When the business district of the village of Dalton burned down in 1894, some folks may have predicted the end of the little town.
But Dalton - located in eastern Wayne County - has prospered, growing to a current population of more than 1,600, with many more people residing in the rural areas outside town. It's the home of a prominent pottery, the trailhead of the 9.5-mile Sippo Valley Rail Trail and a very cool annual festival.
Considering its diminutive size, it may be surprising to learn that the village of Dalton was actually formed from three separate villages! With the merging of early-18th century settlements Dover, Sharon and Middletown in 1856, Dalton was born. Accounts vary as to how the name came about. Some say letters from the three previous settlements were used to form the word; other accounts point to the suggestion of a prominent townsman from Dalton, Georgia.
In its early days, Dalton was known primarily for its location (on the old State Road, a major highway to the west) and for two prominent businesses.
Houghton Pottery was founded in the 1840s, and four generations ran the business successfully for more than a century. Today, Houghton pottery is highly collectible and quite valuable. Descendants of the first Houghtons still live in Dalton.
The Schultz Carriage Works was another successful business in the 19th century, building a reputation for sturdy, well built carriages from 1864 to 1907. To this day, Schultz is a respected surname in the area.
From 1882 to 1925 Dalton was a major stop on the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad, carrying both passengers and merchandise. One of the area's first log structures, the Eagle Tavern, served as a stagecoach stop and hotel long before the trains came through. Today it has been restored and moved to the east end of town, serving as the home of the Dalton Historical Society (tours by appointment, (330) 828-2757).
Celebrate the Holidays in Hometown Style
Each year, Dalton helps area residents and hundreds of visitors start the holiday season on the right foot, with the annual Dalton Holidays Festival held in early December.
Every small town in Ohio, it seems, has its own festival, celebrating pumpkins, bratwurst, even popcorn. And while these gatherings occur throughout the year, Dalton may be the only burg to host a winter fest. And what an event it has become!
What started more than 25 years ago as a simple holiday parade has burgeoned to include a huge two-day craft show, baked goods and food of all kinds (including homemade soup), live entertainment, contests and prizes, pageants and even a professional cake decorating contest. This year's festival dates are December 7-8 (see calendar of events for more information), with a pre-festival Christmas Tree Lighting, refreshments, crowning of the festival queen and downtown merchant extended hours the evening of the 5th.
Our festival really kicks off the holiday season, and it's a family event, said festival president Sandy Boulet.
According to Boulet, more than 5,000 people turn out for the Coolest Parade in Ohio, which winds through the town featuring area marching bands, floats and of course, Santa Claus. Boulet herself plays Mrs. Claus at every festival, and loves every minute.
Some people call me Mrs. Claus no matter what time of year it is, she laughed.
The parade also showcases the Holidays Festival Queen and her attendants, Little Miss Snowflake and Little Jack Frost, all chosen to represent their town in statewide festivals.
The biggest attraction at the festival is definitely the 100-booth craft show, Boulet said, noting last year's Mrs. Claus's Pantry (an annual booth) sold more than 300 pounds of chocolate candy made by local Amish women.
The theme of this year's festival, Down Candy Lane, is one sure to delight and challenge Daltonites as they decorate their houses, yards and businesses for the holidays (the festival awards prizes to the best-dressed structures that stick to the theme).
I'm proud, Boulet said of the festival, but I'm not surprised. We have a wonderful community.
If you're in the area this December 7 or 8, stop in and browse through the Dalton Holidays Festival. While you're there, don't miss a peek into one of the gift shops downtown...or sit a spell with a toasty Caramel Coffee at the Bliss Cafe. The folks in Dover, Sharon and Middleton - I mean Dalton - will be happy to say hello. (Nov/Dec 2002 issue)