Historic Huffman » News

Near Miss

Joel Michael — Sat, 22 May 2010 14:32:58 +0000

If you live in the Dayton area, you probably saw images of the fire at the Franklin Iron and Metal Company this past Thursday. While news reports mention that Franklin is located in an industrial area, it is rather near Huffman. The size of the fire and smoke plume were large enough that advisories for all of downtown Dayton were issued. Even though the smoke was determined not to carry toxic chemicals, we were lucky that light winds kept it generally over the scrapyard and adjoining industrial areas to the north and west of the facility. From what I understand, there was never a threat of the fire spreading outside of Franklin. Even if there were a threat, Franklin is over a half-mile from Huffman. I don’t think Dayton has seen a fire spread on that scale since the flood of 1913 ruptured gas lines downtown.

While nearby industries provide the gritty urban texture that give us much of our character and are certainly a reason our neighborhood exists, it is important that Huffman residents remain aware of the business that takes place not only in and immediately adjacent to us, but also a little further away. These companies have been great anchors for their surrounding communities – some of them for generations. Even as residents of surrounding neighborhoods have become less likely to work for East Dayton industries, it is important that we stay in touch with them so we can each take advantage of the benefits of a close relationship.

Investigations are still underway to see how the fire started at Franklin. I believe the cause is less important than the measures taken by Franklin and its neighbors to prevent future fires.

Slowly but Surely, Perceptions Are Changing

Can’t wait for rail

Joel Michael — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:15:19 +0000

The announcement this week of federal money dedicated to a rail project in Ohio is great news for Dayton. The passenger line that will link Cleveland to Cincinnati will have a stop in our city. The plan is for the station to be in the same location as the old Union Station downtown. This would be about a mile away from Huffman. I’ve walked to that area before, but a bike would make the trip super easy. Come to think of it, a folding bike would be perfect for that commute – ride down to the platform, collapse the bike, and hop on the train with it.

The new passenger rail system would allow Daytonians to work in Cincinnati or Columbus. Even at less-than-high-speed, the rail commute seems more appealing than my current 30 minute drive time to work in Piqua. I really can’t do anything but drive and listen to music on my way to work now, but sitting on a train for an hour opens up the possibility of replying to a round of email and taking notes while on cel phone calls. I may actually be more productive with a little longer commute! And, the thought of getting a little exercise on my way to and from the station while abandoning fuel and car maintenance costs is very appealing.

Hopefully the new train station will be the shot that downtown needs, too. The arcade is scheduled for renovation and would be a perfect place for all kinds of commuter services. Suburban commuters would depend less on the highway and drive downtown to park. A grocery store immediately adjacent to the train station would make a killing as riders could shop and drive back home after work. I’m sure there a lot of other possible amenities for rail passengers, too. What else makes sense? Do we have any entrepreneurs among us?

How We Get to Work: Neighborhood Commutes

Simms Park Cleanup

Joel Michael — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:35:19 +0000

November means time to tidy up around the neighborhood sign in Simms Park – home of the Southeast Priority Board. Several neighbors used tools supplied by Montgomery County to pull overgrown shrubs and trim tree limbs. Thanks to all who helped especially Connie Nisonger from the SEPB and Shirley Watson for coordinating the event. Can’t wait until spring!

No related posts.

Leaf Raking Time

Joel Michael — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:07:35 +0000

The Historic Inner East leaf pick up is scheduled for this week. There may still be some color on the trees, but there is plenty on the ground. We raked our piles to the curb yesterday. The next pickup is scheduled in December, but why wait? It only gets more difficult as the leaves accumulate. Need inspiration? See the video.

No related posts.

Haunted Huffman Children’s Festival

Joel Michael — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:53:26 +0000

It was a dark and chilly night… well, not really. Activities started before dusk and the weather was rather pleasant for this time of year as the first ever Haunted Huffman Children’s Festival took place in and around the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9936 Saturday evening. Fun was had by kids and adults in costumes playing games, painting faces and listening to stories read by the Dayton and Montgomery County Library. An original puppet show by our own John Robinson kept the kids captivated, too. Scary movies finished the evening. Check the video for highlights. Thanks to Courtney and Joanie and all other volunteers for making this event a success.

GearFest

Joel Michael — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:53:55 +0000

Five Rivers Metroparks has been presenting GearFest for a few years now, and it seems to get bigger and better every year. It was held once again at Eastwood Metropark just a very short drive or bike ride down Springfield Street from Huffman. Plenty of cyclists rode in to see all the outdoor adventure gear on display. The demonstrations were pretty entertaining as was the live music. There was, of course, food and lots of friendly people.

This is a great time of year for our neighborhood. There are so many festivals and events in and around us, we won’t be hurting for things to do until the leaves need to be raked – which is coming soon. I’ll be sure to clear a couple weekends to get mine to the curb. Until then, enjoy the GearFest video.

Leaf Raking Time

Dawn Patrol Rendezvous

Joel Michael — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:26:49 +0000

The Red Baron had Huffman in his sights! The 2009 Dawn Patrol Rendezvous was just down Third Street. Wondering what I’m talking about? Have a look at the video for a recap.

No related posts.

Pedal Our Past into the Future

Joel Michael — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:47:48 +0000

I spent the day at the Miami Valley Cycling Summit today. I volunteered to be a bike valet in the morning so I missed the morning speakers, but the afternoon sessions were informative. Overall, I was left with the impression that the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Five Rivers Metro Parks, and the area’s cycling community are chomping at the bit to get rolling on a lot of projects. I sensed the City of Dayton is supportive of the efforts of the other organizations, but may not be ready to implement their plans lock, stock, and barrel. That may just be the way these sorts of things work. I don’t know. Many of the main speakers had backgrounds in cycling advocacy which further leads me to believe that the purpose of the event was to find and coordinate the region’s voices to persuade leadership to create the type of bike-friendly community shown as examples in the speakers’ Powerpoint demonstrations.

This advocacy opportunity may be what Huffman needs to reinforce its brand as a cycling-related neighborhood. The MVRPC’s comprehensive bike plan for the region certainly has Huffman in its sights. The railroad tracks along our boundary are included in its plan as an entrance to downtown from the east. While the plan actually has the conversion of our tracks to trail as a very high priority, I think it’s going to take a lot of persuasion from the folks in Huffman and neighboring communities to convince city officials that the project is as high of a priority as the planners and the rest of us think. Are we ready for this challenge? Let’s start the discussion. What do you think?

The Neighborhood Mourns the Loss of a Treasure

Rosie Miller — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:14:45 +0000

The building where I met him was a ramshackle, abandoned double at the end of (129) Ringgold St. Speaking in broken English, sweating from a combination of the hot weather and the pace of his manual labor, he tried to explain his vision for this neglected property.

That was 1995 and he was remodeling one of the most challenging homes for the Huffman Historic Area’s Rehabarama project. As the renovation progressed, I stopped by on a regular basis and was astounded at the transformation. It was during one of those visits that I met her. She spoke fluent English and explained their vision of the finished product.

Juan and Carmen Urbieta were both partners in life and partners in business. He the heart, she the soul. Besides creating the most coveted of the Rehabarama homes, they brought a spirit and love for restoration to our neighborhood. In fact the project won a national award.

In the fourteen years since, they have restored numerous properties in the neighborhood, each a shining jewel demonstrating Juan’s talent for reclaiming the original beauty of historic properties and at the same time including modern amenities. Their partnership and dedication to the Huffman neighborhood has changed many facades along E. Third St. from Linden to Beckel St with Juan the designer, and Carmen the businesswoman managing rentals and handling the myriad of paperwork involved in their business.

The neighborhood has grown to know and love them not just for what the do, but for who they are. The last time I saw Carmen was at a neighborhood tour where she was showing off one of their apartments in their 1804-1814 E. Third St. project. She was her usual cheerful, smiling self and so proud to show off yet another of Juan’s spectacular renovations. It was not until the end of the tour that I heard that she had cancer. Carmen battled hard but on Sunday, July 26, she succumbed to the disease. She leaves to mourn her loving husband, Juan, her son, Angel and a grateful neighbors who will never forget her charm and commitment. Our prayers are with Juan and Angel.

The Neighborhood Mourns the Loss of a Treasure

New Colors

Joel Michael — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:10:44 +0000

This has to be one of the best reasons to own an old Victorian. Painting an exterior is probably the most stressful and most rewarding form of maintenance performed on these old houses. Please forgive the poor picture quality. My phone camera doesn’t come close to doing the place justice. It’s going to look fantastic when the new paint job is complete. Do you know where this is? You won’t be able to recognize it on the map and streetview above for much longer. Maybe you should walk by and see it in person.

No related posts.