Saturday, November 13, 2010

American Saloon

There is exciting work in progress at the former American Saloon at 1600 E. Fifth Street!   The property was recently purchased by "The 1600 Group, LLC" - a group of concerned neighbors that got together to save the building.

 Here's some history from one of the managing partners, Joe:
James Sinkey bought the lot on land contract from the lawyer that platted the area, Thomas Smith, in the late 1840’s. He paid off the land contract in the late 1850’s. The building was built in 1860 as a residence and grocery store. He sold it to Mary Gerber in 1870. She leased it to John Rock in 1891 still as a grocery store and residence for $18 per month. My mother (age 91) tells me that she remembers it as JoJo’s CafĂ© when she was growing up. JoJo’s was well known for their hot pork sandwiches. It was still JoJo’s when the [prior] owner purchased it in 1997 for $91,400.
Sometime after 1997, the building was re-named the American Saloon and survived as a ramshackle blue-collar bar until it closed in 2008. It was tied up in legal disputes between the building owner and the bar business for nearly two years.  It is now being restored to help attract a new business to the neighborhood.

The building is an outstanding example of vernacular storefront architecture in St. Anne's Hill.   Check back here for more information on this exciting project!

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Friday, November 12, 2010

Bierfest

News from the Liederkranz in St. Anne's Hill:
Dayton Liederkranz-Turner 1400 East Fifth Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
BIERFEST!
A Celebration of Winter Style Craft Beers
Friday, November 19th, 2010
6:00 p.m.


Come enjoy the next edition of the Liederkranz’s highly successful beer tasting parties. Sample some 10 different Winter Style Craft Beers in our Authentic Rathskeller. Our Sampling Tour will begin at 7:00 p.m. led by Liederkranz member, Mike Schwartz, beer aficionado, home brewer, and owner of Belmont Party Supply, Dayton’s leading purveyor of fine beers and brewing supplies.


The Bierfest will include free snacks and door prizes. Food, including the famous Liederkranz brats, a variety of beers, and other drinks will be available for purchase.


Preregister for a Discount


$13 Members • $15 Guests
contact John Koerner to preregister at 937.429.9251
jabkoerner[at]aol.com


Price at the door $18
Admission for Designated Driver is FREE!
http://www.daytongermanclub.org/ 

Thursday, November 11, 2010

New Exhibit

Here's the lastest from the Missing Peace Gallery in St. Anne's Hill:


Please join us this Friday, Nov. 12th 5-8pm, for the opening reception of Graphic Guts.

Missing Peace Art Space is pleased to announce "Graphic Guts", an exhibition of internationally renowned artist and designer Luba Lukova. The exhibition will present a comprehensive collection of Lukova's political posters, including an installation with her critically acclaimed Social Justice series, as well as unpublished drawings and sketches. Luba will be here this Friday for the opening of this great exhibition. The 2010 War Resistors League Calendar was edited by Luba and contained several of her posters.

More about the exhibition at our website, http://www.missingpeaceart.org/

Peace & Best Wishes,
Stephen Fryburg
Director

Missing Peace Art Space is a non-profit art gallery providing an artistic forum for exploring issues of peace and conflict in a tolerant, non-commercial environment. A program of the Unitarian Fellowship of World Peace, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.


234 S. Dutoit St
Dayton OH 45402-2215
1(937) 241-4353



Member of the International Network of Museums for Peace

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Halloween

There's plenty to do for Halloween this year!   News from City Hall...
Beggar’s Night Scheduled for Saturday, October 30
Release Date: Friday, October 1, 2010
The City of Dayton will observe the annual tradition of Beggar’s Night on Saturday, October 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged to dress children in brightly-colored and reflective clothing. Also, as always, motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling during that time.
Also....

Fall Harvest (children's festival)
October 30, 6-8 pm
RTA Cultural Center
40 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd.  (corner of W. Third Street)

... and from our Social Committee!


Hello neighbors,
Exciting news!! The October social is back on!! Our neighbor Terri Burton on 4th St. has invited the neighborhood to a Halloween costume party!!  The party will be held Saturday October 30th at 7pm.  Hope everyone can attend!!
Mary Jo

For more information about our monthly social events, please write to news[at]stanneshill.org any time!


 -

Friday, October 22, 2010

Viva Stivers

Thru Oct. 29 • Siempre Viva: Three Points of View
Stivers Schoool for the Arts,
1313 E. Fifth St.; Monday - Friday
8 a.m.-3 p.m.


Fifth Street Gallery at Stivers School for the Arts announces Siempre Viva: Three Points of View,  an exhibition of paintings and other work by three artists; Dayton area painters Lizabeth Whipps and Julie Anderson and Chilean artist Ana Videla. This exhibition focuses on Chilean views of life, death and memorial as expressed in cemeteries, animitas and popular culture. All gallery events are free and open to the public. For more information call 542-7448.




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Thursday, October 7, 2010

High Street Gallery

Here are some upcoming events at the High Street Gallery... be sure to check out their new website!

Oct 3-17
Annual Juried DSPS Members Fall Show- coordinated by DSPS board members Joy Oxley and Elizabeth Martin


Oct 12
DSPS Member Meeting (2nd Tues) - 7 pm at 48 High Street Gallery in St. Anne's Hill. Regular members' meeting with presentation by Joanne Von Sossan.

Nov 7 -14
 
Tri-Art group Fall Show - contact person is DSPS member Phyllis Yarema.

Membership is available for only $40 a year.   Please feel free to stop by and support our thriving arts community in St. Anne's Hill.


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Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Oktoberfest

Dayton Liederkranz Presents:
OKTOBERFEST!


When:  Saturday, October 9th
Time: 5:00pm to 11:00 pm
Admission:  $3 per person, Free to college students with ID and active Military with ID
Open to the Public!!

Live Music by Gebhard Erler!

Several Oktoberfest Beers on Tap!

Oktoberfest Menu:
Bratwurst, Mettwurst, Hot Dogs, Schnitzel, Pig Wings,
Cabbage Rolls, Potato Salad, Sauerkraut,
Pretzels, and Desserts available for purchase.

--
Dayton Liederkranz-Turner
1400 E Fifth St, Dayton OH 45402
www.daytongermanclub.org

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Pretzel time!

In celebration of Oktoberfest the and German heritage in our community, here is a great story from the DDN about a small business just around the corner from St. Anne's Hill.  An excerpt...

DAYTON — As businesses struggle in a rough economy, the century-old Smales Pretzel Bakery thrives inside a refitted house on an alley, its fourth generation still twisting pretzels by hand.
The bakery began with German-born Rudie Schaaf opening Gem City Pretzel on Warren Street in 1906, not long after he arrived in Dayton as a boy in 1895. The shop’s current location at 210 Xenia Ave. dates to 1926 when his daughter, Emma, moved it there and renamed it.
Smale’s history twists into the city’s at every turn. A stand operated in the old downtown Arcade for years. Armloads of pretzels were ferried to neighborhood groceries and found their way into the hands of generations of school kids. Larry Smales, Schaaf’s great-grandson, recalls that as a boy he sold pretzels to legions of NCR employees on their lunch breaks.

Another great reason to live on the Hill!




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Sunday, September 19, 2010

Mural Dedication

Fifth Street Community 
Mosaic Mural Celebration
1400 E. 5th Street

Please join us in celebrating the creation of 
the first only mosaic mural in Dayton
Wednesday Sept. 22
6-9PM

Music by the Liederkrantz –Turner Chorus 6-6:30
Recognition of 100 artists, volunteers, and sponsors promptly at 6:40 

Sponsored by: 
Met Life Foundation, Dayton Rotary & 
St. Anne’s Hill Neighborhood Association, Ohio Arts Council

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Day of Peace

More great news from the Missing Peace Art Space here in St. Anne's Hill!

Dayton’s celebration of the U.N. sponsored International Day of Peace will be held at the Missing Peace Art Space on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. City dignitaries will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Grand Opening of the Urban Youth Peace Academy, which will be headquartered at the gallery.

In 1981, the United Nations designated September 21 as International Day of Peace and the day has since been celebrated worldwide. “Dayton: Peace in Perspective” is this year’s local International Day of Peace theme in recognition that most of us are fortunate enough to have a high degree of peace in our lives.


The Urban Youth Peace Academy is a grassroots student organization that grew out of streetpeace, a peace and social justice education program at Ruskin School and East End Community Services. As students completed their 8thgrade year at Ruskin, they wanted to continue their peace studies, sustain the community of learners they had formed, and invite new students from the various high schools they would be attending, into the peace process. In response to this dream, they came together as a core group of student leaders to form the Urban Youth Peace Academy, with a membership representing schools throughout the Dayton Public School district.


Students in the Urban Youth Peace Academy will participate in a full curriculum on Tuesday evenings, including the study of such books as A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah; Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl; and Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozal. They will participate in discussion circles around such movies as Blood Diamond; Life is Beautiful; Schindler’s List; Gran Torino; and The Chamber. Students will have opportunities for instruction and practice in non-violent responses to real life conflict.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Archway Dedication

Here's the latest news from the social committee!
The September social will be the annual Chili Cook-off, held on Saturday, September 18th. Steve and Heather at 155 McClure will be our hosts. 
We will also be celebrating the installation of our new archways at the McClure Street bridge and at the end of McLain Street near Bomberger Park. Several city officials have been invited to attend and we would like as many neighbors as possible to come out and show their support for the neighborhood. 
The social will start at 6:30  pm and we would like to take a group photo before the cook-off begins. Remember, this is a chili cook-off so we will need plenty of chili for the competition!! If you decide not to make chili please bring a salad or dessert to share. We hope everyone can attend. As always, family and friends are welcome. Looking forward to a great social!!!

The archway is the result of a grant from the City of Dayton, and some great work from our volunteer team leader, Jack.   Thank you!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Return of St. Ann

Here's an interesting story from the DDN that's not exactly about the neighborhood, but provides a different  perspective to our blog post about the old St. Ann's maternity ward here in Dayton.  An excerpt...

“In July of 1930, during the Great Depression, my mother had a bouncing baby girl at St. Elizabeth Hospital. It was me.  I have always been told that my mother was hoping for a son, and was ready with some possible boy names for the new baby. She was apparently surprised when I turned out to be a girl.  She always told the family she didn’t know what name to pick for me, and that someone suggested that she name me after the hospital where I was born, so my mom named me Elizabeth Ann.”
St. Elizabeth Hospital and St. Ann’s Maternity Hospital were adjacent to each other along the southwest side of the Great Miami River not far from downtown Dayton.
 Interestingly, our blog stats indicate that the post about the maternity hospital is among the most popular on this site!   I still can't help wondering if there is some connection lost in history...

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Your Downtown

Check out the latest newsletter from the Downtown Dayton Partnership - they mentioned St. Anne's Hill on page 3!  Here's their list of upcoming events:

Dayton Greek Festival
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Sept. 10-12

Hispanic Heritage Festival
RiverScape MetroPark
Sept. 11

Taste of the Miami Valley
RiverScape MetroPark
Sept. 17 & 18

LGBT Film Festival
The Neon Movies
Sept. 24-26

Oktoberfest
Dayton Art Institute
Sept. 25 & 26

Blue Man Group
Schuster Performing Arts Center
Sept. 28-Oct. 3

First Friday
Downtown
Oct. 1 & Nov. 5

The Sugar Witch
Dayton Theatre Guild
Oct. 22-Nov. 7

 Hauntfest on Fifth
Oregon Arts District
Oct. 30

For a complete list of events happening in Downtown Dayton, visit
www.downtowndayton.org

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Socials

Here is a message from the Social committee...

Hey St. Anne's!!
Thanks for the great turn out for the August PPD!! Over 50 people showed up and a great time was had by all!! Just a reminder, the next social will be held Saturday, September 18th. Steve and Heather will be hosting the annual Chili Cook-off. Be sure to mark your calendars and watch for your official flyer. Hope to see you all there!!
Mary Jo
Social Committee


 Special thanks to the Missing Peace Gallery and the other neighbors for hosting the event last weekend!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Ruskin Update

 FYI.... check out the new website for the school, too!

Do you have at least 1 hour a week? 
The kids are back in school and volunteers are needed!

Volunteers are needed at Ruskin School for one on one tutoring (K-8th), grounds crew (pulling weeds, trimming bushes), and more!  If you are interested contact David Lobo at 259-1898 or email him at dlobo@east-end.org.  Each volunteer will need to complete an application, background check and brief orientation.


Amanda Arrington
Community Organizer
East End Community Services
624 Xenia Avenue
Dayton, OH 45410
937.259.1898 ext 21



Monday, August 23, 2010

German Club

Some upcoming events from our neighbors at the Liederkranz-Turner German Club!

U P C O M I N G  E V E N T S 
28 August—Genealogy Group Meeting,1:30 p.m.
12 September—Dancers’ Picnic
15 September—GermanFest Picnic Wrap-Up Meeting, 7 p.m.
25 September—Genealogy Group Meeting
September—Tailgate Party, TBD
9 October—Oktoberfest
23 October—Genealogy Group Meeting
23 October—Fall Concert
6 November—Schlachtfest Dinner
20 November—Genealogy Group Meeting

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Festival

FYI.... announcement from the City:


City of Dayton Recreation and YOUth Services
Summer's End Teen Festival
August 21, 2010
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Bomberger Park
East Fifth & Keowee
Ages 13-17

Thursday, August 12, 2010

In the News

Check out the Dayton Daily News for a story about Anticoli's restaurant closing that references the original location in St. Anne's Hill.

Also, this week's Dayton City Paper has a nice article about the Front Street artists building just north of the neighborhood, including a reference to the correct French pronunciation of our own Dutoit Street!  (dew-twa)



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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

German Fest

The St. Anne's Hill Historic Society is proud to partner with our neighbors at the Liederkranz-Turner for the annual German Picnic!   This year's festival will be held at Carillon Park in Dayton.    We will be providing a team of volunteers for the Wine Booth on Saturday.   

Additional volunteers are still needed, and here is the information from our friends at the Liederkranz....

Volunteers Needed!
The GermanFest Picnic is on the horizon and volunteers are needed!  If you can spare an hour or two please see the loading, set-up and tear down schedule below.  The more help the better!

Thursday, Aug 12th, 7pm
Meet at the Liederkranz to load trucks

Friday, Aug 13th, 9am
Meet at Carrillon Park for set up

Sunday, Aug 15th, 6pm
Clean up at Carrillon begins after event closure

The Food Tent is also looking for volunteers on Saturday.  Please call Eben Bonear at 937.438.8552 if [you] are available. 

Dankeschoen!! 

--
Dayton Liederkranz-Turner
1400 E Fifth St, Dayton OH 45402
www.daytongermanclub.org

Please join us for a fun summer event in Dayton, and help support our community!

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Blue Sky

From the Blue Sky Project and our own Peter B.
"Of a River"
Live Performance Installation
Shaw Pong Liu & Rodney Veal
Thursday July 22, 2010
7 PM & 9 PM
WinterGarden @
The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
free to the public
http://www.blueskydayton.org/
http://www.victoriatheatre.com/
Check it out!
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Friday, July 16, 2010

Free Office Desks (2)


I have 2 nice office desks, contemporary, that were left in our rental in Butler Township,

free to anyone that can come and pick them up.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Pew for You

Looking for something unique for your home?  Maybe you would like to buy a church pew!  Here's a note from one of our members who is renovating a former church and making it their home:

We are finally beginning the renovation of the former sanctuary. Part of our plan is to remove most of the original pews. The original size was 20’ but we can reduce them to any size like 4,5,6 feet. Price is $250.00.
We can take mastercard/visa and hold for a few days. You pick up. Call Harry at 344-8501. We will place them on Craigslist next week, so let us know asap.
Ruth

For more information, you can also contact the Historic Society at news@stanneshill.org or stop by our next meeting on Tuesday, August 3 at the Liederkranz building on High Street in Dayton to learn more.

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Monday, July 12, 2010

Odd Fellows, Part 2

So,we learned last time that the stately building at the corner of Fifth and La Belle Streets belonged to the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) until 1982.   Today, we will learn about the building itself, and its history since the Odd Fellows sold the property.

The Montgomery County tax records indicate the building consists of 16,235 square feet of space that sits on 0.1235 acres of land.   According to the Sanborn Insurance maps, available online from the Dayton Metro Library, here's what that southeast corner at Fifth and La Belle Streets looked like in 1918:


Now we'll see what the property looks like today.  In the following map, note that the surrounding properties have changed, except for the corner property, which today is the St. Anne's Hill Violin Shop.   Here is an overhead map, courtesy of Google:


Tax records indicate that the building has changed hands a number of times in the 28 years since then.   Several of the owners appear to have been faith-based organizations.    The sales were as follows:
21-APR-84      unknown       individual
02-APR-85      $21,000        individual
09-NOV-90    $35,000         individual
05-NOV-93    $100,000       ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC.
10-OCT-03     $175,000      HORIZON HOPE MINISTRY
05-JAN-05      unknown        JESUS COMBINE NETWORK INC
11-DEC-07     $0  (gift)        WHITE DOVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Recently, things have not gone well for the turn-of-the-century building.   The current owner appears to have done little to maintain or renovate the building.   As of this writing, there are over $43,000 in delinquent property taxes dating back to 1997.   Somehow, this property has transferred 3 times without anyone paying their taxes!

It is interesting to note that the last two owners shared the same mailing address on Indianola Avenue.   The property located there is today owned by "Family Home Church, Inc." which itself owes over $55,000 in delinquent property taxes on that property as well.   Although the Oddfellows Hall may seem abandoned, rumor has it that several people have talked to the owners over the last few years, so someone is watching.

Unfortunately, it appears that the only way to save this building is for an investor to apply for the City of Dayton "Lot Links" program, formerly known as the "Reap" program.    This program allows an individual or company to force a tax foreclosure in order to remove the taxes and ultimately purchase a property through the Sheriff's auction process.

If you or someone you know might be interested in taking on this challenge, please contact the City of Dayton Planning Department at (937) 333-3670 or contact us with the St. Anne's Hill Historic Society at news@stanneshill.org today.

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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Odd Fellows, Part I

There is an especially odd building in St. Anne's Hill.   It has tall arched windows and strong brick foundations.   It has a curious history and a prime location overlooking downtown Dayton.    Many people have noticed its stately shape; its looming presence casting long shadows across the street.  

It is known as the Oddfellows Hall.

It may surprise you to learn there are still Oddfellows in Ohio.   First let's explore some history, from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows website:
In 17th century England, it was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. Those who belonged to such an organization were called "Odd Fellows"... 
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819 when Thomas Wildey and four members of the Order from England instituted Washington Lodge No. 1.
By 1861, there were over 200,000 Oddfellows across 42 states, according to Wildey's biography.   So that leads us to wonder when they came to the Dayton area.   The "Special Collections" archives at Wright State University Library has extensive files documenting Dayton's history, including our own St. Anne's Hill Historic Society archives.   

The Oddfellows Archive at WSU establishes their presence in the Dayton area, saying "The first Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Dayton, Montgomery Lodge #5, was instituted under a charter dated April 19, 1833.  The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Dayton Lodge # 273, was instituted April 20, 1855, and later became the I.O.O.F. Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen."  

Side Note: According to Daytonhistorybooks.com, the "Dayton Encampment" of Oddfellows wrote their Constitution in 1838, which provides some insight into their organizational structure.

Eventually, the local Oddfellows found their home in St. Anne's Hill.   Montgomery County Deed records indicate that the Oddfellows Hall in St. Anne's Hill was owned by Dayton Lodge #273 until the building was sold in 1982 - representing over 127 years of Dayton history.  Additional deed records reveal that several local lodges consolidated in 1983.


Stay tuned for Part II:  The Oddfellows Hall.

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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

World Cup

Message from the Liederkranz German Club...

I'm sure that Germany will be in the final. Even if they are not, we will be watching the World Cup Final at the club on Sunday, 11 July 2010. The doors and bar will open at 2:30 pm. Please bring a dish to share with all the other soccer fans. It should be a good time. Bring the kids. Let's cheer Germany all the way to the world cup!!!!!  Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!

Don't miss the semi-final match against Spain, Wednesday at 1:30pm on ESPN!  Go Germany!!

See you at the club.

Lori

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/index.html

--
Dayton Liederkranz-Turner
1400 E Fifth St, Dayton OH 45402
www.daytongermanclub.org

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Thank You!

Just a quick word of thanks to over 300 people who visited our Garden Tour yesterday! The weather was warm and the event was a great success. Many of our neighbors turned out to volunteer and, of course, enjoy our after-party social event.

Visit our website to see some pictures of the Tour!

Special thanks also to the High Street Gallery and the Missing Peace Gallery for being a part of the affair.  The next tour will be the 2011 Christmas Tour followed by another Garden Tour in 2012.

For more information or just to meet a friendly bunch of people, stop by our next meeting at 7 pm on the First Tuesday of every month in the Liederkranz building on High Street.
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Garden Tour

We are only days away from the 2010 Garden & Art Tour in St. Anne's Hill! The flowers are blooming, the grass is neatly trimmed, and everyone will be wearing their Sunday best.

Please join us this Saturday, June 26 as we celebrate Dayton's history with this unique event. It's so special, it won't happen again until 2012, so don't miss out!

Tickets are available online at stanneshill.org now.
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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Hill Treasures

St. Anne’s Hill Historic District 
"Trash ‘n Treasure" 
Annual Neighborhood Yard Sale Day
Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 8 a.m. until we run out of treasures! 
 
The neighborhood is located near Fifth and Keowee Streets.
Over 50 homes participating this year!

Sale map online by June 18th at www.stanneshill.org 
 
You’re sure to find some kind of treasure! 
Questions? Email trashntreasure@stanneshill.org 

Reminder - St. Anne's Hill Garden & Art Tour will take place on Saturday, June 26!

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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Wander

This just in...

The Ohio Wander Freunde Volksmarch Group will be putting on a Downtown Dayton Gardens Walk on Saturday, June 12, 8:30-3:00.


Since St. Anne's Hill has some lovely gardens, the first 5K (3.2 miles) of this walk will be going from the Second Street Market, through St. Anne's Hill and returning to the market.

Volksmarches are noncompetitive;,you walk at your own pace and the trail is clearly marked. Depending on the weather, they expect 100-150 people.

For more information, contact Mikki at mikkiw17[at]sbcglobal.net or 937-890-0416.
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Sunday, May 23, 2010

Tour Tickets

-
St. Anne's Hill Garden & Art Tour

Saturday, June 26, 2010
10 am - 5 pm

Presented by St. Anne's Hill Historic Society

Tickets online at www.stanneshill.org or
http://stanneshill-2010.eventbrite.com/


The St. Anne’s Hill Garden & Art Tour will make its biennial return Saturday, June 26, 2010, offering self-guided tours of some of Dayton’s most beautiful historic gardens and a unique selection of regional art, including the neighborhood’s two fine art galleries.


The self-guided tours will begin at the High Street Gallery located at 48 High Street in Dayton, Ohio. The tour will include a variety of unique gardens, galleries, local art vendors, and parks along our charming neighborhood streets. Visitors will pick up a program and then stroll through the gardens and galleries at their leisure. Enjoy the fresh air while perusing local art!


For a true old-fashioned treat, visit our Victorian Tea Garden for refreshments and enjoy a relaxing moment on the front lawn of the landmark Bossler Mansion overlooking downtown Dayton. This magnificent home is a landmark structure built in 1869, and it is considered Dayton’s best example of Second Empire architecture.


Tickets this year are $10 each for the tour alone, or $15 for the tour and a visit to the Victorian Tea Garden. Tickets may be ordered online at www.stanneshill.org. Ample parking is available at the Bomberger Center and Stivers School for the Arts.


Proceeds from the tour will benefit the St. Anne’s Hill Neighborhood Association, and are used to maintain the neighborhood’s historic character. Since it became a registered historic district in 1974, the St. Anne's Hill Historic District neighborhood has relied on the efforts of the volunteers in St. Anne's Hill Historic Society to insure its continued success and growth.


Spread the word!

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Monday, May 17, 2010

Alley, Swept

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An "alley sweep" sounds like something you'd see watching "COPS" on television, but it's actually an amazing example of how neighbors can come together to improve their community.

During the annual alley sweep in St. Anne's Hill Historic District, the City sends two garbage trucks and we provide a small army of volunteers who (sometimes literally) sweep through the alleys on a saturday afternoon. The mission is to clean them up and also give everyone a chance to get rid of their junk in a rite of spring cleaning.

We had another successful Alley Sweep this year, and a delicious pasta bake lunch provided by the Wheellers afterwards.

Here are a few pictures submitted by Jim and Pat on Henry Street! Hint: Click on the photos to enlarge them.



Clearing out debris from a renovation on Henry Street




Jim working hard on the rake.



Heather appears to be dancing, while yours truly looks on.


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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Annual Brunch

From the social committee....


ST ANNE’S HILL ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD BRUNCH

COME ONE; COME ALL TO ONE OF THE GREATEST EVENTS ON THE HILL!! SIT DOWN WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS AND ENJOY A SUMPTUOUS MEAL AND LIVELY CONVERSATION. THE SOCIAL COMMITTEE WILL PROVIDE COFFEE, TEA, JUICE AND MILK BUT THIS IS A POTLUCK, SO NEIGHBORS BREAK OUT YOUR MOST DELICIOUS BRUNCH RECIPES AND PLEASE MAKE ENOUGH TO SHARE WITH THE “HOOD”!!

HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE THERE!! REMEMBER EVERYONE IS WELCOME, SO IF YOU HAVE FAMILY OR FRIENDS YOU WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE TO THE NEIHBORHOOD WE WOULD LOVE TO MEET THEM!!

WHEN: SUNDAY MAY 16TH from 10 AM – 1PM

WHERE: FOURTH STREET (BETWEEN HENRY AND DUTOIT)

BRING: A YUMMY DISH (OR PERHAPS SOMETHING THAT FITS BEST IN A GLASS WITH A CELERY STALK, WHICHEVER)

** THERE IS NO COST FOR THIS SOCIAL**

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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Gates Foundation

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More news from Stivers! This is an excerpt from the Dayton Daily News...

4 Dayton students names Gates scholars
By Dave Larsen, Staff Writer

DAYTON — Four Dayton Public Schools students will receive full tuition to the college of their choice, extending to graduate and doctoral work, through a scholarship program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Stivers School for the Arts seniors Sheldon Brown, Megan Edmonds and Victoria Whorton, and Dayton Early College Academy senior Jordan Davis were announced Tuesday, April 20, as 2010 Gates Millennium Scholars...

Nominees are assessed in academic achievement, community service and leadership potential, according to the Gates Foundation. Eligible students must attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale...



Congrats to Stivers and the students on their success. Our neighborhood is proud to have such a great school in our community!
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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Stivers Events

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I thought naming this post "Desire" might lead the wrong people to this site, but check out these upcoming events at Stivers!

Stivers School for the Arts Presents:
A Streetcar Named Desire

Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the restless years following World War Two, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE is the story of Blanche DuBois, a fragile and neurotic woman on a desperate prowl for someplace in the world to call her own.

April 23-24, 2010
Starts at 08:00 PM
Cost:$6 students, $8 adults


... and mark your calendars for this one, too:

Stivers 9th Annual Photography Fundraiser
May 4-7, 2010

Fifth Street Gallery
1313 E. Fifth Street


Bowling Night

-
From the social committee...


St. Anne's Hill April Social !!!

When: This Saturday April 24th at 6:30pm

Where: Capri Lanes at 2727 S. Dixie Hwy (close to Golden Nugget Pancake House and Walmart)

Just $9.50 covers two games and your shoes!! Just identify yourself as a St. Anne's resident

Bring your family and friends and have a great time with your neighbors!!

Hope to see you all there!!

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Monday, April 19, 2010

BierFest

FYI...


BIERFEST! A Celebration of Microbrews
Friday, April 23rd, 2010 6:00 p.m.Pre register for a Discount. $13 Members, $15 Guests. Contact John Koerner to pre register at 937.429.9251 jabkoerner@aol.com

Price at the door $18, Admission for Designated Driver is FREE!

Come enjoy the next edition of the Liederkranz’s highly successful beer tasting parties. Sample some 10 different Craft & Special Style Beers in our Authentic Rathskeller.

Our Sampling Tour will begin at 7:00 p.m. led by Liederkranz member, Mike Schwartz, beer aficionado, home brewer, and owner of Belmont Party Supply, Dayton’s leading purveyor of fine beers and brewing supplies.

The Bierfest will include free snacks and door prizes. Food, including the famous Liederkranz brats, a variety of beers, and other drinks will be available for purchase.
http://www.daytongermanclub.org/

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Friday, April 2, 2010

Ribbon Cutting

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Here's some news from our neighbors to the south... this is a follow up to this post from January about the new homes under construction just down the street from St. Anne's Hill.

Twin Towers Crossing

Ribbon Cutting and Open House

Wednesday, April 14th


1 pm Ribbon Cutting

1-6 pm Open House

241 Allen Street

For more information, contact East End Community Services.



Tuesday, March 30, 2010

New Exhibit

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This Friday, April 2nd, 5pm to 9pm please join us for a timely and powerful art of peace exhibition.

The Missing Peace Art Space is proud to announce that it will be hosting Canadian Artist Helen Broadfoot’s “A Show of Respect”, a tragically beautiful exhibition of ten large oil paintings dealing with the effects of violence on children in the world as related to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The exhibition opening reception with the artist is April 2nd, 5pm to 9pm, and will run through May 9th.

For more information:

http://www.missingpeaceart.org/missing_peace_art_space_upcoming.htm

http://www.oilpaintingforpeace.com/wc.html

Peace & Best Wishes,

Gabriela Pickett
Curator

Missing Peace Art Space

a non-profit art gallery providing an artistic forum for exploring issues of peace and violence in a tolerant, non-commercial environment.

234 S. Dutoit St
Dayton OH 45402-2215
1(937) 241-4353

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Monday, March 29, 2010

Spring Art Show

Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors

Contact: Walt Murch

254-4311

wmurch@sbcglobal.net

HIGH STREET GALLERY

Spring Art Show

The Annual Juried Spring Art show will be at the 48 High Street Gallery April 11-25, 2010. Gallery Hours limited to Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 pm for this show. On view will be art work selected by art judge Julia May, Assistant Professor of Art and Curator of Earlham College Art Collection at Richmand, Indiana, from works entered by artist form the entire Dayton region. All St. Anne's Hills neighbors are invited to view the free exhibition and to the Opening Reception on April 11 from 1 to 5pm.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Open House

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The St. Anne’s Hill Historic Society will be hosting a special Showcase event to highlight some unique homes for sale in the St. Anne’s Hill historic district. At least Six Seven homes will be on display for a traditional “
Open House” showing by local real estate agents.

When: Sunday, March 28th from 2 - 4 pm


Where:

18 Potomac Street

1443 E Fourth Street

148 LaBelle Street

241 Henry Street

143 Henry Street

1623 E Fifth Street

124 McClure Street (Just added! 3/22/10)

The homes range from beautifully restored residences to charming rehab projects ready for the right family to make into their mark in a uniquely friendly neighborhood. Potential buyers and other visitors are invited to see the homes and consider the opportunity to own a piece of history.
Buyers may be eligible for the first-time homebuyer tax credit and the Community Reinvestment Area property tax abatement.

Participating Agents:

Molly Petkus, Real Living Petkus 241-6080

Kamela Kordik, Kamela & Co 299-0888

David E Roth Keller Williams Advantage 903-0576

Bonnie J Lewber, Prudential 299-8457



LINK TO HOME LISTINGS

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Friday, February 19, 2010

DCP Article

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More great publicity for the neighborhood! A big thanks to Katie at the Dayton City Paper for writing this article about St. Anne's Hill.

The best part is the growing recognition of our community as an arts district for downtown and the Dayton region, anchored by Stivers School for the Arts.


Thanks to Missing Peace Art Gallery, the High Street Gallery, St. Anne's Hill Violins, and Gerald S. for talking about their respective crafts.... and the New York Pizzeria for their great food!

Download the PDF file here to read the article.

Got news? Let us know! Contact
news@stanneshill.org


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Thursday, February 18, 2010

CRA News

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FYI, Part 3.

I've blogged about this before, but most people still don't know about the CRA program that provides property tax abatements in most of Dayton's historic districts, including St. Anne's Hill. Recently, a new
Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) was created for our neighbors in the Twin Towers neighborhood.



Here are some excerpts from the article about it in the Dayton Daily News...


The designation means that property owners who spend at least $5,000 on their single-family home or two-unit apartment could be eligible for a 100 percent property tax exemption for 10-years on the increased value resulting from the improvements....

The push for the designation comes from East End Community Services Corporation, the Oberer Development Company and St. Mary’s Development Corp., partners in Twin Towers Crossing, a 40-unit housing development....

About 25 of the homes valued at $200,000 are under roof with drywall going up.


Anyone making substantial renovations (improvements) to a property in St. Anne's Hill can also qualify for the tax abatement. For more information, contact the City of Dayton Department of Planning & Community Development at 333-3670.

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Mural Update

FYI, part 2

Feb. 20 • Mosaic Mural Volunteer Opportunity

K12 Gallery for Young People,

510 E. Third St.; 8-10 a.m.

This inspiring gallery is in the final stage of finishing 450 square feet of glass mosaic mural panels that will be installed in March. Everyone is invited to participate, no matter your age! Call to let the gallery know you are coming. 461-5149.

Save the Date

FYI...

Snowed in?? Now is the perfect time to start thinking about what you'd like to sell this summer in your Trash 'n Treasure sale!

And while you're at it, save the date: Saturday, June 19.

Details forthcoming via email, flyer and at http://www.stanneshill.org/

Maureen
Trash 'n Treasure Chair

Friday, February 12, 2010

Savor this!

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Feb. 14 • Savor Your Sundays



Coco's Bistro, 515 Wayne Ave.;
10:30 a.m. & noon seatings.


Every Sunday in February, hear live music from the talented students at Stivers School for the Arts while enjoying delicious brunch selections. February 14th features Stivers' String Ensemble. Proceeds will benefit Stivers School for the Arts.

Make reservations today, seating is limited.
$30/person. 228-2626.




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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Snow Day!

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Lots going on these days, despite the heavy blanket of snow covering the city. Here's a quick rundown of a few things in the neighborhood....

SNOW DELAY -- OPENING NEXT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The launch of the regional-based International Cities of Peace initiative, which is networking and seeding Cities of Peace around the world, will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12 at the Missing Peace Art Space, 234 Dutoit (near Stivers H.S.). A six panel color exhibit will focus on why Cities of Peace are important, as well as the Dayton Region's development as an international hub of peace-related events and organizations. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

And....

Dayton Liederkranz Presents:

Fasching Masquerade Ball

Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 7:30 - 11:30 pm
"A Little Bit Country A little Bit Rock & Roll!"

Fasching Admission is $8 per person ($1 off with costume!)
Listen to Live Music by Alte Kamaraden
Public Welcome! Free Parking!
And...

DSPS invites all St. Anne residents, friends and family to the free Gold Palette Art Show at 48 High Street Gallery open from March 7-March 21; gallery hours limited to Saturday and Sunday 1-5 PM for this free exhibition. Opening reception to be held on Sunday, March 7 from 1-5 PM.

Come enjoy everything going on in our community!


Stay warm!


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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

New Art

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This just in from our newest art gallery in St. Anne's Hill...


An opening for an exhibit on the International Cities of Peace initiative, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, will be held in the Missing Peace Art Space at the First Friday in Dayton celebration, February 5th from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m.


Also the Mary Perry Stone exhibition "Art Makes Us Human" see link below for details


http://www.womenarts.org/events/network/eventhome.php?action=searchevent&subaction=list&eventid=218

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Fun for Kids

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The City is putting on some fun events for teens at the Bomberger Center in St. Anne's Hill....

  • Teen Open Mic Jam - Feb. 12 & 26, March 12 & 26
  • Video Game Playoff - Feb. 5 & 19, March 5 & 19
  • Jr. Chess Club, Wednesdays beginning Feb. 3
  • Comic Art & Animation, Thursdays, beginning Feb. 4
Got kids? Check it out and let us know what you think!


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Monday, January 25, 2010

Mural Update

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The Fifth Street Mural project was featured in a Dayton Daily News article this weekend.


Lead artist Jessica McMillan is a recent graduate from The Arts Institute of Pittsburgh and has been working with K12 program director Kelly Sexton and their Artist in Training students since September. Other involved include St. Anne’s Hill neighbors, volunteers, and Franklin High School art teacher Margaret Hostetter and 11 of her students. The mural should be installed in March.

“The images on the mosaic will represent the different cultures and the diversity of the St. Anne’s Hill community,” Sexton said.


For more information, visit our Fifth Street Project webpage!

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

East End


Check out the new house going up on McClure Street! Okay, technically it is not in St. Anne's Hill but just across the bridge, near Ruskin School and St. Mary's Church. Still, this is good news for the community.



The house is part of the Twin Towers Crossing project, that will build almost 40 new lease-to-own homes in east Dayton. The project is driven by East End Community Services with financial support from the City of Dayton and State of Ohio.



They are are also running the new (and very popular) De-Construction program. That program hires unemployed workers to dismantle nuisance structures by hand, and then sell the materials. Not only does it create jobs, but it reduces the waste stream going to landfills.



Just another example of the great things happening in Dayton!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Mystery Solved?

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I had always heard that nobody knew exactly where the name "St Anne's Hill" had come from. The story goes that it appeared in local advertisements for a greenhouse nursery in the area, sometime around the turn of the century. The name stuck, and our neighborhood has been known at St. Anne's Hill ever since. So that was always the story. That is, until now...


During the "Dickens of a Christmas" home tour, I heard a different story. According to our neighbor (and friend) Fred, there was another rumor for the origins of the name. He had heard there was a maternity ward for unwed mothers at the old St. Elizabeth Hospital. It is established fact that the hospital existed for many decades until it closed a few years ago. Today, it is a thriving multi-tenant medical center.


Anyway, during the Great Dayton Flood of 1913 much of downtown Dayton was underwater. Back then, much like today, the area was a bustling mix of homes and small businesses, including a little company now known as NCR. As floodwaters rose, many residents of Dayton fled to higher ground for refuge. For some, that refuge was found in a neighborhood on a hill, just to the east of the center city.


So what then, of the hospital and the maternity ward? Well, it was located at the river's edge to the west of downtown. Fred went on to say that the young orphans and unwed mothers were supposedly carried up the hill in east Dayton to escape the flood.

The name of that maternity ward? Yup, it was "St. Ann's" and now, for the first time, here is the proof:







This is from the 1919 Sanborn Insurance Maps of Dayton, available from DaytonMetroLibrary.org and considered one of the best sources for historical data.


So could it be that our neighborhood was named for the fortunate orphans and mothers of St. Ann's maternity ward who were rescued from the flood? Were there generous neighbors who took the children into their homes? Perhaps the greenhouse took it's name from this tale of heroism?

Does this solve the mystery? I guess we'll never know for sure.



UPDATE: I guess I was wrong about that theory! An alert reader sent me an email saying:

There is a reference to "St. Anne's Hill" in The History of Montgomery County Ohio, published by W.H. Beers & Co. in 1882. Under a heading called "Village Plats and Other Localities," on page 595, this book says:

  • "Saint Anne’s Hill was the high ground from the corner of McLean and Eagle streets north to Third street." (Knowing what I do, I believe it was not necessary to indicate the eastern border of St. Anne's Hill, as it then went to the city limits.)

The word "was" implies to me that by 1882 "St. Anne's Hill" was a name that had been used in the past and had dropped out of common usage. This would also mean by the time of the 1913 Dayton Flood, the name "St. Anne's Hill" had once been used and was long forgotten.



Do you have any old stories about the neighborhood? Let us know!

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Friday, January 15, 2010

Grants

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Two big grant announcements this week that will definitely have a positive impact on our community! Both were reported in the Dayton Daily News.




First, an expansion of the popular "De-Construction" program that saves historic building materials and sells them for re-use...

DAYTON — The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission said it will administer a $1.5 million federal economic stimulus job-training grant that will pay for work by various organizations to dismantle old, vacant houses.

East End Community Services, PowerNet, Architectural Reclamation Co., St. Vincent de Paul and Dayton Works Plus LLC are involved in a partnership effort to dismantle the vacant homes.


They will be displaying materials at this weekend's Home Show at Hara Arena.

Even bigger news, the City of Dayton and a coalition of regional partners won a huge $29 million stimulus grant!


The cities of Dayton, Kettering and Fairborn along with Montgomery County and the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority jointly applied for the Neighborhood Stabilization II funds to finance purchase of foreclosed homes for either demolition or rehab.

The goal is getting properties back on the housing market, Sorrell said. The award will address approximately 1,000 structures with work expected to get underway by late February.

Dayton neighborhoods likely impacted by the grant are Santa Clara; a swath of houses west of Main Street in the 45406 ZIP code; the Greater Inner West area, Westwood, Twin Towers, Walnut Hills, Linden Heights and Inner East.


Congrats to the community leaders who make these projects happen. More good news is on the way!

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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Gray's Days

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The Dayton Daily News featured another one of our neighbors this week, and some great historic photos as well...


Photographers may recognize Dennis Gray’s family name from its connection to GraLab darkroom timers. Dennis Gray’s grandfather founded the company, DimcoGray, that still manufactures the devices in Centerville. DimcoGray, then located in the Oregon District, was passed down to John Daniel Gray, who was president until the 1980s, when he sold the firm to his employees.

Gray’s father died two years ago, and his collection nearly disappeared with him. Gray said his father didn’t recognize the value of the shots and wanted to throw them away.

When the photos passed from father to son, Dennis Gray knew where to turn for help. He was familiar with the Wright State archive from his volunteer work with the St. Anne Hill Historic District and First Lutheran Church.

His father’s collection “was a treasure waiting to be unlocked, but the technology wasn’t there until just a few years ago,” he said.



He's just one of the many "Dayton Originals" in St. Anne's Hill!
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Sunday, January 3, 2010

Bomberger

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Let's start the new year with a look back. Most residents of St. Anne's Hill travel past Bomberger Park every day, but how many know it's history?


First, who was this Bomberger? According to DaytonHistoryBooks.com, there were at least two notable Bombergers...
William Bomberger was born in Philadelphia, April 7, 1779. His parents were Quakers, and in that faith he was reared and lived until his death. When eighteen years of age he was shot by the accidental discharge of his gun while hunting, and from the effects of the wound was always a delicate man, although he lived to be seventy-seven years of age.

He came to Dayton about 1806 or 1807. He was a quiet, peaceable citizen, upright, honest, and conscientious in all things. He held the office of treasurer of Montgomery County for fourteen years. He brought some means with him and bought a good deal of property in the eastern and southeastern part of Dayton, to which he retired in 1842 and spent the remainder of his life, which ended December 19,1855.

In 1810 he married Sarah
George, daughter of William George, and had three children: [one of whom was] George Wilson [Bomberger], who died, while Mayor of Dayton, June 6, 1848, in the thirty-sixth year of his age;
Today's Dayton Daily News offered a profile of our new Mayor (who will take office on Monday), and a look back at our past Mayors over the years, including Mayor Bomberger.


Now, let's see how the park has evolved over the years. Here's a Sanborn Insurance Company map from 1913, which is a great resource available from DaytonMetroLibrary.org:



It may have looked something like this:




Here is what the park looks like today, thanks to Google Maps...



... or as seen during one of our many tours!



Eagle Street and some of the surrounding homes were lost to urban renewal, but the result was a larger, more accessible park just seconds away from Route 35. So it is easy to see how times have changed and the park has grown over the years.

For more information about our community, stop by our meeting this Tuesday at 7 pm in the Liederkranz building on High Street.
Happy New Year!

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