#TBT: Dayton's Fifth Street flashbacks

By: Kamron Taylor, Staff Writer 

If you live in Dayton, you’ve probably partied on Fifth Street — after all, there is plenty of places to eat, drink, socialize and dance on this beloved avenue. Maybe you’ve attended First Fridays in the Oregon District, the Dayton Music, Art and Film Festival at Blind Bobs, Dublin Pub, Gilly's Jazz or Canal Public House or have enjoyed the patio at Trolley Stop or brunched at Lily’s.

Truth is, Fifth Street has been a Dayton staple for years — it’s simply fabulous. Daytonians have always known it and now our stellar bars, awesome food and great people are getting recognized nationwide.

Fifth Street's recent ranking as one of the "Top 15 Best Places in America," is a testament to the stellar reputation of Dayton’s Fifth Street that we already know and cherish.  
So to show everyone that Fifth Street has been fabulous for years, here are 7 awesome photos that prove Dayton’s Fifth Sreet has always been awesome and always will be: 

  • Great bars and great drinks

    TBT: Flashbacks on 5th street, item 1
    Steen’s Restaurant, West Fifth Street, Dayton, OH, 1925: Front side of matte frame says E. 5th. (Source: Dayton History)

    Oregon District bars have always been a trend. 

  • We're small but mighty

    TBT: Flashbacks on 5th street, item 2
    Source: Dayton History

    This aerial view should tell you that although we started small, Fifth Street was and still is growing fast...even a century later. 

  • A booming business district... and centuries later

    TBT: Flashbacks on 5th street, item 3
    Fifth looking west at Montgomery, Dayton, OH, May 15, 1913: Motor Washer Company Coca-Cola painted sign, Bodey Hardware painted sign (Source: Dayton History)

    Even when dirt roads used to run through the metropolis that is Fifth Street, you can still see the resemblance to the social spot we know and love today.

  • Historical homes with Dayton flair

    TBT: Flashbacks on 5th street, item 4
    Source: Dayton History

    You're a true Daytonian if you live in the Oregon District. But, let’s talk about the original architecture and historical infrastructure. There’s no other place on earth quite like it.  

  • And...more homes

    TBT: Flashbacks on 5th street, item 5
    Source: Dayton History

    Only because who wouldn't want to live here, even now? 

  • Gotta love that Dayton charm 

    TBT: Flashbacks on 5th street, item 6
    Source: Dayton History

    Most people who live in Dayton love the city atmosphere and the small-town feel. This picture is proof that Dayton’s always been a mix of both environments.

  • And we've survived it all

    TBT: Flashbacks on 5th street, item 7
    Source: Dayton Daily News

    The Dayton flood of 1913 hit us hard, but the current state of the same Fifth Street is proof Dayton can come back from anything.