Dayton historic sites: See how Stivers, the city’s oldest high school, has changed through the years

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Stivers School for the Arts was known as East High in 1908 when ground was broken on East Fifth Street in Dayton.

The high school was named Stivers Manual Training High School when the doors opened in 1914. The new name honored Captain Charles Bryant Stivers, a Civil War veteran and a Dayton school principal, according to Dayton Public Schools.

The school building is the subject of this week's update to the popular Then & Now photo feature, which explores past and present views of notable Dayton locations.

» SPECIAL PHOTO FEATURE: Then & Now, looking back in Dayton

After a decade of offering vocational education, the school became a performing arts magnet for seventh and eighth grade students.

In 1990, Stivers School for the Arts became a visual and performing arts magnet for grades nine through 12. Students can study a variety of arts including band, choir, theater, dance and visual arts.

The building was placed on the National Historic Register in 2001.

About the Author