Historic Huffman

Keepers of the Gate

Joel Michael — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:34:36 +0000

Last weekend’s lawn mowing ritual was interrupted when I noticed the plantings around the gate at the end of the street were quite overgrown. Cleaning up the gate isn’t really anyone’s responsibility. Ideally, the city’s street maintenance department would make sure that the weeds don’t overtake the end of our street. But, we’ve sort of commandeered the little bit of dirt around each of the brick gate posts for our own plants. Since we tend to our plants and their surroundings more frequently than the city needs to pay attention to the gate, I suppose that makes us the gatekeepers – so to speak.

It wasn’t just the planting beds that demanded attention. This summer’s hot, wet weather has the weeds growing in the joints between the bricks of the pavement. Since the gate almost completely limits car traffic, no tires, exhaust fumes or automotive fluids stunt their growth. To prevent the end of June Street from being completely reclaimed by nature, we broke out the shovels and brooms. A lightweight aluminum snow shovel slices the weeds off right at street level. The clipped weed piles were so numerous, we ended up filling both of our compost bins with street vegetation and dirt that had collected in the gutters.

So now it’s clean again. In fact, a little too clean. Its appearance is just sterile enough to remind me of an item that had been long forgotten on my to-do list – gate planter boxes! What’s one more project?

Ain’t Easy Being Green

Lessons from Jason

Erin 'n' Mark Caldwell — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:30:23 +0000

Our street is one of the busier streets for foot-traffic in the neighborhood–we have a bus stop at the corner, and Circle K and the Fifth Street deli just around the corner. Although I grew up with my Father greeting anyone and everyone who walked down the street (even while HE walked down the street), I do not possess the same friendly nature and most of the time I assume people would rather be left alone. The friendliness of my father resumed it’s genetic course in my son, however. We spend a lot of time in our back yard, and I’ve been trying to spend more time in the front yard as well. I’ll take some time to read the mail on the porch or weed the curb lane, and Jason will be always greeting those passersby who happen to be within earshot. Mind you, earshot means across the street or a block away, but his intentions are good. If one of the many pedestrians begins a conversation with him that goes beyond the cursory greeting, they always get an earful of Jason’s his latest trip to the zoo, what he had for lunch, or where his daddy is working today. He will not only relate the details of his own life, but will ask them about their own—where they’re going, if they like ice cream, etc.

I used to try to keep Jason’s conversations to a few words so as not to annoy those he was speaking with, but then I realized that most of the people he talks with are smiling as they walk away. Jason does what we all should do with those who we encounter throughout the day: he befriends them and engages them. Be it a familiar neighbor or just someone using our street as a thoroughfare to get to the Circle K, Jason sees everyone as a potential friend and reminds everyone of the basic need we have for companionship and conversation. In a world of isolation and suspicion, Jason is a good example of common courtesy and the way we should value all those walking by, not just those we know. So the next time you see someone walking by with a Polar Pop or just a three-year-old standing on a porch on Huffman, make sure to say hello.

First Soapbox Derby Raced down Dayton Hill

Danielle Dumont — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:51:11 +0000

If the thought of careening downhill at an increasing speed with just a few old slats of wood separating your face from the road surface is exhilarating, then keep reading this! If you’re like me and think that scenario sounds terrifying, then keep reading, too.

While the Huffman Historic area is well-known for its roots in the Huffman family of Huffy bicycle fame, there is another wheeled contraption that enjoyed some fame just a few blocks east of the neighborhood. The steep Burkhardt Avenue hill hosted the first official soapbox derby race in 1934. Children from across the U.S. came to Dayton to compete in the race with their hand-built carts made from orange crates, soap boxes, and other salvaged items.

I’ve driven down Burkhardt hill in my car, and gravity does all the work. You could really fly in a soapbox car. Actually, the wind whipping through my hair sounds like a pretty good way to beat the humidity this summer — but I’m not sure I’d trust the brakes on those soapbox cars.

Read more about the soapbox derby history at the Dayton Area Sports History web site.

Absentee voting in Dayton elections

Carnegie Library Built in Huffman in 1914

Danielle Dumont — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:10:21 +0000

A stately landmark sits amid tall trees along the south edge of the Huffman Historic Area. The brick Classical Revival building, with wide limestone steps and a tiled roof, was originally a Carnegie Library, endowed by the steel and railroad magnate Andrew Carnegie. In 1912, the city of Dayton received $65,000 to build two Carnegie Libraries, one on the east side of downtown and one on the west side, just over 1 mile away from the main library.

Prior to 1912, the acreage for the east library went through several changes. The land was originally owned by James and Jane Findley and used for farming; it was well outside the city limits then. In 1856 the Findley’s estate transferred the triangular wedge of property to the public for use as a market. In 1876, the enterprising William Huffman made an arrangement with the City of Dayton to use the land for his own business purposes in exchange for the city using some of his land north of the Great Miami River for its water works operation. In 1896 the agreement with Huffman expired and the land came back to the city.

Dayton began building the library in 1912, but the flood of 1913 delayed its completion. The library finally opened in 1914, after receiving additional money to restock books ruined by the flood waters.

Restored interior of Carnegie Library on E. Fifth St.

The building’s tall pocket doors, arched oak woodwork, brick fireplace, large sunlit windows, and airy ceilings are well preserved. It functioned as a library until the 1960s, when a new branch was built further east and the Carnegie building was converted to a community center. In its early years the library lent many books to adults and children as the neighborhoods on the east side grew. Many of the books were in the German language, reflecting one of the immigrant populations in this area. The library also hosted meetings of several clubs and organizations, such as the Boy Scouts and the Women’s Suffrage League, and held music concerts and entertainment in its auditorium and outside in the adjoining park.

Today the building is home to the Southeast Priority Board, an organization which fosters citizen participation in city government. It was dedicated as the Sims Center, for respected community organizer Charles Sims, in 1971. However, the name Carnegie remains carved in stone above the front entrance as a special reminder of his philanthropy and love for books. Carnegie had been a beneficiary of book lending from a private library while growing up poor in Pennsylvania. By the time he made his fortune, he believed that whatever riches you had should be shared with the community. Although the walls are no longer lined with bookshelves, our neighborhood’s Carnegie building fosters collaboration and learning today that lives up to its historic mission.

Cityfolk Festival

Joel Michael — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:34:16 +0000

It is Cityfolk Festival time once again. This downtown event presents top international acts on multiple stages at Riverscape Metropark. This year, the park has a large new semi-permanent tent-like structure to accommodate one of the stages. It was part of an addition which included a bicycle hub building which is designed to make commuting to the city easier by bike.

We rode our bikes to the festival. Though, the ride was far too short to have any need for the bike hub. Once there, we caught parts of two excellent musical acts and shared some falafel. Check out the pics and video.

As with any downtown event, the place was filled with energy. We’re hopeful this festival will continue for years to come. The Cityfolk organization is struggling to find sponsors now that some of our larger corporations have left town. This may be the last free Cityfolk festival for awhile. I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that an admission fee could be charged for such quality entertainment.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed for Cityfolk. Not only because it is a fantastic organization and knows how to put on a spectacular show, but because it’s commitment to downtown greatly benefits Huffman and all the other neighboring historic districts.

Haunted Huffman Children’s Festival

Geekin’ in the ‘Hood

Joel Michael — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 03:09:58 +0000

If you are afraid of a little geek talk, you may want to move on to one of the other fine posts on this blog. I’ve been trying really hard to not talk tech here, but I couldn’t resist any longer.

You see, I’m typing this post from my new phone. Since you’re still with me, I’ll assume you care enough to know that it is a new HTC Evo. It’s been fascinating to use this phone in the neighborhood. Apps are available that let me see recent home sale values and appraisals. Another lets me use the video camera on the phone to survey the landscape while directing me to local businesses. It won’t be long before you see some video shot from it, too.

I’m excited to think how we might use the device on vacation in Portland, Oregon this summer, too. Many of the apps appear to make finding your way in a foreign location much easier. I’m eager to watch Portland’s public transportation apps test the general utility of it. It makes me wonder what kind of apps Dayton, and specifically Huffman, could have.

Any ideas? I have a couple. How about an app that displays historical information about the nearest address? Or, maybe an app that sends trash day and street sweeping alerts?

Those are pretty lame. Help me out. What kinds of things would be handy to know as you stroll through Huffman? What can we do with time and location information that is unique to our neighborhood? I’m not saying I have the skill to build any of it, but isn’t this a great exercise for thinking about living in Huffman a little differently? I hope you can share my geeky excitement.

“Privied” Information Found Underground

Garage Sale!

Erin 'n' Mark Caldwell — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:27:15 +0000

On Saturday, June 26, the Huffman Historic Area will hold a neighborhood-wide garage sale from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Check out Map of garage sale locations!

Last year, I found so many treasures! It’s really fun going to a garage sale in a historic neighborhood because the array of items seems to never be run-of-the-mill. Most of the sellers have the common household items for sale, but there may also be some things you might not expect. For example, many of those who have restored their homes may have a box of various historic door knobs and/or hinges that many of us might actually be able to use in our 100 year old doors. There may be various light fixtures, doors, and maybe a sink or two from the homeowners recent historic restoration of a bathroom or kitchen, and since historic homeowners value originality and historic style, they may also be getting rid of some of the numerous antique pieces of furniture that they just could not help but buy, but really don’t have room for.

I always like visiting with my neighbors during the sale, though. It’s nice to see everyone out in their yards at the same time, and getting little updates about their lives is nice.

It’s also quite a nice tour of the neighborhood if you decide to join us. :)

Garage Band Blues

Sounds of Summer

Joanie Spain — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:18:49 +0000

Apparently, ‘if you’re gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band.’ I know this because the catchy Alabama tune is wafting across the neighborhood as we enjoy a cold beverage on our patio. I used to consider the Beach Boys the official sound of summer until the neighbors inflated their pool and hung neon palm trees on their privacy fence. Now I know WHKO 99.1FM sings summer in East Dayton.

I’m not complaining, mind you. We live in the City, close together, by choice. We appreciate the sounds of families enjoying their Huffman homes and yards as much as we enjoy ours. It’s what makes a neighborhood, well…a neighborhood!

Other sounds of summer in Huffman include [but are not limited to]:

Lawnmowers and weed-whackers; the tinny strains of “The Entertainer” or “Pop Goes the Weasel” blasting from the ice cream truck; small planes flying over downtown; teenagers laughing and talking [in both English and Spanish] as they ride bikes down the street; a canine chorus of barking in response to a cat in the alley; brothers playing catch; bird songs; congregants making their way to church on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening; neighbors who stop to chat while out for a walk; children on the church playground; the hammers and power tools of historic renovation; pick-up basketball games; garage band practices; fireworks after a Dragon’s game or holiday; and hollyhocks growing in the roundabout [okay, maybe I just imagine that I actually hear those beautiful plants growing in the traffic circle!]

Well, I better get back outside…I left John out there with Carrie Underwood and the Dixie Chicks!

Garage Band Blues

Backyard Critters

Joel Michael — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:04:09 +0000

After picking up a new camera for work, I thought I’d try it out in the back yard. I never really noticed how busy all the animals are. Here are a few bird shots with a squirrel thrown in for good measure. Huffman’s roofs and treetops are active places!

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Things Old, New and Borrowed

Danielle Dumont — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:55:35 +0000

Renovating Victorian houses requires a lot of equipment. The nice thing about living in a neighborhood where many people are renovating is that you can swap tools with each other.

Need a table saw to cut new boards for the porch floor? Well, maybe you can borrow it from a neighbor. In exchange he might borrow your extension ladder to reach the roof for some chimney repair. Don’t be surprised to find that a free flow of advice often accompanies the equipment exchange, too.

Conventional lore tells us that a woman used to bring an empty cup to her neighbor’s house, in order to fill it up with sugar for a pie or cake that she was baking. Around Huffman, it’s just as likely that the woman might stop by to borrow a hedge trimmer or a cordless drill as a fancy serving platter for her dinner guests.

During our own renovation work, we’ve borrowed a two-foot-long cement mixer attachment, an edging machine that cuts a clean line of grass along the sidewalk, a drywall lift, and a laser level.

In return, we’ve lent ladders, a mortising bit for a drill, as well as our time and artistic talent drawing neighbors’ houses on the computer–all the lines and accents of the Victorian styles–in order to present various color schemes for painting.

This month we gave away a couch to some new neighbors who don’t have much furniture yet. That’s more than borrowing; call it a permanent loan.

We’ve divided and shared irises that had outgrown their plots, and have received bags of tomatoes from a neighbor’s bounty. We’ve fed neighbor’s cats, and in return were treated to homemade cookies. We’ve shoveled snow from steps and sidewalks and have received a kind wave and a cup of hot chocolate.

A note to the people who “lend” the neighborhood alleys their used and discarded tires: You can stop now; we never wanted those in the first place. All the rest of the borrowing we’re happy to continue. How about you?

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