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.