8 Grafton Hill families will open their homes and/or gardens to give you the unique opportunity to tour the inside of some of Dayton’s most stately and historic structures. At the turn of the twentieth century, Grafton Hill was home to some of Dayton’s wealthiest businessmen, and the gathering place for some of the inventors who put Dayton on the map - including Col. Edward Deeds, the inventor (along with Charles Kettering) of the ignition start engine, which revolutionized the automotive industry. Col. Deeds home and the historic “Deeds’ Barn” was originally located at 319 Central Avenue and now lives at Carillon Park. This invention has inspired us to include vintage cars in our home and garden tour this year!

The streets of Grafton Hill will give you a glimpse into the city’s past, as well as into Dayton’s renaissance as a place to live, work and play! Homes in the neighborhood date back to the early 20th century and include Prairie, English Tudor, Shingle and Greek Revival and others. Tours are self-guided this year.

Event is rain or shine and there will be food available for purchase. Parking is at Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Avenue, Dayton, Ohio. Ticket sales end at 2 pm and Tour ends promptly at 4 pm