Appalachian Migration to Dayton, Ohio: Factory Jobs, Neighborhoods, and Urban Decline

Appalachian Migration to Dayton, Ohio: Factory Jobs, Neighborhoods, and Urban Decline

Between the 1930s and 1960s, thousands of Appalachian families came to Dayton seeking factory work. This episode traces how the migration connected to Dayton's industrial boom and decline, the neighborhoods where they lived, and what remains today. Follow all my work on Dayton history & redevelopment: https://daytonvistas.com/newsletter [https://daytonvistas.com/newsletter]

Dayton Neighborhoods: History and New Projects in South Park, Wright-Dunbar, Midtown

In this episode, I explore several Dayton neighborhoods, including South Park, Wright-Dunbar, and Midtown near the former fairgrounds site. I cover new development projects alongside the history behind these areas, including a lost stretch of Brown Street connected to Martin Sheen’s childhood and how these neighborhoods have changed over time. Browse more neighborhood history: https://daytonvistas.com/dayton-vistas-articles/

3 Dayton Buildings Lost in 2025 — and Why Historic Preservation Matters

3 very different buildings were demolished in Dayton in 2025, and I dig into their history and what they represented. I also address a broader question: why historic preservation matters in the first place, especially with more everyday buildings rather than famous landmarks. Links/images: https://daytonvistas.com/three-historic-buildings-lost-in-dayton-in-2025/ [https://daytonvistas.com/three-historic-buildings-lost-in-dayton-in-2025/]

5 Dayton Redevelopments to Watch in 2026: Downtown and Neighborhood Projects — and Why They Matter

In the 1st episode of the Dayton Vistas Podcast, librarian and local history author Andrew Walsh explores 5 redevelopment projects shaping Downtown Dayton and its historic neighborhoods, from the Dayton Arcade and Centre City Building to smaller-scale housing and preservation projects. Related articles: https://daytonvistas.com/5-dayton-redevelopment-projects-2026/ [https://daytonvistas.com/5-dayton-redevelopment-projects-2026/]