President Nixon giving a speech at Dayton’s Old Court House…

For more than 150 years, crowds of citizens have gathered at the corner of Third and Main Streets in downtown Dayton to witness and take part in a variety of judicial, civic and political happenings. Over the last two centuries at least twenty of our nation’s Presidents have visited Dayton; many of whom stood in the shade of the courthouse’s grand columns to address the local citizenry. Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, Harry S. Truman, and John F. Kennedy were just a few of our nation’s leaders who have stood upon the steps at the Old Court House. President Richard M. Nixon visited Dayton twice and during both visits he spoke to gathered crowds at the Old Court House. In this picture, then Vice President Nixon, is speaking to Daytonians in October of 1960, during his run against John F. Kennedy for the U.S. presidency. The estimated crowd of 22,000 people listened to Nixon’s speech intently, despite having to stand in a rainstorm, as evidenced by the number of umbrellas present in the picture. This week’s photo is from Dayton History’s Image Collection.

To see other historical images from our collection, search our Digital Photo Archive.

Flying Staircase in the Old Court House, photo by Frank Betz

In the spring of 1847, the foundations were laid for Montgomery County’s new courthouse.  Touted as one of Dayton’s first “fire-proof” buildings, the edifice was constructed almost completely of stone, iron and brick. The courthouse is clad in a type of compact white limestone, referred to as ‘Dayton Marble’ that was mined from local quarries.  Two massive ornate iron doors, weighing a ton apiece, open to admit visitors.  Interior shutters and accompanying hardware are also made of solid iron, ensuring the building would be safe from rioters and rising levels of civil unrest that were sweeping the nation at the time of the building’s creation.  Inside, the structure incorporates several architectural elements including: domes, cove and barrel vaulted ceilings, Roman arches, and a cantilevered circular staircase.  During the 20th century, modern modifications were made with regards to the installation of electric lighting, central heating systems and restrooms. This photo, taken by well-known Dayton photographer Frank Betz in 1924, features the courthouse’s famous ‘flying’ staircase.  The photo is from Dayton History’s Image Collection.

The Old Court House, shortly after the 1913 Flood

Located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Third and Main Streets, the Old Court House is situated, literally, in the heart of downtown Dayton.  Daniel C. Cooper donated the land to the county in 1805, “…in consideration of having the seat of justice established here…”.  The central location was a natural gathering spot for the public, and over the next century it continued to play an important role in community life.   Various rallies, conventions, community drives and other notable events have taken place amongst the noble columns on the portico and on the grounds surrounding the majestic structure.  Pictured here is the Old Court House, with a view of the south side of the building, probably taken sometime in the latter part of 1913. One can see the oversized cash register sign located on the corner of the building that notes that over two million dollars had already been raised for the flood fund and that “contributions are still being counted.” This photo is part of Dayton History’s Image Collection.’

To see other historical images from our collection, search our Digital Photo Archive.