point. There were over 100,000 people to witness the flight, which lasted 33 minutes and spanned 25 miles.
  • After achieving the first flight on December 17th, 1903, Wilbur and Orville’s brother Lorin presented the story to Dayton Journal representative Frank Tunison. Tunison blew off the story, stating that a 19 second flight was not newsworthy. The first story to be run was an inaccurate piece which appeared in the Virginian Pilot and was reprinted in the Cincinnati Enquirer and the New York American. Later that day, Dayton Daily News ran an accurate story of the flight, and the Dayton Herald summarized the inaccurate version. The brothers’ flight finally made the pages of the Dayton Journal on December 19th.

Wright Brothers – Did you know?

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There is so much known about Dayton’s own flying brothers, but did you know:

  • When Wilbur knew he was dying of typhoid fever, he called his lawyer, Ezra Kuhns, to make his Last Will and Testament. To his father Milton, he left $1,000. To his brothers Reuchlin and Lorin and his sister Katharine, he left $50,000 each. The remaining balance, which was over $100,000 (plus patent rights and shares) were left to Orville. Wilbur wrote in his will that he was sure Orville would use the money in very much the same manner as they would together if they were both to live to old age.
  • Also in his will, Orville left $300,000 to Oberlin College following the fulfillment of the following lifetime annuities: Lorin was to receive $4,000 per year, Reuchlin’s Widow Lulu was to receive $500 per year, Orville’s secretary Mabel was to receive $3,000 per year, and a few staff members received a yearly stipend as well. The files, notes, and other flight memorabilia were to be dispersed to museums and institutes.
  • The Wright Special, one of the brands of bicycle the brothers created, did not sell many units. According to the financial ledgers, only eight were sold.
  • Hawthorn Hill, site of the Wright House, was named so because of the Hawthorn trees growing on the land.

Gina Ferraro is back!

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Gina Ferraro is back! Dayton Unknown has missed listening to Jeff, Kristi, Dave, and Gina on the Mix Morning Show, and we are thrilled to have her back on the airwaves!

Gina will be joining the lineup of the Bobby Bones Show, After Midnight with Granger Smith, Wazz in the Afternoon, and Kasper at Night on WZDA (New Country 103.9). She will be airing weekdays from 10am-3pm. Gina’s resume includes Mix 107.7, Channel 99.9, Warm 98.5, Traffic Reporter and co-host for WUSN (US99) and WIND-AM(AM560 The Answer), and evening traffic anchor for 720 WGN Radio. You can also see Gina’s writing talent on BET+ in the form of the film “Unfinished”.
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Jewish Cultural Festival 2022

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, head on out to the Jewish Cultural Festival at Temple Israel on Sunday June 12 between 11 am and 7 pm, located at 130 Riverside Drive.

This festival involves over 150 volunteers contributing their time to serve food, perform, lead tours, and answer questions about Judaism, all to welcome everyone to share the Jewish experience.

Some highlights for this years events are:

  • Interactive, hands-on projects for children and a giant inflatable slide.
  • Baked goods such as rugelach, hamentaschen, mandel bread, honey cake, and challah.
  • There will be interactive sessions featuring local and regional speakers including rabbis.
  • Crafts will include a market to showcase Jewish and Israeli arts and crafts including woodworking, clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and accessories from local and regional artisans.
  • If you’re feeling lucky, try your chances to win one of five prize bundles worth over a total of $4500.

Bring items to donate to Crayons to Classrooms and Daybreak or stay to make a toy to be donated to SICSA.

Marshall Weiss will be just outside the Jewish Federation tent on Sunday from 11-2, with copies of his new book Stories of Jewish Dayton. Get a chance to meet him in person and get a copy of his book!