From the early days at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds and Inland Park through the years of downtown parades and major community events, Daytonians have found ways to enjoy the holiday to the fullest.
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For this edition of Vintage Dayton, we go into the archives for a selection of notable stories from the Dayton Daily News archives that demonstrate the varied ways the Fourth of July has been celebrated in the community over several decades.
More on Fourth of July history
• PHOTOS: Reliving July 4 ads from the Dayton Daily News archives
• PHOTOS: July 4 front pages of the Dayton Daily News through the years
• Local 2025 Fourth of July events: Parades, fireworks and festivals
Did you know?
Here are a few great Dayton history facts we’ve learned from our stories:
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the commencement speech at Central State University’s in 1958.
• The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery traces its roots back to a natural history museum that opened in 1893.
• The local “Rising Generation” television show started as a talent show for Junior Achievement participants.
• Daytonian Dr. Eleanor Gertrude Brown was the first blind person to graduate from Ohio State University.
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Thank you for reading.