News Summary

»Photos: Downtown Dayton's Arcade

The historic Arcade complex in downtown Dayton is down, but not out.

Even though the financial woes of a failing economy continue to impede grassroots efforts to save the grand and glorious structure, the heart of the facility still has a pulse, and most Daytonians are praying for an 11th hour reprieve.

In hopes of reaching more supporters, and to make sure the incredible story of the complex is never forgotten, a new book which chronicles the history of the Arcade with anecdotes, colorful memories and photographs has been published.

Titled "The Dayton Arcade - Crown Jewel of the Gem City" - the book was written and designed by Curt Dalton, an employee of Dayton History, the Dayton and Montgomery County historical organization. Only 1,000 copies were published.

Assisting Dalton were a number of Daytonians who serve on a committee known as the "Friends of the Dayton Arcade." They have been working diligently to save the Arcade, which was opened in 1904. The complex has been closed since 1991, except for a few public tours.

"It is possible we can save this beautiful piece of Dayton," said Maribeth Graham, one of the committee members. "If we continue to build support, and if we raise enough money, we can make a miracle happen. Do you remember how the Victoria Theater was saved? We helped work on that, saw support build, and eventually got the job done."

Copies of the book, which is being sold for $25, are available beginning today, Dec. 1, in the Save the Arcade office at 137 N. Main St., across the street from the Victoria. The offices are open between noon and 6 p.m. from Monday through Friday until December 23, or until the supply has been sold out. All proceeds will be used to help preserve the Arcade.

Also on sale are notecards designed by David Smith with various sketches of the Arcade, and book marks with photos taken by Nancy Roach of various views of the Arcade and the glass domed rotunda, sold for $5 a piece.

The book is also on sale downtown at Hauer Music, Dayton Visual Arts Center, Gallery 510 Fine Arts in the Oregon district and the Dayton Engineer's Club.

Those who have purchased a book will have a chance to meet Dalton and get the book autographed at the Dayton Metro Library downtown on E. Third St. from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 6.

"Many of the memories shared in the pages of the book are a result of interviews accomplished last spring by volunteers Diane Wallace, Nancy Roach, and Jo Granzow," Graham said.

An example of the anecdotes is the book is offered by Daytonian Otto Hohm, who was 8 or 9 the mid-1940s.

"It was during the war years," he recalled. "I remember taking a street car downtown and getting off at Third near Main, walking in the Third Street entrance of the Arcade and going all the way to the back and buying a BIG bag of popcorn from Mrs. Furderer. I think it was like 5 or 10 cents and it had a picture of a red elephant on a white bag - it was called Jumbo Popcorn - and then going on the Fourth Street side of the Arcade and walking across the street and going to the Keith's theater or catty-corner to the Colonial theater to see a movie."

»Photos: Downtown Dayton's Arcade

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.