Cultural Landscape and Historic Structures Report: Paul Laurence Dunbar House, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Volume 1 and Volume 2

STRATA Architecture, Inc.; Quinn Evans Architects; Regions 3, 4, & 5 CR Historic Architecture and Cultural Landscapes Program

The Paul Laurence Dunbar House is located at 219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar Street (formerly N. Summit) in Dayton, Ohio. The two-story brick house was built in 1887-1888. In 1904, the house was purchased by Matilda J. Dunbar, the mother of poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. Paul Laurence Dunbar is generally recognized as the first African American to become widely known for literary accomplishments, and the house has long been celebrated for its association with him. The purpose of this report is to provide a record of existing conditions and past alterations through field study, conditions assessments and archival research. The goal of this Cultural Landscape and Historic Structures Report (CLHSR) is to provide comprehensive documentation on the condition of the property, including the landscape of the two lots, the house, and the barn. The report explores the history and condition of the site and buildings and the impacts of treatment recommendation alternatives and uses on historic integrity and appearance. It is intended to serve as a guide for the long-term care of the Paul Laurence Dunbar House, Barn, and site. Archival research conducted for the report intended to provide historical context and to support future research and interpretive efforts. This is the first completed CLHSR to be produced. In 2001, a landscape study focusing on restoration treatment for the property was conducted. A Historic Structure Report was drafted in 2003. Both of those documents were consulted during the preparation of this report, and both are referenced in numerous places. Relevant information from the landscape study was included in the historical background and context and informed landscape treatment recommendations. This Cultural Landscape and Historic Structures Report is organized first through the introduction, followed by Chapter 2 - Historical Background and Context, which reviews the history of the site and house, discusses the statement of significance, and identifies major events. Chapter 3 describes existing conditions and provides an analysis of the cultural landscape. Chapter 4 presents a chronology of significant changes and assesses the existing conditions and accessibility of the house and barn. Treatment recommendations are introduced in Chapter 5, which outlines the treatment approach for the landscape and buildings. Chapter 6 presents treatment recommendations for the site, while Chapter 7 discusses treatment recommendations for the house and barn. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical park existing general management planning documents continue to provide relevant guidance, which may be supplemented through development of additional planning documents, such as this one. The Paul Laurence Dunbar Cultural Landscape and Historic Structures Report is a component of the park's planning portfolio and fulfills a park planning resource for comprehensive documentation of the condition of the property and landscape, and appropriate treatment recommendations. This plan is consistent with the general guidance of the 2005 General Management Plan (GMP) Amendment to help the park to better meet the statutory requirements of Title 54 USC 100502, specifically the requirement to address measures for preservation of resources, indications of types and general intensities of development, and visitor use management.

Cultural Landscape and Historic Structures Report: Paul Laurence Dunbar House, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Volume 1 and Volume 2

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