Archives: Markers

2-18 The Arcade

A Historic Landmark in Architecture Built 1890. Designed by John M. Eisenmann and George H. Smith as a big-city mercantile center. The five-story galleries connect the ten-story towers facing the city’s two main thoroughfares. Of unique architectural design and of daring construction, its exterior is Romanesque Revival, a popular Victorian style from 1875-1900.

32-79 Tuscora Park

Tuscora Park, on land once owned by Jeremiah Reeves, opened as a private amusement park on June 1, 1907. Despite rain, the grand opening brought thousands of visitors to the park. Throughout the summer months, large crowds enjoyed such features as a swimming pool, sea wave, restaurant, dancing pavilion, and twice-daily free band concerts. The […]

38-57 First Baptist Church of Dayton Bicentennial

First Baptist Church of Dayton organized on May 29, 1824. A council met on the porch of William Huffman’s home at Third and Jefferson and approved 9 members as a congregation. The next day Lydia Huffman was baptized in the Great Miami River, the first recorded Baptist immersion in the city. Their first church building […]

103-31 Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains

The Cathedral of St. Peter In Chains has ministered to Catholics in Ohio for more than 175 years. In 1840, Bishop John Baptist Purcell recognized the need for a cathedral to serve his growing catholic immigrant community and asked architect Henry Walter to draw up designs in neo-classic Greek style. The cornerstone was laid in […]

32-29 Lewis A. Jackson, Aviator / Lewis A. Jackson, Educator & Innovator

Lewis Albert Jackson (December 29, 1912-January 8, 1994) was an African American aviator remembered for training Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. As a teenager in Indiana, he began flight lessons and soloed in 1932, flying his own Waco 10. Jackson spent 1932-1937 barnstorming to save money for college while earning his Transport Pilot’s License. […]

35-55 First UPC Barcode Retail Scan

On June 26, 1974, the first retail scan of a product marked with a Universal Product Code (UPC or barcode) was made in the checkout line of Troy’s Marsh Supermarket located at 982 N. Market Street. A ten-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum was scanned to simulate the purchase of a product. The barcode […]

33-29 Gowdy Associate Reformed Cemetery

Gowdy Cemetery was sold by James Gowdy to the Associate Reformed Church in 1820 for 50 cents. After Xenia’s Woodland Cemetery was chartered in 1845, Gowdy fell into disuse. Its last burial was James Gowdy in 1853. Gowdy Associate Reformed Cemetery is the resting place for many prominent citizens that brought mercantile and economic growth […]

12-25 (revised) Ovid Wellford Smith (9 November 1844-28 January 1868) / Medal of Honor Recipients At Green Lawn

Ovid Wellford Smith, aged 16, enlisted in the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry as James Smith. He volunteered for the 1862 “Andrews’ Raid” mission to destroy Confederate supply lines. Enroute Smith became ill and was detained near Huntsville, Alabama, prior to the April 12 capture of “The General” locomotive at Big Shanty, Georgia. He escaped and […]

37-47 Wilson Bruce Evans House

The Wilson Bruce Evans House, 33 East Vine Street, is a rare example of a residence built and occupied by an African American abolitionist and Underground Railroad operative. Free-born in North Carolina, Wilson Bruce Evans (1824-1898) moved to Oberlin in 1854. A skilled cabinetmaker, he opened a carpentry shop with his brother, Henry (1817-1886). Together […]

4-28 (B) Bainbridge Center Historic District

Bainbridge Center Historic District. Founded in 1817, Bainbridge Township was named for Commodore William Bainbridge, commander of the USS Constitution during the War of 1812. The unincorporated hamlet of Bainbridge Center is both the geographic and historic center of Bainbridge Township. The town hall, churches, stores, shops, a school, and post office were established in […]