By 1900 Dayton, Ohio was the patent capital of the country, having more patents than any other city.
In addition to the Wright Brothers, there was John H. Patterson, founder of NCR, Edward A.Deeds, chairman of NCR and founder of Delco (Dayton Engineering Laboratory Company), and Charles F. Kettering, inventor and others. These men were at the forefront in the new industrial revolution that swept America in the 20th century and their companies continue today to contribute technological innovations.
Carillon Historic Park tells some of their story with 36 buildings and other structures exhibiting the proud history of Dayton and its citizens. An animatronic theater presentation lets replicas of the key leaders tell their stories of forming the Barn Gang, men who were coming up with new ideas for a new century.
The Deeds Carillon which rings every fifteen minutes standing above the entrance to the visitors center.
Some of the buildings in the park are
The Deeds Barn where the Barn Gang invented the electric self-starter for cars. This 1912 Cadillac is the first car equipped with an integrated electric starter and ignition system.
Sugar Camp/Waves Cabin housed U.S. Navy WAVES working on code-breaking during WWII.
The Print Shop has an original press used by the Wright brothers when they were in the printing business.
The shop, using period machinery, demonstrates the slow printing process of the 1900s.
The Dayton Sales shop has early autos.
The Great 1913 Flood Exhibit Building tells of the devastating flood that all but destroyed Dayton. John Patterson offered major help, turning his NCR plant into a rescue station. His Corless motor plant provided power for the city
He established the Miami Conservancy that built five privately funded dams.
The Transportation Center has engines and rail cars, some built in Dayton. This luxury passenger car had a porter, heat, and running water in the bathroom.
Orville Wright was instrumental in the design of the Transportation Center which houses the original Wright Flyer III, the first practical airplane.
This is the actual camera that was used to take the iconic 1903 photo of the first flight.
Another animatronic show detailed some of the work of the Wrights and had the sewing machine used to make the planes fabric.
Back in the visitors center are exhibits from the National Cash Register Company, reminding Anna Lee of learning math by using the cash register and counting out change for customers in her parents' small store. But, no, the machine she used was not this old.
Instead of the traditional carousel animals the Carousel of Dayton has local characters such as
a cash register and a Huffy bike.
More exhibits from Dayton industry are also in the visitors center.
In respect for the early German heritage of the area, Carillon Brewery Company still makes beer in small batches. We enjoyed sampling some and had a tasty lunch. Jerry had the brauts and Anna Lee enjoyed her salad.
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