Wright-Dunbar Blog

The Ellis Wright-Dunbar Neighborhood Plan, a planned partnership between Wright Dunbar, Inc. and Wright State University was the feature story in the Dayton Business Journal published on January 13, 2012.  The project would expand the services of WSU’s Duke E. Ellis Institute for Human Development by opening three additional programs of the Institude focusing on an adult memory center for dementia patients, a child behavioral center for neurological disorders on the autism spectrum and another clinic to provide alternative therapy through arts in buildings owned by Wright Dunbar, Inc.  To access the complete story featured in the Dayton Business Journal visit:  http://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/print-edition/2012/01/13/wright-dunbar-project-gains-steam.html

The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission (OCFC) approves $250,000 for construction of The Legacy Center in the Wright Dunbar Business District.  The OCFC, a state agency that supports economic development, expands educational opportunities, and enhances the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities, approved use of the funds at its December 2011 quarterly meeting.  The Legacy Center, to be operated by Wright Dunbar, Inc. will be created to preserve and present the area’s history of inventive and cultural legacies through an array of programming and exhibits.  Tentative opening of The Legacy Center is scheduled for September 2012.  For additional information, please contact Carol Sampson at 937-443-0249.

Rene’s Gourmet Creations, a new bakery and café has opened in the Wright Dunbar Business District at 1101 West Third Street.  The bakery/café which serves pastries, coffee, breads, customized cakes, as well as lunch entrees is open Tuesday-Friday from 7:00am-3:30pm and Saturday from 7:00am-3:30pm.  For additional information, contact Chef Courtney Rene’ at 937-938-5680.

After Five Couture, a boutique offering formal wear for those special occasions has opened in the Wright Dunbar Business District at 13 North Williams Street.  The boutique offers ladies formal dresses, hats, and jewel as well as limited men’s formal clothing options.  The boutique hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-6pm with other hours by appointment.  For additional information, contact After Five Couture at 937-281-1521.

Five new honorees will take their place in history on Thursday, September 22, 2011 alongside the 125 Miami Valley greats honored on the Walk of Fame.

The 2011 class of inductees are Gussie Lord Davis, Dayton Marcos, Ralph & Christine Dull, Herbert Woodward Martin, and Phoebe Anne Mozey (Annie Oakley). 

A public ceremony will take place at 10:00am at the MVRPC Center for Regional Cooperation, 1100 West Third Street with a ticketed luncheon occurring at Sinclair Community College at Noon.   For ticket and sponsorship information call 937-443-0249.

The honorees include:

Gussie Lord Davis (1863-1899) Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1863, the year of the Emancipation Proclamation, Gussie Lord Davis was the first commercially successful African-American composer of popular songs. One of his most memorable songs was “Irene Good Night”.

Dayton Marcos (1920-1940’s) Chartered in 1920 as one of eight Negro League Baseball Teams the Dayton Marcos played its first game at Westwood Field on Western Avenue, (now James H. McGee Blvd.) on June 12, 1920, against the Chicago Giants. Before 1920, the Marcos was the only African-American team in the Ohio-Indiana League.

Ralph and Christine Dull (1929/1934) Original founders of the Dayton International Peace Museum, Christine and Ralph Dull have given their professional and personal life to helping the cause of peace around the world. Other accomplishments and honors for this dynamic couple include their work in the environmental arena. 

Herbert Woodward Martin (1933) Recognized as Professor Emeritus and Poet-in-Residence Herbert Martin is nationally known as a Dunbar Scholar for his readings of the poetry of Paul Lawrence Dunbar.

Phoebe Anne Mozey, aka Annie Oakley (1860-1926) Born August 13, 1860 in Darke County, Ohio, Phoebe learned to shoot at the age of eight with her father’s old Kentucky rifle. She won a shooting contest in the fall of 1882 and began performing in circuses with her future husband.  In 1885 the couple joined “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s Wild West Show and she became known to the public as Miss Annie Oakley.

The Better Business Bureau announced that Wright Dunbar, Inc. was a winner of the 2011 Eclipse Integrity Award in the nonprofit category.  The award is given to Miami Valley businesses and nonprofits who model ethics, honesty and integrity for the community.  The winners were announced on Tuesday, May 10th at the annual BBB awards dinner held at the David H. Ponitz Sinclair Center.

The Women’s Club of Dayton Foundation, Friends of the Dayton Arcade, and the Engineers Club of Dayton Foundation has selected Wright Dunbar, Inc. as one of the newest Jewels of the Gem City recognizing the organizations historical preservation efforts.   Wright Dubar, Inc. will be formally recognized during a ceremony on Friday, June 3rd at 6pm at the Engineers Club of Dayton.

Wright Dunbar, Inc. is a recipient of a PreDevelopment Grant from the Finance Fund for the Allaman, Rubenstein & Marietta Flats Redevelopment Project.

Wright Dunbar was the recepient of a grant from the Federation of American Consumers and Travelers for use in our planter program.

Norma Ross, a long time friend and supporter of Wright Dunbar, Inc. passed away on April 23.  Ms. Ross’s involvement in community service was extensive and we are especially grateful to have been the benefactor of her wisdom, dedication and passion as a member of the Wright Dunbar, Inc. Board of Trustees. 

Ms. Ross was president of Bob Ross Buick, GMC, and Ross Motor Cars Mercedes-Benz and was the recipient of numerous awards.  Prior to her career in the auto industry, she was a classroom teacher and a curriculum consultant in the Dayton Public School system. 

We will miss her warm and caring spirit.