Dayton, Ohio "Gem City" History
Gem City Dice was founded by an individual inspired by the vibrant history of Dayton, OH. With a deep appreciation for the city's rich heritage, they set out to create games that would not only celebrate Dayton's legacy but also foster lasting memories. The goal was to bring people together—whether family, friends, or associates—through engaging, social, and interactive games that promote connection and fun. By blending the essence of Dayton's history with a passion for shared experiences, Gem City Dice aims to create unforgettable moments for all who play.
Nestled in southwest Ohio’s Miami Valley, Dayton is a mid-sized industrial city with a remarkable history of innovation. Nicknamed the “Gem City”, Dayton was a hub of technology and invention in the late 19th and early 20th century that helped shape modern America. Dayton’s fascinating journey from its early beginnings to its rise as a global innovation leader. Dayton earned its “Gem City” nickname and fueled advancements in aviation, computing, automotive, manufacturing, and music. Understanding Dayton’s storied past provides inspiration for the city’s next chapter.
Gem City Home Grown
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THE WRIGHT BROTHERS TAKE FLIGHT
Dayton’s most famous inventors undoubtedly are Wilbur and Orville Wright who revolutionized human transportation with the first powered airplane flights.
Drawn to Dayton for its skilled manufacturing capabilities, the Wright brothers operated a successful bicycle shop while pursuing their dream of flight. They assembled a talented team to help iteratively design and build pioneering airplanes. Their perseverance and creativity made manned flight possible, launching the aerial age.
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LAND OF FUNK
In Ohio, there was funk: insistently rhythmic, flamboyantly fun, and forward-looking in its use of audio effects. Artists like Ohio Players, Zapp, Lakeside, Faze-O, Sun, and Slave came out of the Dayton area and hit airwaves across the country in the 1970s and ’80s. “Dayton, Ohio is the most sampled city,” said Webb (founded of Funk Music Hall of Fame). Ohio Players alone have been sampled by the Notorious B.I.G., De La Soul, N.W.A., A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, Salt-N-Pepa, OutKast, Snoop Dogg, and D’Angelo among many more.
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DAYTON'S SPIRIT OF INVENTION
Known as a “city of a thousand factories”, Dayton fostered an exceptional culture of innovation that enabled breakthroughs across diverse fields: National Cash Register – founded by mechanical engineer John Patterson in Dayton. Electric wheelchairs – Designed by Dayton native George Klein to aid people with disabilities. Stainless steel – Invented by Firth Sterling Steel workers trying to reduce steel corrosion. Pop-top cans – Invented by Ermal Fraze, founder of Dayton Reliable Can Company.