Gem City Jewels

KittyHawk Room at Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel opened on the northeast corner of First and Main streets on Nov. 16, 1929, less than a month after the stock market had crashed. Although it went into receivership, it was able to survive long enough to come back to life during World War II. The Biltmore’s elegant interior included marble stairs, crystal chandeliers and the latest designer furniture. The Biltmore also boasted the biggest ballroom in Dayton. It was here that people gathered to watch Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington play. People still remember when local big-band leader Michael Hauer and his band played in the Kitty Hawk room, which was broadcast on the CBS Radio network.