Seventeen neighbors turned out for the Annual McPherson Town Neighborhood Clean-up on Saturday May 13. Together with four City of Dayton workers (two drivers and two assistants), we collected 5.07 tons (10,170 pounds) of debris from our streets and alleys. A crew thoroughly cleaned the flower beds in the park; they started first and ended last and so deserve special recognition. It was, however, a neighborhood-wide effort. Thanks to all who contributed!
In 1888, McPhersontown or “McTown” was being rebranded to Riverdale. The neighborhood remained lower Riverdale until neighbors began pursuing historic district status in the 1970’s and 80’s. The article below mentions the Hawthorne School (which are condos today) and the Dayton Floral Company (where Ed Smith Flowers still pushes daisies). It also mentions the White Line, the first electric street car line in Dayton, which took riders to the neighborhood. We continue to have electric trolley bus service through McPherson Town today. As much as things change, a lot of good things stay the same here in McPT.
We are lucky to have a Louisiana native among the McPeeps! He and his family generously prepared a large batch of Gumbo for neighbors to enjoy along with carried-in side dishes and a Cajun, old time string music, Appalachian, old country jam session. The weather cooperated beautifully and good time was had by all. We’re already hungry for our next helping in 2023!
McPherson Town residents recently offer input on a new apartment complex proposed on the eastern edge of the neighborhood at 637 N. Main St by MVAH Partners. While still in the planning stages, the multi-family complex would include 40-50 1-2 bedroom units in 4-stories. The developer is currently working on securing financing for the $26 million project. Drawings have not yet been shared, however MVAH Partners already have a similar project built in northwest Dayton that offers insight into their design aesthetic.
The annual summer picnic was held in August at the McPherson Town park. Nearly 75 residents were in attendance. All enjoyed carry in dishes made by McPeeps, as well as hamburgers, hotdogs and veggie burgers provided by the neighborhood. Fun games were held to get new neighbors connected to old, and valuable prizes were won! Thanks to all the organizers – what a fun event!
What started out as a game of “Simon Says” played in the street has expanded to twice weekly community word scrambles, games of “Name That Tune” and searches for superheroes in the neighborhood.
Read more about the adventures in the the Dayton Daily News.
After 20 years and many hours of McPeep play, it was time to replace our beloved playset in the neighborhood park. Neighbors came together to do a volunteer build of the new set on Feb.3. The new equipment was paid for with neighborhood funds raised through the bi-annual holiday tour. Since installation, it has been both kid and adult tested, and approved!
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As part of the ongoing work for the Dayton Riverfront Master Plan, a design workshop (charette) for the next phase of design on Sunrise and Sunset MetroParks was held on Nov. 5 & 6, 2019 at the Masonic Temple. McPeeps are excited to see these plans come together for our nearby riverfront areas. See the results of the work in the public presentation.
On the evening of July 3rd, neighbors gathered on the eastern edge of the neighborhood to watch this year’s City of Dayton fireworks show. Everyone remarked what a terrific show it was – especially with the added bonus of being steps from home and without the hassle of parking and finding a spot among the crowds. Happy Birthday, America!
ODOT has completed the northbound lanes of the Main Street Bridge reconstruction and began work on the southbound lanes on May 3, 2019. To keep the project on schedule, it was necessary to close the intersection of Main Street and Riverview Ave. to vehicular traffic. Vehicles won’t be able to turn from Main St. to Riverview Ave. and vice versa to come an go from McPherson Town. Access is now from the west only, via Riverview Ave near the Dayton Art Institute. The closure will remain until late October, 2019. Please drive carefully!
McPherson Town Historic District 