Exploring the Forgotten MIDGET THEATRE | Dayton Ohio History

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ธ.ค. 2020
  • Today we are exploring the Midget Theater in Dayton, Ohio. Another abandoned place in Ohio with a unique history.
    FOR PHOTO GALLERIES, DEVELOPMENT CONTACTS, AND SOURCES:
    onceoccupied.com/midget-theatre
    For a more detailed history on this theater check out Tom Gilliam's article at
    www.daytondailynews.com/what-...
    SUPPORT US
    SUBSCRIBE: th-cam.com/users/onceoccupied?sub...
    INSTAGRAM: / ooccupied
    PATREON: / onceoccupied
    URBEX T-SHIRTS: teespring.com/stores/once-occ...
    MAKE A DONATION: www.paypal.me/OnceOccupied
    MORE ADVENTURES: onceoccupied.com
    WHERE TO GET THE POSTERS
    "Sam's Finger" 1971 Uncle Sam Posters on Amazon amzn.to/2Kyw9zI
    "Super Peace" 1960s-70s 61007 Posters available on Ebay used.
    "Let's Boogie" 1972 Gemini Rising Poster S275 available on Ebay used.
    For source list visit onceoccupied.com/midget-theatre

ความคิดเห็น • 114

  • @amyjodean8700
    @amyjodean8700 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I live in Dayton..native Daytonian..I had never heard of this place before..thanks for the video!

    • @jthomeskillet
      @jthomeskillet 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Me either, I've lived my whole life here and never seen not heard bout it

    • @kenyatta411
      @kenyatta411 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Me2

  • @78bcat
    @78bcat 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Imagine if somebody could reach out to Dave Chappelle (and John Legend too), convince him not to build a comedy club in Yellow Springs, but rather buy this and renovate it into a multi-use club. There's so much history on the west side, imagine turning this stretch of 3rd into a rival of the Oregon District....if only the city's political leaders weren't incompetent or concerned only with their own political ambition.

  • @jenndilldine
    @jenndilldine 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Loved the video. Bc I’m such a nerd when it comes to genealogy, I found Sherman’s first wife was named Nora. She died during or after having a c section. I saved the document if you would like to have it.

  • @gaylewilliamson9183
    @gaylewilliamson9183 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Oh if walls could talk!!!stay safe and have a great Christmas💙

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Will do Gayle! You too ✌🏻😍

  • @joshuagibson2520
    @joshuagibson2520 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I've lived in Dayton all my life. First time of hearing about this.

    • @tnt4648
      @tnt4648 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same here. I lived there from 1952 until 1973 and Never heard of it !!!

  • @conniebucher1476
    @conniebucher1476 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I was born in Dayton Ohio in Montgomery County in 1961. Loved it there and extremely interested in it's history!! My beloved grandma Mabel Gorby lived in a house that was over 100 years old. It's gotta be close to 200 yrs old now. LOVED her 2 story house!!! My family unfortunately decided to Central Florida in 1972. Still here. Last visited her house around 1996. Would love to know if her house is still there. 152 Kirkham St. Dayton Ohio. Love your videos done in Dayton!!! More please!!!!

    • @Lucinda_Jackson
      @Lucinda_Jackson 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I just looked on Google maps and there is a vacant lot at that address now and if her home was still there, it would now face an interstate highway exchange. Actually, all of Kirkham St is empty now. There is still a house on the street behind that appears to be boarded up (Google map photos could be 10 days or 10 years old so no way to know if it’s even still there). In some views I think I see another boarded up house, but I don’t see it from other angles so I think there are a combo of older and newer street views. 💕

    • @gymeni
      @gymeni 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Google Streetview is an excellent way to “visit” back home. I, too, was born and raised in Dayton in 1962 and I also now live in FL! I often use Streetview to visit some of my old haunts and to go down streets I used to travel frequently. Check it out!

  • @irenecypher8423
    @irenecypher8423 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I live in Dayton and found this really interesting. Thank you so much!

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I’m glad you liked it! We are also local to Dayton and love finding these historical gems 💎!

    • @SnEaKeRSkEr
      @SnEaKeRSkEr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'm also a Dayton native.

    • @silviajames7150
      @silviajames7150 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I live in Five Oaks Historical Distric in Dayton

  • @shawnawanna4110
    @shawnawanna4110 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    It’s amazing how much history can be in one building or spot.

  • @AndrewStonerock
    @AndrewStonerock 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    could be a cool recording studio as well. maybe a building with space for multiple studio rooms, with the theater being a big live room.

  • @VampFaye
    @VampFaye 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    The Victorian style outlet cover is one of those things that often get overlooked. It's one of those "little touches" that are missing in today's modern interior design. I can only imagine how the rest of the place looked in it's day. Thanks for filming this! I 💜💜💜

    • @debbiem9218
      @debbiem9218 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have to agree with you about the Victorian style outlet cover, I too look for things like that in the videos. I happen to live in an older house that has some things that are unique to the 30s and 40s.

  • @edgregory1
    @edgregory1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That family photo at 9:47 shows how conservative the age before the 20s was. No Flappers, no toothy smiles, just quiet dignity.

  • @IratePuffin
    @IratePuffin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I’d so love to salvage that tile.

  • @bg45420
    @bg45420 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Dayton has no shortage of old abandoned buildings. Have you ever been by the Lewis and Michael storage building located at Waterson and Cincinnati street? Its still in use but is an interesting place.
    Thanks for your hard/dangerous work. Have a safe and happy holiday. Hopefully 2021 won't suck.

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Brian! We recently explored the British car museum across the street from the storage building. I still need to edit that video 😜. I’ve always been curious about the storage building. If you know anyone they can give us access let me know.

    • @bg45420
      @bg45420 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@OnceOccupied i used to go there about once a week about 15 years ago. Now its more like 2 or 3 times a year. They have a few managers in the last few years. I have only met the current one once. The next time I'm down there, I'll mention your channel. The building was built in the teens or twenties. The company was called Green and Green but later became the Sunshine Biscuit Company. Fun fact, Cheeze-its snacks were invented there!

  • @forgottenfoundations1792
    @forgottenfoundations1792 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    So taking a look at Woodland Cemetery (where Sherman and his first wife were buried), his first wife's name seems to be Nora, given of all the Potterf entries in the cemetery hers is the only one buried in 1902 (October 29, 1902 to be exact, though that's a Wednesday). More tragically, the grave listing states "Nora *& Infant* Potterf", meaning if this is her poor Sherman also lost a child at the same time :(

  • @twistedpixie6972
    @twistedpixie6972 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That’s the next street over from my job. Thank you for covering things piece of local history

  • @Murfs_Niche
    @Murfs_Niche 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    That was so informative & your research made it even more so.
    Thanks so much for your history narrative & photos as well as the entire video! Happy Holidays to you & yours! 🥳🎄🎁🎉🙋‍♀️💜

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Thanks Marlene! People have been commenting that they like when I do the research on the people that lived or worked in these places so I’ve been trying to do more of that and actually really enjoying it. I’m glad you liked it 🥰

  • @tammymullins5240
    @tammymullins5240 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the videos about Dayton Ohio brings back remembers

  • @richdiscoveries
    @richdiscoveries 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Just awesome man. Such a beautiful old historic building. I love trying to find additions and original parts like you did in the basement. Those old posters for a trip as well. Also, maybe there was some wood paneling upstairs, that black glue is usually an asbestos based glue, but as you know these places we explore are loaded in the stuff anyways, so it really doesn't matter LOL.
    I really enjoyed this one, keep up the great work

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      A note to self: Don’t eat the glue 😜. I’m glad you liked it it was one of my favorite videos to edit but it took a while.

  • @jeffbrooks5580
    @jeffbrooks5580 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So the window at 17:04 is just ventilation I've seen it done on older apartments building

    • @Lucinda_Jackson
      @Lucinda_Jackson 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’m thinking the roof was open there originally as they were air shafts meant to allow fresh air in and provide for cross ventilation in hot weather.

  • @amybannister4021
    @amybannister4021 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Sherrman sure sounded like a great man. What an impressive building. Thank you for the info and for sharing Sherrman's story and lifes work. Stay safe ❤

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Amy! I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

  • @KevinFryAdventures
    @KevinFryAdventures 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I am a lifelong Dayton native and never knew about this place. Several of my ancestors lived in the West side (S. Broadway) from the 1860's to the early 21st century. Excellent video! Just subbed.

  • @debbiem9218
    @debbiem9218 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love to watch videos of abandoned places and this was a great video. The video was done in great taste and didn't belittle the shorter people. I'm not all that tall myself I'm 4'9". That tile is beautiful a lot of the older stores in Winnipeg, MB, Canada have that tile on their bathroom floors. It is also neat to see all the old paint chipping, I imagine that, that pain probably has some form of lead content in it. I loved the apartment, awe to have lived in the old days!

  • @SplendoursVale
    @SplendoursVale 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great research and footage! Thank you very much!

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Andrew! I’m glad you liked it ✌🏻

  • @Cameed09
    @Cameed09 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Nicely researched and very interesting! Thank you for being respectful with the terms you used too!

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you! I’m really glad you enjoyed it I’m trying to put more history end of the videos going forward!

  • @jeansiegel4128
    @jeansiegel4128 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you. It’s appreciated how much you enjoy history! Be safe as well!

  • @PPINV2012
    @PPINV2012 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Would love to talk with the spirits there to see who's hanging out. I've investigated the Dayton VA, Wright Patt Museum and Hangars, Dayton Women's Club and the Victoria Theatre many times....love Haunted Dayton!

  • @shirleyhenry892
    @shirleyhenry892 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    nice video. looked up the midget theatre in Curt Daltons book "When Dayton Went to the movies" Dalton refered to the thetre having its own generator and a painting of the original third street bridge.

  • @DreamAuthorityMusic
    @DreamAuthorityMusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice quality all round. Thanks for the great video

  • @celticstar5049
    @celticstar5049 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I loved listening to all the history. A brilliant explore, thank you.

  • @barbfrank917
    @barbfrank917 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very interesting, I like how you don't waste time, you go right to the area you are talking about, Very sensitive to others. Love the history ❤

  • @flaminglaughter
    @flaminglaughter 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You would think the building would have a few reminders that there were little people there.

  • @OofusTwillip
    @OofusTwillip 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    There was a similar "Midgets Palace" in Montreal, Canada. When I was about 6 years old, we visited it. I'd never met a little person before, and I can still picture the lady who welcomed us. She was just a bit taller than I was, and she had red hair in a shag-cut. She wore a sleeveless purple satin blouse, olive-green trousers, red bead jewellery, and bright red lipstick. It was the 1970s, and she looked so fashionable!

  • @RichieTrashmouthTozier
    @RichieTrashmouthTozier 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome work,I really enjoy your videos.

  • @alfredritcher
    @alfredritcher 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video guys i love the history of the place

  • @cecoya
    @cecoya 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    That would have been the place to go back in the day. Watching an opera for a nickel lol. Have a great day

  • @jenniferdeleon8954
    @jenniferdeleon8954 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for the information about the place. I grew up and lived in the Dayton area for most of my life. I’m in South Carolina now and love watching your videos so much!!

  • @angiewanders7272
    @angiewanders7272 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a great historical building. A lot of history in there. Be safe out there!!

  • @meganmercer5829
    @meganmercer5829 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm from the area and used to do alot of exploring so it brings me alot of joy to be able to watch your videos thank you ❤❤

  • @nowadd0
    @nowadd0 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    "Bootleg Establishment" I remember a bootleg joint near there called "Butch&Cozzie's"...I wonder if this was the same spot...I never frequented it but heard about it...Great video!

  • @rachelgray1576
    @rachelgray1576 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You mentioned Preble County. Years ago in HS we would go to “Cry Baby Bridge” of off Lower Gratis? and always passed an abandoned little people house. I wonder if there’s any correlation between the two.

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There’s a very good chance. Do you remember about where it was because I can look at old historical imagery and property records. Are there any remnants of the house?

  • @jeffbrooks5580
    @jeffbrooks5580 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is great I've been by this area so many time wondering what these building was since I moved here thanks guy

  • @zrahbek
    @zrahbek 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video and great research! Interesting history about my favorite city. BTW what street is this on, kinda looks like Wayne Ave. At any rate keep up the good work, looking forward to more obscure Dayton history.

  • @lindatrombley3
    @lindatrombley3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Built same year as 1913 flood.

  • @crescentmoonchild4031
    @crescentmoonchild4031 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So love the brick walls! Was there a kitchen in the apt? Also maybe that black glue held up wall paper?

  • @Paul-ou1rx
    @Paul-ou1rx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm thinking if you went back to that era and started calling midgets "little people", they would get mad at you.
    Midget is a much better title.

  • @becky2725
    @becky2725 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Always look forward to your videos. Its extra exciting because I live in Wala money a,Ohio😀 Thank you for all your hard work! Well done take care And BE Safe Out There!😅😅😅

  • @tpcdude
    @tpcdude 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The far left side poster is a R Crumb posters .. hippy era SF .. collectable!

  • @jasonrossi4017
    @jasonrossi4017 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    that window to the closed in alley way was prob used for ventilation like in the old ny city tennments

  • @mizelle4096
    @mizelle4096 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a gorgeous apartment!

  • @daveb6252
    @daveb6252 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Enjoyed the Midget Theater Video! Neat part of history of crummy Dayton, but this was back in the good ole days without all the PC crap. Keep it up!

  • @HAGGISWOOMAN
    @HAGGISWOOMAN 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Did a little research after watching your video, and found his wedding license from Dayton Ohio, to one Miss Nora E. Brinkley married on October 24th 1901. It also asks if either party was ever married before and both said no. And believe it or not the document also states the word “Midgets” on it right over the the marriage license number. People were not as politically corrected as we try to be now, but all in all he seemed to have a very productive life which is wonderful.

  • @silviaperez7151
    @silviaperez7151 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very Good.

  • @vdeo260
    @vdeo260 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great Video! Just one thing Potterf is pronounced
    pot terf not pot terif.
    Sherman is my Great Great Great Grandfather. Funny story my grandmother was a Potterf and married my grandfather who was a Puthoff.

  • @arealone9029
    @arealone9029 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Too bad that couldn't keep this restored i would love to see the actual theater💔🎥📽 im in Dayton where is this location?

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It is on West Third. Hopefully it gets restored. A theater would be awesome but I’d be happy with a brewery too 😜

  • @FFKits
    @FFKits 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Gilded Age-Edwardian era design was so intricate before the "stamped out", graphic , deco era....and it had such HIGH quality handiwork of the tiles and wood that even the middle class could afford. It makes me :/ because I know what it used to look like. And then the tacky 1960's-90's time period comes along when people then just ripped stuff down and tossed it away without second thought to how valuable it was. Wall coverings were hand painted, often made of all kinds of fabrics, you had specialized guilds make the ceiling patterns that probably were cast then ( assuming because it was a theater ) and yes, I know it can't always last and tastes change, but man SAVE some things so future restoration design can restore. Now we know better, but there was a gap of time there where people just demo'ed and thought nothing of posterity.

  • @garybrown7044
    @garybrown7044 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    anybody out there know where this theatre is located?

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      This is one of the places I don’t mind sharing because the developer is working on fixing it up. It’s on w. third Street in Dayton. You can Google it I don’t remember the exact address.

  • @CinemaGatesPictures
    @CinemaGatesPictures 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    It needs to be restored

  • @herbertorendorff6323
    @herbertorendorff6323 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    the let's boogie poster is art made by robert crumb

  • @_dmfd
    @_dmfd 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I wonder how long it'll be before Nan sells it off to be demolished so we can have another parking lot or overpriced community apartment building

    • @TheF3kids
      @TheF3kids 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Mayors in Dayton are highly ceremonial. They have no true power. Unlike big cities.

    • @joshuagibson2520
      @joshuagibson2520 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nan is a lush...

  • @TheF3kids
    @TheF3kids 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can this place be renovated?

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes and the owners are looking for a business looking to develop the building.

    • @kathleencaffrey1716
      @kathleencaffrey1716 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The local arts groups might be interested in helping. It would give them a new performance location

  • @michaelmcgee8543
    @michaelmcgee8543 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The word midget is just a French word meaning small. This would translate the original name of the theater to The small theater. The truth is this man could have just named it a normal theatrical name, as the strand or the paramount or Alhambra

  • @kellysaunooke740
    @kellysaunooke740 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    It was once a lovely theater. I am sure Sherman was an interesting man.

  • @michaelmcgee8543
    @michaelmcgee8543 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey, where are the ghost! You bet if the ghost adventure team went up there they put on some fake ghost of the owners.

  • @jaymierudy1928
    @jaymierudy1928 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Opened in 1913. The year of the flood.

  • @rosebudd6317
    @rosebudd6317 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had a friend who was terrified of midget ppl R. I. P my friend

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That is one odd phobia 🤪

    • @crescentmoonchild4031
      @crescentmoonchild4031 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lol I worked with a nurse who was also afraid! She was assigned a young man and she tried but her co worker swapped with her. We would send her videos of different LP activities and sports just to torment her, yea it was mean but funny from her reaction.

  • @milktruck9345
    @milktruck9345 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Those bottles had a screw on lid not really old

  • @tabby6681
    @tabby6681 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is it haunted?

  • @ralphbenites1819
    @ralphbenites1819 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thay would show.short films.🤣🤣

  • @MoeLarrycurly1
    @MoeLarrycurly1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Window to ally for light

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Out of all the things that I expected that to be for I definitely didn’t consider that. That definitely makes sense though. I appreciate it!

    • @MoeLarrycurly1
      @MoeLarrycurly1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@OnceOccupied I have seen working in simulator type building s 🖖🏼

    • @OnceOccupied
      @OnceOccupied  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I see these all the time in old buildings and I never knew what they were for. I appreciate you teaching me something new 💪🏻

  • @naarahjanemorris3121
    @naarahjanemorris3121 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This Building is an historic Building so why is it not Maintained or Refurbished? it Doesn't make any sense it Should be looked after it opened in 1913 isn't that historic enough.

  • @ls6-ss413
    @ls6-ss413 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    South park flashback

  • @ameliatoreson1590
    @ameliatoreson1590 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Did he have any children?

  • @becky2725
    @becky2725 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wapak, ohio

  • @aginggracefully1391
    @aginggracefully1391 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Very interesting! Dayton has so much history. And, West 3rd St. was once the downtown area in Dayton.
    Parents weren't original Daytonia's, the came by the way if the Air Force in the 60's.