Hills and Dales Park, Intersection of Patterson Boulevard and Adirondack Trail Road through to Patterson Boulevard and Oak Knoll Drive, bounded by Hilton Drive and Deep Hollow Drive, Kettering

Source document Quoted word for word from HALS OH-16. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Intersection of Patterson Boulevard and Adirondack Trail Road through to Patterson Boulevard and Oak Knoll Drive, bounded by Hilton Drive and Deep Hollow Drive in Kettering, Ohio, Montgomery County, Ohio. The site s northern boundary is bounded partially by Patterson Boulevard as the crow flies connecting to Runnymede/ Deep Hollow Road transition. Its eastern boundary generally follows Deep Hollow Road with a segment jutting out to Ridgeway Road and Oak Knoll Drive intersection down to Ridgeway Road and Dorothy Lane intersection. Its southern boundary is generally bounded by Dorothy Lane with a few private in-holdings. The western boundary is Hilton Drive. Current day, Hills & Dales MetroParks and Community Golf Club properties. (Hills & Dales MetroPark Maintenance Office, Google Earth,

Source document Quoted word for word from HALS OH-16. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Hills and Dales Park was a roughly 500-acre project1 developed by John Charles Olmsted and industrialist and civic leader John H. Patterson. Patterson s concept to provide for his National Cash Register employees and community betterment by building a subdivision and public country club park for outdoor recreation and enjoyment was ahead of its time and aligned with views the Olmsted Firm held regarding the importance of nature and access to the outdoors for everyone.2 The land was both forest and open farmland with rolling hills, beautiful vistas, and lots of potential. The resulting park featured a multitude of options for visitors to take advantage of the benefits of fresh country air to socialize.

Bridle and hiking trails, Adirondack style camps, a clubhouse, dance pavilion, community garden, sport fields and golf were highlights of the park. 1 Patterson purchased and sold parcels of land throughout the Park s development period. Some of that land was for Hills and Dales Park and subdivision. Some was purchased as a buffer for the park or for other suburban development. For simplicity this application focuses on the acreage that eventually became Hills and Dales Park as each home and subdivision has its own unique story. 2 A Dayton news article boasts that Dayton should be proud of the fact that this is the only community country club in the United States at the present time . What the Hills and Dales Club Is Going to Mean to People of Dayton; Mr.

Patterson Opens Doors to City, Dayton Sunday News, May 28, HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 2 Patterson contracted with the Olmsted Firm for over twenty years beginning in and worked with them on a variety of projects related to the park and subdivision. The Olmsted landscape at Hills and Dales Park showcased the firm's quality work to countless visitors over the years and was almost certainly a factor in the selection of the Olmsted firm for additional projects in the Dayton area and beyond during the upcoming decades. Though Hills and Dales Park has changed over time and most of the Olmsted era features are gone, the purpose and spirit of the park remains consistent with the original Olmsted and Patterson visions.

The roads still wind through a picturesque landscape with towering trees and beautiful vistas and residents regularly visit the area to golf, socialize, hike, picnic and enjoy nature. Description: The Hills and Dales Park was and continues to be a place for the Dayton community to recreate and enjoy the many benefits of the outdoors. In the 294 acres of parkland was deeded to the City of Dayton. In the property was split into 2 distinct areas: the Community Golf Club and Hills & Dales MetroPark. Land that was part of the original Hills and Dales Park footprint, but that was not deeded to the city has been absorbed into the nearby residential suburbs of Oakwood and Kettering. The largest portion of the original Hills and Dales Park is the Community Golf Club.

Community was Dayton s first municipal golf course and is managed by the City of Dayton. The course accounts for 209 acres of the original developed Hills and Dales property. The boundaries of the golf course are generally Patterson Boulevard to the north and east3, Berkley Street, Elmdale Drive and Hilton Drive to the west, and Dorothy Lane to the south. The Golf Club maintains much of the open feel of the original park. Rolling hills, clusters of tree plantings and water features make up the current landscape as they did in the early twentieth century. Many of the paths of Community Golf Club are also well aligned with the original trails and roads drawn by the Olmsted firm.

For example, the main cart path almost exactly follows the route plotted for Southern Boulevard to pass through the park. In addition, some of the plantings still exist (or at least there are plantings on the same locations).4 Though much of the feel has remained the same, the activities and amenities available at the park have changed over time. One of the most clearly visible changes is expansion of golf facilities. Currently there two 18-hole golf courses and a driving range situated where the old nine-hole course, polo field, tennis courts, ball fields and meadows once were.

Additionally, the original camp and 3 There are a few sections of land in this area that are south of Patterson Boulevard, but north of the golf cart path that are included as part of the Main Park area managed by MetroParks. 4 The Olmsted Map and Montgomery County Aerial Photo of Hills & Dales MetroPark/ Community Golf Club map were overlayed in ArcGIS so comparisons could be made. HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 3 club buildings are no more. The Round Camp and the old fire ring are also gone, and the area is overgrown and is near a brush dumping area. On the western side of the park the Officers Club5 and nearby Dance Pavilion were lost in a fire in and have been replaced in the spirit of the past on the same locations.

In the Victory Oak Knoll Memorial was created near the clubhouse. In this area red oak trees were planted, and a medallion placed to identify the local World War I veteran or red cross nurse it honored. Today the Knoll remains and can be accessed from an entrance off Melrose Ave. Some trees have died and only a few medallions remain. Additionally, honeysuckle and other understory shrubs have grown between some of the trees. Local scouts, Kettering Boy Scout Troop have been caring for this space and raising money to restore some of the openness that was once characteristic of the Knoll. Hills & Dales MetroPark, managed by Five Rivers MetroParks, is a long, narrow 85-acre park that was the northern section of Hills and Dales Park.

The park is an urban forest with significant tree cover, rolling hills, ravines and springs and is unique in the Dayton area. Hills and Dales currently functions as a neighborhood nature park, but also attracts regional visitation for activities such as hiking, dog walking and bird watching. The boundaries of Hills & Dales MetroPark are complicated and are best explained by dividing the park into three sections: White Oak Camp, the Main Park area, and Old Barn Camp. White Oak Camp is the westernmost section of the park with a west boundary of Hilton Drive, south boundary of the Community Golf Course, east boundary of Patterson Boulevard and north Boundary of Patterson Boulevard and Stockton Avenue.

Entrance to the park from this area is available in three locations; the White Oak entrance off Hilton Drive, a pedestrian entrance and connector trail off Stockton Avenue and the drive to Twin Oak Shelter off Patterson Boulevard. There is also a staff entrance leading to the maintenance building off South Patterson Boulevard. In the White Oak Camp area there are two modern Adirondack-style shelters (Olmsted Shelter and Patterson Shelter), a brick and stone shelter (Twin Oak Shelter), a restroom building, a modern playground, nature play area, park maintenance building and water tower.

Hiking trails in this area are closely aligned with the original Olmsted designed bridle trails7 and roads and the remains of one of the main golf course roads can be seen as one of the hiking 5 Also known as the NCR County Club and associated campus which is present day Community Golf Course. 6 Dead of World War Honored by Grove Dedication on Eve of Annual Observance of Memorial Day, Dayton Daily News, May 30, . and To Dedicate Grove for Heroes May 29, Dayton Daily News, May 19, 7 Olmsted Archive Item (Topo Map of Property Belonging to John H. Patterson Esq) and Montgomery County Aerial Photo of Hills & Dales MetroPark/ Community Golf Club map were overlayed in ArcGIS so comparisons could be made. HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO.

OH-16 PAGE 4 trails crosses it on the way past the maintenance building toward Patterson Boulevard. The Main Park area of Hills & Dales MetroPark stands across Patterson Boulevard to the north. It is a strip of parkland nestled between the Dayton Country Club, Patterson Boulevard, Deep Hollow Road and Oak Knoll Drive. There are four entrances to this large section of park. These entrances are located at Patterson Boulevard at the Adirondack Shelter, Dogwood Pond off Park Road, Paw Paw Shelter off Deep Hollow Road, and a pedestrian entrance off Oak Knoll Drive connecting with the Adirondack Trail. There is also a scenic view/ car pull off in front of the Patterson Monument on Patterson Boulevard.

Hiking trails in this section of the park closely follow the original Olmsted bridle trail paths, especially in the northwest. Some of the original surface can be seen as the Adirondack Trail winds down along the Dayton Country Club boundary toward Dogwood Pond. However, most of the paths are natural surface trails. Patterson Boulevard also follows almost the same course as it did when it was first constructed. During Patterson s time turf gutters along this road were replaced with brick and many of those gutters are still intact. The Patterson Monument, dedicated in which consists of a large granite framework featuring a stately bronze statue of John H. Patterson mounted on his horse Spinner , stands just east of the Adirondack Shelter entrance overlooking the Community Golf Course.

The statue was cleaned and restored in and is in good condition. Sharp-eyed guests may recognize rockwork and ruins of early features. Stone bridges and entries can be seen along Patterson Boulevard and Park Road. Concrete posts can be found at the past entrances to Round Camp, Pine Ridge Camp and Halfway House. Additionally, some building foundations can be found in a central area of the park between Adirondack shelter and Dogwood Pond. A stone observation tower, known as Patterson s Castle8, completed in 1941as part of Works Progress Administration (WPA) work in the park sits on a hillside overlooking Patterson Boulevard. The tower needs some repairs, is missing the original roof and is currently closed to the public. However, its presence is an iconic part of the park.

A one and a half mile hiking path, the Adirondack Trail, takes visitors through the Main Park area. The Adirondack Shelter, reconstructed in brick and stone in is at the western trail entrance and sits on the same location as the original Olmsted era shelter. The trail heads east and passes by newer additions such as the Dogwood Pond and Pavilion, a wetland boardwalk and Paw Paw Shelter. The Pond is sited in the same location as the original Dogwood Pond which was filled 8 The Tower was never officially named. It is known locally as Patterson s Castle/Tower, Frankenstein s Castle/Tower, Lookout Tower, and the Witch s Tower. HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO.

OH-16 PAGE 5 in the or Paw Paw Shelter and Dogwood Pavilion were built in and are of the same Adirondack-style as the newer White Oak Camp area shelters. The third area of the park, Old Barn Camp, makes up the southeast section of the MetroPark and is a small parcel off Oak Knoll Drive, Patterson Boulevard and residential properties. There are three official entrances to this area of the park off Oak Knoll Drive. One entrance is for vehicles and leads to a parking area. The other two are footpath entrances to the half mile Inspiration Point trail. This area features a remnant of the Old Barn Camp, most of which was lost in a fire in January The remaining stone chimney is in good condition and is surrounded by a small lawn and picnic tables.

There are also some remains of the foundation of an outhouse from WPA work in the Inspiration Point, which offered a scenic view to the north stood during the earliest years of the park. However, as Olmsted predicted, trees and shrubs have grown and obscured the view. The original chimney from Inspiration Point Camp is still standing and in good condition. History: John Patterson and the Park s Local Context Hills and Dales Park was a project developed by John Charles Olmsted and John H. Patterson as part of Patterson s vision for a subdivision and park that would positively contribute to employee welfare. John H.

Patterson was an industrialist, founder of the National Cash Register Company pioneer in industrial welfare and humanitarian who was genuinely interested in the well-being of people. Patterson believed that there was a direct correlation between his investment in his workers and the quality of work they produced. This ideology was adopted after he suffered a devastating business loss and determined the adverse working condition at his factory and the poor health and hygiene of his employees was a contributing factor.

He believed that healthy workers were productive workers and invested accordingly by improving factory conditions including ventilation; natural lighting; providing rest rooms for women as retreats during worktime breaks or for when women felt ill; and installing of bathing rooms and allowing employees to bathe on company time. He also offered special programs for his employees such as a suggestion system that awarded cash prizes and recognition to employees making useful recommendations; training programs; a company library; and various health programs. Additionally, Patterson hired the Olmsted firm to landscape the campus to be used and enjoyed by his workers and to impress upon visitors that cash registers were made in a pleasant and employee-friendly environment. John H.

Patterson s belief that investing in ways that improved health, living conditions and community had an impact beyond his business and employees. To Patterson this wasn t altruism or charity, but good sense and definitely good business sense for the city to attract other businesses to relocate or stay in Dayton. 9 Picnic Shelter Burns at Hills and Dales. Dayton Daily News, January 9, Newspapers.com HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 6 In the late and into the early twentieth century he advocated for a better Dayton. In his address at the Dayton Centennial, Patterson called for leaders in Dayton to invest in the health and education of its children and citizens as well as its infrastructure.

Libraries, education and training programs, children s programs, free public baths, improved sanitation, and clean, landscaped streets were among the things Patterson believed Dayton needed to invest in to become a model city.10 Additionally, Patterson advocated for playgrounds, recreational facilities and parks. He believed that parks were necessary for health, recreation and as respites from the heat of the city. His vision, possibly inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted s Emerald Necklace park system in Boston, was for Dayton to have a unified park system surrounding the city. A large park to the North, South, East and West and connections to those parks by trolley or road.

He was instrumental in bringing the Olmsted firm to Dayton to make that vision a reality and plan a coordinated and functional park system for the city in Patterson felt so strongly about the idea of providing parks that he was part of a small group of citizens who attempted to donate land to the City of Dayton for a park, South Woods, in The donation was rejected and was a major rift, one of many, between Patterson and local government. Convinced it was an important idea Patterson pushed forward to make a park a reality, if not at least for his own employees. Patterson contracted with the Olmsted Firm for over twenty years beginning in and worked with them on a variety of projects related to the park and a subdivision for his officers.

The result was a park that was ahead of its time and aligned the vision and values of both Patterson and Olmsted- a country club for the public to enjoy. Olmsted/ Patterson Era John H. Patterson s first formal contact with the Olmsted firm was in for developing 80 acres as an employee welfare project within 2 miles of the National Cash Register campus. By the project expanded to about 500 acres as Patterson s vision expanded to include an eventual public park and he purchased more land in an area informally known as the hills and dales . Patterson primarily worked with Olmsted and Percy Jones from 22 on the project parcel. Locally John Freudenberger, head of s landscape gardening department, communicated frequently with the Olmsted firm and Patterson to implement components of the plan.

10 What Dayton, Ohio Should Do to Become a Model City, John H. Patterson speech given March 19, Dayton History Books Online, accessed July 26, 11 The Report on Proposed Park System for the City of Dayton, Ohio shows evidence of great need for additional parks in Dayton and included the Hills and Dales Park as the southern park in its proposal. HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 7 Early work included topographical surveys for residences, bridle paths and roads. Olmsted was also consulted or advised on potential land purchases for specific features, access points or connectivity. His counsel and perspective influenced many of Patterson s purchases throughout this era.

As the Hills and Dales project progressed development of the park focused on bridle trails and camps in Adirondack style. Patterson was fond of vacationing in Upstate New York and had a lean-to style camp shelter on his Far Hills estate that was identical in design to some of the earliest camp shelters built in Hills and Dales Park. The Olmsted designs focused on integrating the structures with the landscape, often with the open wall of camp facing southern exposure and providing panoramic views or vistas to other areas of the park. Patterson continued to purchase land for the Hills and Dales project. In Patterson purchased the O Neil farmstead (in the west/southwest area of what would become the park) and Silzel farmstead (in the southeast).

He quickly had Olmsted begin plans and had crews starting work on his properties. In keeping with his focus on supporting his employees, Patterson asked for a large community vegetable garden for the employees of He also had a plan developed for the Silzel barn buildings that included renovations and relocating some of the outbuildings. When complete the Silzel buildings would eventually be used as an Agents School and a summer season Officers Club. Olmsted also began the landscape plan using a variety of native plants. In spring of the park was opened to employees, and soon after the public.

Hiking, nature study, horseback riding and socializing at the camps and in the fresh country air were common activities of the time.12 Concurrently Patterson s attention shifted to the creation of a country club with a golf course, polo field, tennis courts and a steeplechase course on the O Neil property. Work began with carpentry work on the house and barn. However, by summer Patterson had moved to London temporarily and work on this and most Hills and Dales development projects was paused until his return in The exception to this was the addition of the nine-hole golf course sometime between and By the facilities at the Silzel property, collectively called Old Barn Camp, provided dining, boarding rooms, a club room and outbuildings for riding stables.

This main building would be used by the Dayton Automobile Club, the Girls Club from 15 and eventually for activities of the Hills and Dales Club. There was growth in other areas of the park as well. Simple picnicking areas were sited throughout the park and at least seven camps featuring 3-sided log structures with stone fireplaces, firewood, dishes, and simple cooking utensils. 12 Club Organized for Preservation and Beautification of Hills and Dales, Dayton Daily News, May 17, HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 8 Work on the Country Club was completed and opened for the season to employees and their families in the spring. The new club included the renovated O Neil Farm buildings which opened as another club house and gathering place along the southwestern area of the park.

These facilities included dining rooms, club rooms for gathering, and an outbuilding equipped to host up to 3 airplanes should local persons want to travel there by airplane.13 Development after Patterson s return from Europe was moving quickly. Among the requested changes the large vegetable garden was to be removed, the pergola knoll added, and a new racetrack staked out and installed. Four tennis courts and a dancing platform were also constructed. By winter considerations were given to expanding the golf course to 18 holes. For the next few years, the growth continued. A shelter at Inspiration Point was installed and the Olmsted firm was busy surveying and staking additional bridle trails, roads and advising on landscape plantings.

More and more amenities and improvements were being suggested by Patterson and others causing a push and pull between development and preserving the trees and other natural features that made the park so special.14 Water features, a Hungarian partridge hatchery, a one- acre lake, and bowling and croquet fields were among the ideas put out for consideration.15 During this period Patterson also brought proposals for additional tracts of land to Percy Jones for review. In many cases, such as the land adjoining Faber Tract16, Mr. Jones advised to purchase the full property to provide a buffer from development but to also connect to other woodland lots in Patterson s holding. In March of a series of significant storms caused the Great Miami River to flood and destroy nearby cities.

The river overflowed, levees broke and water over 20 feet high flowed through downtown Dayton. The Great Flood of did not immediately impact Hills and Dales project tract or park as the topography of the land protected it. However, there were effects on development at Hills and Dales and expenses were curbed and timelines changed.17 Patterson and the company invested in the recovery efforts- a significant sum that Patterson considered to be just an operating expense of the company.18 The company also served in relief work and the headquarters often provided community meeting space for relief efforts. John H. Patterson served as the President of the Citizen Committee when Dayton under martial law in flood aftermath.

13 New Country Club of the Is Opened, Dayton Daily News, May 27, 14 Multiple Olmsted letters to Patterson or his representatives document conversations where Olmsted and his associates advocated for minimizing roads and additional features in favor of preserving the natural character of the land. 15 May 31 Jones visit notes Olmsted Associates Records Job 16 Jan 5 letter from Jones to Patterson discuses a tract adjoining the Faber Tract, Olmsted Associates. 17 September 29, letter from JE Freudenberger to Mr. Jones, c/o Olmsted Bros., Landscape Architects- Olmsted Associates Records Job 18 Crowther, Samuel, The Fullest Years of a Business Lifetime, The Magazine of Business System, December HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO.

OH-16 PAGE 9 Over the next few years projects continued including a chain of fishponds that was installed south of the Girls Club19 and the wading pool at the Country Club. By there were an estimated twelve camps with structures within the park, as more were added when popularity increased. In Hills and Dales Club facilities opened to the public for a modest per year membership, 10 cents for children in the family and 10 cents for guests. Affordable meals, social opportunities, beautiful vistas, fresh air and nature study experiences were available and popular. By this time, the Club was conveniently located at the end of a streetcar line for community access.20 As the area opened for public use many Daytonians favorite attractions were spending time in summer away from the city.

Using amenities at the County Club, if employees or family, or publicly from the Hills and Dales Club as a launching point to the park. There were miles of trails and bridle paths, fruit lined trails and picnic areas and camps with fruiting trees that visitors were able to eat on site but not collect. Visitors noted enjoying the fresh air and strolling the picturesque countryside, rolling hills, wildflowers, woodlands providing opportunity for study of nature and bird life.21 Both Country Club and Hills and Dales Club operated seasonally, opening for the summer and closing for the winter.

Development slowed again when the United States entered World War I in Patterson placed a moratorium on building at Hills and Dales Park, though construction of many amenities of the park were already well underway. By now Patterson was also planning for a time when he would transfer ownership of Hills and Dales to the city of Dayton. He was still not happy with the local government but had asked Olmsted to identify the boundaries of what would become the city park.22 Early Years City of Dayton Management John H. Patterson s contempt for the city of Dayton government was no secret. Nor was his continued disappointment in their refusal of the South Woods 19 Predominately known as Old Barn Club for decades, the site had many names.

Dayton Automobile Club later known as NCR Girls Club from then Hills and Dales Club from finally Old Barn Club from until disassembled in 20 Hills and Dales Club for Girls Is Ready to Open for Summer: Community Idea Prevails, Dayton Daily News, May 23, and What the Hills and Dales Club Is Going To Mean To People of Dayton; Mr. Patterson Opens Doors to City, Dayton Sunday News, May 28, 21 What the Hills and Dales Club Is Going to Mean to People of Dayton; Mr. Patterson Opens Doors to City, Dayton Sunday News, May 28, 22 April 10. Jones visit notes re: potential boundaries. HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 10 property for a park in These ill feelings are what drove Patterson to manage his park for the public privately and demonstrating the benefits and popularity of parks.

In November when Dayton switched to a non-partisan commission-manager form of government, Patterson felt that the city was ready to care for his park and its amenities.24 In June he gifted 294 acres of the Hills and Dales Club project to City of Dayton and thus the community at large. Patterson s terms were that he would continue to provide per year for the first 3 years upkeep, provided that City of Dayton spent at least per year after Over people showed up for the park dedication and the Hills and Dales Park Community Country Club. The festivities included a procession of local organizations and addresses from leaders local and international. In November World War I ended, and a year later plans for a Victory Oak Memorial Knoll began.

Patterson requested Olmsted Brothers to suggest a location and landscaping plans for the plantings and spacings. The Olmsted firm selected the knoll near the Officers Club (present-day Community Golf Clubhouse location) and suggested planting oak trees, which Percy Jones took lead on spacing recommendations. Memorial plaques were added at the base of the hill and planned near each planting. John H. Patterson passed away in In a public donation campaign to Patterson Memorial fund, commissioned sculptor G. Moretti (an American who at the time was living in San Remo, Italy) and installed a grand statue of Patterson sitting on his horse Spinner at the crest of the ridge along Patterson Boulevard.

The Patterson Monument was dedicated on May 26, Flagstone steps and a retaining wall were later added in As it had under Patterson s leadership, the park would continue to change during its time under city management. The Community Country Club golf course was overhauled and reopened with a 36-hole golf course. The new course consisted of two 18-hole courses which are still active in Shelters and camps were moved or removed. Specifically in the wooden structure around Inspiration Point chimney was disassembled and moved to establish a new camp by Dogwood Pond (Redbud Camp). Eventually, as use declined, the number of shelter camps dwindled to six and some camps continued to function without shelters.

The Old Barn Club was closed and demolished after the summer season in 23 Patterson frequently references the missed opportunity. One such instance is an article from describing a day where Patterson opened his estate to a vacation school event for children there are multiple references to the need for a park and the city s refusal of the Houk and Carr tract. Vacation School Pupils Entertained by John H. Patterson at Far Hills, The Dayton Herald, July 29, 24 Printed letter to city commissioners Park Is memorial to Good Government, Dayton Daily News, June 10, 25 Patterson Has Given City Big Park Property, Dayton Daily News, March 27, HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO.

OH-16 PAGE 11 The popularity of horseback riding continued throughout the Investment in riding stables was maintained and the Old Barn Camp stables were operated by well-known area riding instructor King Tullis. Rides from the two stables in the park used bridle trails through Hills and Dales Club as well as lands south of the park to Cincinnati. Riding in Hills and Dales eventually halted as the post-war development and southern suburbs began to cut off bridle trails of the park. By the next decade, horseback riding would move to more remote areas of Dayton and surrounding areas. In the mid-1930s through early Works Progress Administration (WPA) / National Youth Administration (NYA) programs brought park improvements to Hills and Dales Park.

Outdoor toilets were constructed near the camps and maintenance was done on the golf course. The City of Dayton also had work crews build a stone observation tower. It provided views over the golf course for many years.26 On the western side of the park the Officers Club27 and nearby Dance Pavilion were lost in a fire in and were rebuilt in and in the spirit of the past on the same locations. In the1950s, the City of Dayton replaced some of the camps, such as the Twin Oak and Adirondack Camps with stone and brick structures to ease maintenance. Work on roads continued and Oak Knoll Road was constructed at this same time, which still provides access to the Old Barn Camp area of the park today.

Later Years City of Dayton By the recreation and park use in the area was changing and much of the amenities in the forested north portion of Hills and Dales Park were starting to age. Throughout this decade camp shelters were replaced by City of Dayton with cement block structures, such as a White Oak Camp. These structures were to be durable and lower maintenance. The Country Club however continued to be well used and maintained. In the City of Dayton artist in residence program hosted Mary Miss among several other artists. Mary Miss selected Hills & Dales Park, Paw Paw Camp as the location for installing her public experiential art Staged Gates .

The temporary art installation made of wood lasted many years, but erosion and decay took its course, and the art installation was removed in In the late a group of citizens, Friends of Hills & Dales Park , organized to support the park. They focused on cleanup days where volunteers cleared honeysuckle, painted shelters, planted bulbs and performed general cleanup 26 Work was described and summarized in the Hills and Dales Historic Landscape Preservation Master Plan p 45. 27 Also known as the County Club and associated campus which is present day Community Golf Course. HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 12 around the park. The group was led by Jean Woodhull, a MetroParks commissioner and member of the Dayton Garden Club.

The Friends group continued with cleanups and bulb planting well into the During this era the area around Old Barn Camp declined. The wooden structure surrounding Old Barn Camp s stone fireplace burned from suspected arson on January 9, Only remnants remain of the two stone chimney s that made up Old Barn Camp and Inspiration Point. As predicted by Olmsted firm, without intentional vegetation management, the vistas and panoramic views were subject to change. By the original character of the park had been transformed by years of vegetation growth. Much of the natural areas were overgrown with Amur honeysuckle.

In the City of Dayton completed a study of the historic property in conjunction with Ball State University, authors Vernon and Cairns, and published a document entitled Hills and Dales Park Historic Landscape Preservation Master Plan. Five Rivers MetroParks Management Era (1999-present) In Five Rivers MetroParks, an Ohio Special Park District, took over management of 85 acres of Hills and Dales Park and renamed it Hills & Dales MetroPark. Commissioner Woodhull s passion for Hills and Dales Park was influential in the decision to assume operations and maintenance of the park. Planning for the future of the park began in the early utilizing the Hills and Dales Park Historic Landscape Preservation Master Plan and community input as the starting point.

Five Rivers MetroParks worked with Chambers Architecture, Human Nature and Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon to develop plans and renovate the park. Prominent updates were made to several core use areas that align with the desire of Patterson and Olmsted plans as well as Five Rivers MetroParks mission to preserve natural heritage and provide connection to nature. These updates included: Forest management through cover mapping in The cover mapping revealed that Hills & Dales contains three basic forest types: oak-sugar maple, mixed upland hardwoods, and successional hardwoods. At this time removal of invasive plants such as Chinese honeysuckle and Tree of heaven begins in many areas of the park.

The Patterson Monument was restored in The white granite received a thorough cleaning, the bronze sculptures were cleaned and restored, and the worn limestone pavement around the monument was replaced with new cut stone. The new limestone pavers were purchased from the same quarry where 28 Picnic Shelter Burns at Hills and Dales. Dayton Daily News, January 9, Newspapers.com HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 13 the original stones were cut, which supplemented what original stone could be salvaged. Trail updates were made for sustainable use and erosion reduction. Two new shelters in the Adirondack-style were built in as added amenities in the White Oak Camp area for public use. The shelters were named Olmsted and Patterson in honor of the park s history.

Architect Chuck Chambers utilized drawings of the original Olmsted structures as the basis for the updated structures. Shelters were constructed by J L Kuck. Utility updates including sewer, water and electric were made between A Maintenance building was constructed on the White Oak Camp site in In multiple projects were completed and unveiled at a community open house. The Paw Paw Shelter was removed and replaced with large Adirondack style pavilion with a fireplace designed by architect Chuck Chambers and constructed by JL Kuck. Dogwood Pond was reconstructed on the same location as the original pond that was filled in during the mid-twentieth century. An Adirondack-style pavilion, bridge and dam were also built nearby.

Lastly a Boardwalk was constructed to bring the Adirondack Trail through spring fed wetlands and connect Dogwood Pond to Paw Paw Pavilion. A traditional playground and nature play area was constructed to serve the adjacent neighborhood. Throughout the park, Adirondack style chairs, benches, and swings were added amenities for park users. Parking lots were added or improved at updated shelter areas for visitors driving to the site. In Five Rivers MetroParks went through a Site Master Plan process to determine a course for the next 10 years of Hills & Dales. MetroParks staff and community stakeholders were consulted, and a plan was developed to maintain the park and continue to preserve the feel and remaining elements from the Olmsted and Patterson plans.29

Source document Quoted word for word from HALS OH-16. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Crowther, Samuel, The Fullest Years of a Business Lifetime, The Magazine of Business System, December Accessed July 29, 29 The Site Master Plan and it s appendices can be found on the Five Rivers MetroParks website HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 14 Dayton Daily News and Dayton Journal Herald. - various dates Dayton History Books Online. What Dayton, Ohio Should Do to Become a Model City, John H. Patterson speech given March 19, accessed July 26, Five Rivers MetroParks. Hills and Dales Site Master Plan Accessed July 29, Plan-final-200916.pdf Montgomery County Ohio Auditors Office. Aerial Map of Hills & Dales MetroPark and Community Golf Club, Accessed July 29, Olmsted Archive Item TOPO. MAP OF PROPERTY/ BELONGING TO/ JOHN H. PATTERSON ESQ.

/ MONTGOMERY COUNTY, OHIO/ ; SCALE 1" = Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site. | Item Number: Document Title: TOPO. MAP | Flickr Olmsted Archive Item MAP OF HILLS & DALES/ ; SCALE 1"= Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site. | Item Number:3121- 40 Document Title:MAP OF HILLS & | Flickr Olmsted Archive Item PLAN OF DISTRICT / SOUTH OF DAYTON / TO HOWES CREEK/ ; SCALE 1" = Courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site. | Item Number: Document Title: PLAN OF DI | Flickr Olmsted Associates.

Olmsted Associates Records: Job Files, Files; Patterson, J. H.; Subdivision, "Hills and Dales"; Dayton, Ohio; to - Manuscript/Mixed Material. Olmsted Brothers, Landscape Architects. Report on Proposed Park System for the City of Dayton, Ohio, April 12, HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 15 Schleppi, John R. It Pays : John H. Patterson and Industrial Recreation at the National Cash Register Company, Journal of Sport History, Vol. 6, No. 3 (Winter, Vernon, N. and Cairns, M. Hills and Dales: Historic Landscape Master Plan, Prepared for City of Dayton, by Department of Landscape Architecture, Ball State University. The Wright State University Department of Art and Art History Quintessence: The Alternative Spaces Residency Program Number 2.

Dayton, Ohio: Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries, Wright State University.

Source document Quoted word for word from HALS OH-16. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Bernadette Whitworth, Historical and Cultural Resources Manager, Five Rivers MetroParks Laura Stevens, Interpretation Coordinator, Five Rivers MetroParks David Schmidt, Research Consultant, The Oakwood Historical Society Eric R. Sauer, RLA, Planning Manager, Five Rivers MetroParks July 29, HALS Challenge Entry: Olmsted Landscapes Recipient of National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) Certificate for Work of the Olmsted Firm in Ohio HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 16 Patterson Monument. Sculptor G. Moretti (an American who at the time was living in San Remo, Italy) developed the statue of Patterson sitting on his horse Spinner which is installed at the crest of the ridge along Patterson Boulevard.

The Patterson monument was dedicated on May 26, Flagstone steps and a retaining wall were later added in (Five Rivers MetroParks, HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 17 Old Barn Camp Chimney is what remains of Old Barn Camp as a suspected arson fire in burned down the wooden shelter surrounding the stone fireplace. (Five Rivers MetroParks, HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 18 Dogwood Pond Shelter, Summer. Part of Five Rivers MetroParks park updates a new Shelter was installed in Adirondack style overlooking Dogwood Pond rebuilt during the Five Rivers MetroParks era of Hills & Dales MetroPark management. (Five Rivers MetroParks, Rockwork along Park Rd near Dogwood Pond entrance (Five Rivers MetroParks, HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO.

OH-16 PAGE 19 View of Community Golf Club from Patterson Boulevard near the Patterson Monument. The Golf Club and Dance Pavilion buildings can be seen in the distance. (Five Rivers MetroParks, Victory Knoll Memorial (Five Rivers MetroParks, HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 20 Stone Tower built in the early under City of Dayton era management of Hills and Dales Park. It provided views over the golf course for many years. Entry into the tower is closed off due to safety concerns. (Five Rivers MetroParks, Paw Paw Pavilion, Summer (Five Rivers MetroParks, HILLS AND DALES PARK HALS NO. OH-16 PAGE 21 Twin Oak Shelter (Five Rivers MetroParks, Adirondack shelter, constructed in the during City of Dayton era of managing Hills and Dales Park. (Five Rivers MetroParks,