Today, the 2016 and 2017 cohorts went on a field trip to
Carillon Historical Park. The museum has an immense amount of Dayton history,
ranging from replicas and original pieces of history to the various buildings
themselves. In the Wright Bother’s Aviation Center, the walls are filled with nostalgic
artifacts of Dayton’s most famous residents. They have two bikes Oliver and
Wilbur built. Only three others exist in the world! They also have one of the
original airplanes they flew. It is impressive to understand how much time and
thought were put into every creation and how they inspired new entrepreneurs to
innovate even to this day.
In addition to the various inventions Dayton is known for,
the museum also discusses the Great Flood of 1913. Along with the interactive
show that simulates the experience of the rain and floods, there is a hall
dedicated to the disaster. The building contains firsthand accounts of the
survivors and features a boat that the National Cash Register built to save the
trapped citizens. It is amazing to learn how John Patterson stopped the
manufacturing of his cash registers to build these boats.
This is a true
representation of understanding community assets; He had his workers operating
for the city, not for him. I find this honorable and humble. This is another
connection to the Rivers Institute. We, river stewards, find ways to strategize and benefit the city. Our goal is to use the water as an asset and work towards
all citizens building positive
relationships with our rivers. Our city’s relationship with its rivers sure has
come a long way since 1913!
Kendal
2017 Cohort
