TO MAKE A NOMINATION FOR THE DAYTON REGION WALK OF FAME:
The 2016 Walk of Fame nomination period is open until April 1.
A typed nomination form and narrative, along with any accompanying material, can be emailed to daytonwalkoffamejudges@gmail.com or mailed to Dayton Region’s Walk of Fame 2016, Wright-Dunbar Inc., 1105 W. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402.
An independent judging committee will make final selections and announce the induction of up to five individuals in June.
An annual induction ceremony and luncheon will be held September 22, 2016 for all 2016 inductees.
For additional information please contact us by calling 937-443-0249.
ABOUT THIS FEATURE
HISTORY EXTRA is a weekly pictorial history feature showcasing the Miami Valley’s rich heritage. If you have a unique set of historic photos found in your parents’ or grandparents’ attic that depicts the past in the Miami Valley, contact Lisa Powell at 937-225-2229 or at Lisa.Powell@coxinc.com.
Photos from the Dayton Daily News archive, the Dayton Region’s Walk of Fame and the National Archives.
Dozens of local women have been honored on the Dayton Region’s Walk of Fame since it was created in 1996. Located in the Wright-Dunbar Historic District, the site designates each inductee with an engraved granite paver placed in the sidewalks surrounding the neighborhood.
Nancy Horlacher, local history specialist for the Dayton Metro Library, created a presentation eight years ago highlighting the local women who have been honored on the walk. This is the second of three installments of Horlacher’s compilation of remarkable area women.
PHOTO GALLERY OF WOMEN OF WALK OF FAME PART II
“The need to highlight the women in the Walk of Fame came from a desire to celebrate Women’s History Month and to highlight those strong women from this region,” Horlacher said. “These women inspire me to keep giving.”
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Gem City Sweet Adelines Chorus – Founded in 1970
Gem City Chorus is a member of Sweet Adelines International, a non-profit organization of women who sing barbershop harmony. The group of more than 120 women has competed at the international level 14 times, won an unprecedented five gold medals in World Competition and always finished in the top 10. They are known as the “Queens of Harmony” and their many wins have brought much attention to the area.
Lillian and Dorothy Gish – 1896- 1993/ 1898-1968
The Gish sisters were the stars of stage and the silent screen. These Ohio (Lillian born in Springfield, Dorothy born in Dayton) sisters were part of the amazing inception, development, growth and evolution of motion pictures. They debuted in D. W. Griffith’s 1912 film, “An Unseen Enemy.” They did it all and Lillian, known as “The First Lady of American Cinema,” became the first woman director of a major Hollywood feature film, “Remodeling Her Husband” (1920).
Annae Barney Gorman – 1862-1938
Barney-Gorman was a civic and business leader who founded the Barney Community Center, now known as Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, a facility that exists to provide quality health care to children. Her volunteer efforts in Washington with disabled soldiers during WWI inspired her to transfer that knowledge to the needs of locally disabled children. Her personal dedication to children in need made her a beloved member of the community.
Anne S. Greene – 1920-2003
Greene was a Dayton philanthropist who gave of her time, energy, leadership and support – both personal and financial – to a variety of organizations. She was the first woman to be appointed to the board of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and served as the president of the board of the Victoria Theatre Association during the crucial two years when the building was saved from demolition.
Virginia Hamilton – 1936 - 2002
Hamilton is credited with introducing ordinary yet memorable black characters into children’s literature, becoming one of the nation’s most honored writers of contemporary children’s books. She authored 35 books. Virginia Hamilton received both the John Newberry Medal and the Hans Christian Anderson Award, the most prestigious literary prizes in children’s literature.
Virginia W. Kettering – 1907 – 2002
Kettering changed the face of our region with her philanthropy. Through her vision and generosity, she benefited health care, the arts, museums, and the larger community as she touched thousands of lives for the betterment of the region. Her conception and organization of the Holiday Festival still brings joy to families and lives on today.
Evangeline Lindsley – 1896 - 2002
A teacher and author, she taught history at Roosevelt High School for 46 years. When she was age 100 she published her autobiography entitled, “My Century: an Outspoken Memoir.” She co-founded Daybreak, a facility in Dayton for runaway children. She died at age 106.
Alyce Downing Lucas - Born 1925
Alyce is known for being one of the organizers of the United Golfers Association, which in the 1950s helped integrate blacks into the Professional Golf Association. She was the first black woman on radio at station WDAO in Dayton.
Phoebe Anne Mosby (Annie Oakley) - 1860-1926
Born in Darke County she learned to shoot a gun at the age of eight. In 1875, she won a contest in Cincinnati against a professional vaudeville stage shooter named Frank Butler. They married the following year. In 1886, she and Frank joined “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s Wild West Show and toured the world. She also took on the stage name of Annie Oakley at that time. In 1924 Annie and Frank moved to Dayton. They were visited by famed cowboy and humorist Will Rogers who wrote glowing tributes to her in his Sunday newspaper column.
Zoe Dell Nutter Born 1915-
Born in Oregon she moved to Dayton 50 years ago when she married Ervin Nutter, owner of Elano Corporation. Mrs. Nutter gave up a career in ballet when she accepted a position to promote the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939. Later, she was California’s representative to the World’s Fair in Brussels, which led to her becoming the “Flying Ambassador” to the Century 21 Exposition at Seattle and the New York World’s Fair. She earned a pilot’s license and worked in marketing for Piper Aviation to improve pilot safety, increase the number of private pilots and encourage women in the profession. At Elano Corporation, she headed up the Small Aircraft Division and became one of the company’s pilots. In Dayton, Mrs. Nutter was the first woman to chair the Board of Trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame. She has served on local, state and national boards of trustees and received numerous awards.
Margaret E. Peters – Born 1936 -
Peters is a retired high school teacher who was troubled by the lack of adequate and accurate information about black history for young people. Margaret took it upon herself to produce books, programs and educational opportunities to share black history and information with students and the larger community. In 1995 she wrote the book entitled, “Dayton’s African American Heritage.”
Doris Ponitz – Born 1932 –
Advocating for a long line of community causes Doris Ponitz has carried the banner and supported many causes and community programs ranging from the arts and diversity initiatives to causes of peace at home and abroad. Her work to bring attention to Dayton and have it recognized as the “City of Peace” was achieved with her five trips to Bosnia and Croatia with the Friendship Force. She has chaired the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Committee, The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Association, Culture Works, and served on the Board of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. She has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Dayton.
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