By J

May 27, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

There is so much that is great about the Dayton region. The problem is: Daytonians don’t have any pride in their city. In my line of work, I have the opportunity to travel to various locations to talk about the history of aviation in our region. 99% of the time, the people I am speaking with have either lived here, worked here or have heard amazing things about the area! And most of those who have lived here wish they could come back. We have world class museums, an amazing aviation history (including the home, Hawthorn Hill, of the world’s most famous aviation families - the Wright brothers), biking trails, metroparks, performing arts venues, National Park Service sites… and all people in Dayton can talk about is the poor schools, the crappy neighborhoods and how there isn’t anything to do! Maybe if everyone who lived here took it upon themselves to take advantage of everything there IS to do (most of it for FREE!), we could begin building some internal pride and make things better.

By EY

May 27, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

The arts! Dayton’s arts groups are nationaly recognized and outshine those of cities twice our size. They are affordable, high quality, and offer options for everyone.

By FOSTER

May 27, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

UMMM…ANYTHING ELSE???

By Rick

May 27, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

I agree with J’s and EY’s comments. From the outdoors to the Arts, there is so much to do. Take the arts, my wife and I see the Human Race Theater and the Victoria Theater, see the Dayton Philharmonic and the Air Force Band of Flight. Those of you who have seen the latter know what a gem it is. We have also gone to Sinclair’s Theater. Wright State is supposed to have really good theater, but we are so busy that we can’t seem to fit it in. We will someday however.

By Amy

May 28, 2008 5:53 AM | Link to this

Great video - it makes me proud to live here in Dayton. Funny thing is that I too cannot find the time to do everything that is available. I laugh when people say there is nothing to do in this town - they’d likely say the same thing no matter where they lived.

By EY

May 28, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Foster - I’ve lived in many places, Dayton has so much to offer. Get off the couch and find it.

By JD

May 29, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Foster: If you don’t like the arts then how about all of the festivals held every weekend (most weekends with more than one) throughout the entire summer and fall?? Not only are they fun, but you can learn about so many other cultures through their food, drink and dance. Like aviation? Not only do we have the Air Force Museum, but we also have Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Carillon Park (with THE ORIGINAL 1905 Flyer on display), Wright B Flyer in Miamisburg where you can take a ride on a replica Wright flyer, the Wright family mansion Hawthorn Hill, WACO Field, Grimes Field, the National Park Service and Huffman Prairie Flying Field. There is something for everyone here in Dayton. People just need to quit complaining and get up off the couch and DO SOMETHING!

By Pat

May 29, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

I really appreciate those whose efforts went into this video and what they are ultimately trying to accomplish. However, the video definitely needs to be re-edited so that some of the ‘untruths’ can be taken out. First, Stebbins is not one of the best schools in the state or area, in fact it’s among the worst ones. Also, Oakwood is its own city and not in Dayton, the video should reflect that Oakwood is part of the ‘Dayton Area’ Finally, Dayton is not a small town, it’s a medium-sized midwestern town with 1.1 million people in the Dayton Metro Area. Thanks! :-)

By d

May 31, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

yes dayton may have been the Gem City, but due the lack of interest of all of the communities within the city, once you leave the downtown area and travel East, West and North within the City limits some of these are areas are upsetting because they have the potential to be a “Gem” within. I left dayton a year ago when i seen so much in the north side of town, which seems to be in the news frequently about robberies and shootings. Downtown is a wonderful place to be, but look around, statements from real estate folks should look on the side of safety and not numbers, the homes that are bought in these areas are often placed back on the market because they have uncovered the truth.

By Jon

May 31, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

I think it’s redundant and counter-productive to keep on touting all the great things about Dayton. Yes! There are all kinds of incredible things there for just about anyone. It’s fantastic. The problem lies in the fact that the economy and infrastructure of this community is totally screwed. Bring in the “creative class” that has been discussed, bring back industry and the jobs that come with it, and maybe… just maybe people will take more pride in this city and things will improve. It’s simple. Arts and all the nice little touches help, but we need the basics taken care of before we can enjoy all of that.

By J

June 3, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Jon: I completely agree that we need to focus more on the basics but we also need people to stand up and begin to be proud of what there IS here in Dayton. You can’t fix the basis without a glimmer of hope and I truly believe that glimmer of hope comes from all the good that gets buried in all the negative news stories we hear each and every day. Start thinking and hearing positives, pride will begin to take hold and things will start looking better for the long run. Oh, and getting rid of the Mayor should our #1 priority! We need someone in charge who understands the inner workings of a city such as Dayton. McLin has shown no such knowledge thus far.

By Steve C

June 25, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Why can’t Dayton be the first city to support WET TV

By Frank A Maher

June 26, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Dayton’s history is filled with greatnes; in science, engineering, business, and even sports. Unfortunately, the people with the ability to retain some of that greatness (i.e., the local government and businesses, and the Dayton Daily News) are too willing to toss it aside. The first NFL football game was played in Dayton, but how many know that fact, and what kind of events and news coverage is ever given to spread that piece of history. James Cox, as owner of the DDN, started the Dayton Daily News Montgomery County Tennis tournament in 1895 and except for 1944, the event has been held for a total of 111 years. The second oldest Tennis Tournament in the United States. but this year, No one at the DDN cares about history, or the legacy of the original owner of the DDN. They don’t care about tennis, and are not interested in continuing the Tournament. Another piece of the potential Greatness of Dayton will be lost. For Shame!!!

By sharon

June 27, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

I am a homeowner in the city of Dayton, living practically downtown on the east side. I work downtown in a restaurant, and have a part time job in Centerville. I chose to live in Dayton because of the wonderful house values at the time when I purchased, and even with the current downturn in real estate, I believe that I made the right move for me and my family. However, working in Centerville, I often find myself talking with people who are shocked and amazed to meet someone who actually lives in downtown Dayton. “Aren’t you afraid?” they inevitably ask. “is it scary?” I met a man the other day who has lived in Centerville for 15 years and has NEVER been downtown! Never! It was my turn to be shocked…when I asked why he retorted “why should I? Isn’t it dangerous?” Whether we like it or not, the perception of those living out in the burbs, and other places in the Miami Valley, is that Dayton is a drug and crime infested city over run by gangs and homeless people, full of vacant boarded up repossessed houses, and quickly going to hell in the proverbial handbasket. We are doing a very poor job of promoting the area to anyone, let alone the folks who live in our backyards. On the one hand, we tout “the arts” and all the attractions we have to offer, while the front page headlines of the DDN scream “Ground Zero” and tally up the body counts. It’s all about perception,folks, and the public is all too willing to be spoon fed violence and mayhem by the media and swallow it whole with out question. Seriously, I challenge some one from the paper to come to my house, interview me, take pictures of the other people like me who live here because we choose to, and begin to show the other face of Dayton.

By Michael

June 29, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

You know a city is going down the tubes when they start talking about “The Arts”. What does that even mean? Cities are famous for the blues, Broadway, etc….but which “arts” are we referring to? Sounds like a city full of people who couldn’t care less less about art. Besides, art cannot be brought to the city just by building venues for it. Want to save Dayton? Become known for being the freest city in America. Eliminate taxes, building codes, parking restrictions, drug/alcohol laws, etc. Then sell off the land in front of the rivers to the highest bidder. You’ll have a bumping city in no time. As a mid-sized city, you can’t do silly paternalistic things like ban smoking in private establishments, and then wonder why no one wants to move there.

By Michael

June 29, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

WOW! I had no idea Dayton had anything to do with aviation! Knowing this, I’m completely blown away that young people from all over the nation aren’t moving here en masse just for the chance to live in a city that once was home to long-dead people who did something amazing a long time ago….then they can go learn about it in a museum! Golly, what a swell place to live. Puh-leaze… Older people who remember the development of mass air travel might be impressed by such things, but it’s become a normal part of life. After all, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin was an agricultural revolution in the late 1700’s, but it’s not a reason to move to Connecticut. Young people are attracted to places where they can feel free. Foster this, and they will come and develop the area on their own without the assistance of busybodies trying to promote their personal visions of Dayton…

By Penny

July 3, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Great video, however, I was a little disturbed by the lack of African Americans in the video…This city has a high percentage of Blacks and therefore, I feel the video was misleading to a large degree!

By Penny

July 3, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Great video, however, I was a little disturbed by the lack of African Americans in the video…This city has a high percentage of Blacks and therefore, I feel the video was misleading to a large degree!

By Dan

July 4, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

What’s great about Dayton? We have a great history. We have great people. We have great ammenities. We have a great location in the midwest. However, people will not want to live here as long as each individual community looks out for its own interest and not the interest of the entire region. Look at how the suburbs have grown and the downtown is a ghost town after 6 PM. When forced busing and the subsequent “white flight” occured in the 70’s, the heart of the city was cut out. Instead of working together as regional communities, everyone ran leaving the mess we now have. Was busing the right thing? I don’t believe so, but I do beleive racial integration could have been achieved in a more harmonious way. Why can’t we look past skin color, set our petty problems aside and work together to rebuild this once great city. With GM virtually gone from the city, there is a huge hole to fill. We have a community of generous people where many are willing to help each other. Let’s quit looking for instant gratification and look for a long term solution. Don’t take the attitude of “If I don’t get MY way, then I won’t cooperate.” Does anyone any where know the meaning of the word sacrifice? It involves giving up something you have for the benefit of someone else. I have been a resident of Dayton all my 52 years. I have lived in the city, gone to school in the city, worshipped in the city and worked in the city. I have seen what Dayton has been, what it currently is and what it can be. Let’s work together as neighbors, residents, corporations and communities for a better Dayton.

By karon

July 6, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Dayton must bring back the downtown. Cities are where job creations starts. The city of Dayton must attract young urban professionals on the city council. The city of Cincinnati has really turned around , because of there new urban professionals on the city coucil. Right now the city council of Cincinnati is planning for streetcars. These streetcars will attract thousands of new jobs and tourism for the city! Dayton must address transportation if it wants to attract new people to the area.

By Rick

July 8, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

I, once again, attended CityFolk festival and it was great! It was also free. This is another Gem that we have in this city.

By Rick

July 20, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

I just got back from Michelob Ultra Cool Film series where we saw Cool Hand Luke. Last week we saw Lawrence of Arabia. The Jazz Festival was also going on downtown.

By ej

July 24, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

I’ve lived in Dayton three times. Of course there are greater cities, but it’s reasonable to live here, it’s green, it has alot of history, it has good parks and libraries, good animal shelters, Dorothy Lane Market, there are free things to do here. We do need more jobs, better pay here.

By Rick

July 28, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

What’s great in Dayton. Well they just had the antique car show, the Celtic Festival, and the Dayton Dragons. As a matter of fact, after the Dragons game ended Friday night a lot of fans wandered over to the Festival and the place was packed. I will be going to the Dragons game tonight and, no, I do not expect to be harassed, hassled, or shot.