Dunbar Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dunbar Historic District
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Dunbar Street in the district
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Dayton, Ohio |
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| Built | 1870 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003174 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1980 |
The Dunbar Historic District is a special area in Dayton, Ohio, recognized for its history. It's located on S Paul Laurence Dunbar Street and is famous because it was once the home of the well-known writer Paul Laurence Dunbar.
This historic district was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 30, 1980. This means it's an important place that should be preserved for future generations.
Contents
What is the Dunbar Historic District?
The Dunbar Historic District is a neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio. It's named after Paul Laurence Dunbar, a famous poet. This area is special because it shows what life was like in the past and how communities grew.
The Wright-Dunbar Community
The Dunbar Historic District is part of a larger area called Wright-Dunbar. This bigger community is bordered by US 35, Broadway Street, West Third Street, and the Great Miami River. It's also sometimes known as Mound-Horace.
A Hub of Culture and Business
For many years, the Wright-Dunbar area was a home for different groups of people, including Hungarians, Romanians, and African Americans. After World War I, this neighborhood became a very important place for Dayton's African American community. It was a lively center for culture and business. Many shops, stores, and theaters owned by Black entrepreneurs became popular here, like the "Palace Theatre."
Overcoming Challenges
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Wright-Dunbar area faced some difficult times. Parts of the neighborhood were damaged during periods of unrest and through city changes called "urban renewal." Also, the building of Interstate 75 affected the area.
Bringing the District Back to Life
Even after these challenges, the people of Dayton didn't give up on the Wright-Dunbar district. The city and county worked together to help. They made a big effort to fix up many of the houses and buildings in the district. This helped bring the historic neighborhood back to life, making it a vibrant place once again.
