We wanted to share stories the Dayton Daily News has created in the past about some of these interesting facts.
At the bottom of this story, there’s a form to submit your own thoughts, as we’re always looking for topics for our weekly “Vintage Dayton” history newsletter, which hits inboxes on Fridays at 10 a.m. (sign up here).
Here are some great facts:
• Cheez-Its were invented in Dayton
• The Dayton Project developed the polonium triggers for the Manhattan Project.
• Dayton hosted the first NFL game where the Dayton Triangles beat the Columbus Panhandles.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
• The electric starter in your car was invented in Dayton
• The gangster John Dillinger was arrested in Dayton.
• Opening a can of soda? The pop top for cans was invented here.
• Erma Bombeck and Phil Donahue were from Dayton.
• Our music history. There would be no G Funk without Dayton Funk and Roger Troutman.
• Martin Sheen was born in Dayton and Allison Janney and Rob Lowe grew up in Dayton and they would later all star together in “West Wing” on TV.
• The Dayton Accords aka Dayton Peace Accords were drafted in Dayton.
• Comedian Jonathan Winters was born in Bellbrook.
• Harry Houdini once performed downtown
• Mike Schmidt, perhaps the greatest third baseman ever, was born in Dayton.
• Dayton played a significant role in beating the World War II Nazi Enigma machine.
• The Ice Cube Tray with quick release lever was invented in Dayton.
• Bruce Banner — The Incredible Hulk of the Marvel comics universe — was born in Dayton.
• Comedian George Carlin met his wife in Dayton.
What are your favorites? Submit in the form below.
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