September 22, 2010

We are in the Dayton, Ohio area to visit our friends Ron and Anna Hall. This afternoon they took us to Carillon Historical Park in downtown Dayton. What a wonderful place. We spent a couple of hours and disappointedly had to leave at closing. There is so much to see we needed at least a half day more and then I’m not sure we would have seen it all.

This is the Carillon Tower.

This is the Newcom Tavern originally built in 1796. It is the oldest building in Dayton.

Char and I are entirely too happy in this picture.

As you can see, Ron and Anna are serious shooters.

This is an original bicycle built by the Wright Brothers.

This is the camera that took the photograph of Orville’s first flight.

This is the original 1905 Wright Flyer III. It has a wingspan of 40 feet 6 inches. It was made from two types of wood; spruce (ribs, spars and propellers), ash (various minor parts) and the wing fabrics are cotton muslin. The engine was also built in the Wright Brothers Bicycle Shop and developed around 21 horsepower. The total weight for this airplane was 710 pounds.

One of the buildings in the Park had a display of vintage bicycles. There were many to see. Next are pictures of our two favorites.

This is a Dayton Triplet built by the Davis Sewing Machine Company in 1896.

This is called the “Cygnet” because of its unusual swanlike frame. Notice the netting guard on the rear wheel to prevent ladies long skirts from getting entangled in the spokes and chain.

This is absolutely a place that you must see. I would recommend traveling from anywhere in Ohio or nearby States to visit the Carillon Historical Park. Arrive early so you have enough time to see and enjoy everything.