Dateline Dayton — Dayton is known as the “Gem City,” and we still have many buildings here that are gems. Unfortunately, many others have gone the way of what was to save downtown Dayton, urban renewal.

In previous essays, I have told you about the Arcade, the Dragons/Fifth Third Field and the Learning Tree Farm. Today let’s talk about a home that houses the Dayton Women’s Club.

Founded in 1916, the Dayton Women’s Club has been serving the community for 95 years. The traditions and heritage of the “founding mothers” have been passed down to today’s energetic and enthusiastic women and men. Yes, I did say men; they can now be members.

In the late 1840s Robert W. Steele, for whom Dayton’s first high school was named, built a home at 225 North Ludlow St. Napoleon Bonaparte Darst purchased the house in the 1860s and began extensive renovations and enrichments, changing the Classic Revival style of Mr. Steele’s home to the Second Empire style.

To finance the purchase of the home, the founders of the Dayton Women’s Club sold stock at $10 per share. On Nov. 1, 1916, the Club was incorporated.

The No. 1 goal of the Dayton Women’s Club is to preserve the historic home, to which they have made additions to better serve the organization. It been a struggle for the Club to maintain the home. Today it is in need of extensive maintenance. The Club tries to tackle the serious problem and the handle the other items as funds become available.

I give the leadership of the of the Dayton Women’s Club credit for their efforts in preserving this house and keeping the Club viable in today’s economic environment.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net