DAYTON, OH — On Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21, from 10 AM to 4 PM, the Davis-Linden Building will host the C2 Market. This vibrant weekend event blends Dayton’s legacy of innovation with its modern creative spirit, and it is open to the public.
Located at the corner of Davis and Linden Avenues, just north of U.S. 35, the Davis-Linden Building is more than just a venue—it’s a landmark of Dayton’s industrial past. Originally home to the Davis Sewing Machine Factory, the site later became the birthplace of the iconic Huffy Bicycle, a brand that pedaled its way into American homes for generations. Today, the building has been reimagined as a hub for creativity and commerce through the “C2 Initiative.”
This will be the first of what the C2 organizers hope is many regularly scheduled events. (AI-generated rendering pictured here.)
The C2 Market will feature a variety of member tenants showcasing their work, from wood crafting and glass creations to specialty photography. Visitors will have the chance to meet the creators, explore a portion of the historic building, and learn how its legacy continues to inspire new ventures.
“The C2 Initiative is an effort to create a community of creativity and commerce,” said Becca Brumfield, Operations Manager. “Our goal is to help enlighten Dayton and encourage the innovative spirit that thrives in our city.”
What sets the Davis-Linden Building and the C2 program apart from other creative spaces like the Hub at the Dayton Arcade or the Front Street art district is versatility and room for growth. “We are an exclusive facility that provides not only office and artistic space, but also light manufacturing, storage, and studio space as well,” Brumfield explained. “And there’s room to expand. We want our member tenants to grow with us. Their success is tied to ours.”
Looking ahead, the C2 Initiative plans to launch community-focused projects that give back to Dayton through mentorship, education, and collaborative outreach—ensuring that the building’s future is as impactful as its past.
Parking is available at 15 Davis Ave and 115 Davis Ave, with entry through Door 1 (corner of Davis and Linden, up the long, cement staircase) or Door 4 (across from 115 Davis Ave). For more information, visit www.davislindenbuilding.com.
Dayton, Ohio – The Davis Linden Building, an historic landmark located at 400 Linden Avenue in Dayton, Ohio, has long been a beacon for creative professionals seeking customized commercial spaces. Owned by Matt Dieringer of Dieringer Development, the facility continues to thrive and expand, offering a nurturing environment for artists, businesses, sculptors, photographers, and other creative professionals.
Over the years, the facility has seen good times and bad. But Matt Dieringer’s vision for the Davis Linden Building has been, and will continue to be, one of growth and community. “We are committed to provide spaces that not only meet the unique needs of our tenants but also foster a sense of belonging and collaboration,” says Dieringer. This commitment is evident in the building’s diverse range of tenants, each contributing to a vibrant and supportive community.
One of the most notable tenants is Michael Bashaw, a musician and sculptor who has located his studio in the Davis Linden Building since the 1980s. Bashaw’s long-term presence is a testament to the building’s ability to provide a stable and inspiring environment for creative professionals. “My grandfather was a tenant in the building in the 1950s, so I was well aware of it,” says Bashaw. “I was originally looking for a space where I could work on my sculpture and do music rehearsals. I’m very grateful and very fortunate to be here.”
“I’m on year two and have already outgrown one space,” says tenant Tiffany Lewis, owner of Immortelle Bijouterie, an era-inspired jewelry and clothing shop. “I love the atmosphere here – the big windows, the open concept, and that there are other artists here.”
Becca Brumfield, the building’s office manager, shared her view as both a tenant and employee. She described The Davis Linden Building as a center of creativity, business, and community. Her husband, Trevor, operates one of Ohio’s last full-service typewriter repair and sales shops, TB Writers Plus, located in the building since 2023.
The dedication of the Davis Linden Building’s management to promote a sense of community among its tenants is one of its defining features. This collaborative spirit is what sets the facility apart from other commercial spaces. In that spirit, the management will soon unveil “The C2 Initiative,” based on the idea of Creativity and Commerce. The initiative is intended to expand on that sense of community with memberships, access to shared creative space, and much more.
As Dieringer Development continues to invest in the growth and development of the Davis Linden Building, the future looks bright for this creative hub. With its commitment to providing customized spaces and fostering a strong sense of community, the Davis Linden Building will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of Dayton’s creative scene for years to come.
For more information about the Davis Linden Building and its available spaces, visit their website, www.davislindenbuilding.com/, or call 937-498-8635.
The Davis Linden Building is located in the Huffman Manufacturing District of East Dayton.
In a once abandoned sewing machine and bicycle factory on the corner of Linden and Davis Avenues, in an old, industrial section of east Dayton, Becca Brumfield carries cooler bags up two flights of stairs with two small children in her wake. At the end of a massive hallway on the top floor, they arrive at a door labeled “TB Writers Plus.” She taps a code into a keypad, an electronic lock opens, and the kids pop through the door ahead of her like prizes from a gumball machine.
They pass workbenches and shelves loaded down with antique typewriters. On an elevated platform at one end of the room, a long glass table is flanked at one end by a floor-to-ceiling shelf of refurbished typewriters for sale.
Becca lays out place settings and dishes up the food. Young Clayton, 6, and Sam, 5, who’d immediately started playing on typewriters and drawing, clamber to the table and plop down to eat. Her husband, Trevor, joins them. One of their employees sits down, too, and now it’s a typical evening at their typewriter shop.
Becca and Trevor Brumfield at TB Writers Plus in Dayton, Ohio.
The Brumfield family started down this path more than a year ago when Trevor bought a typewriter online, repaired it, and started using it. Before long, he lost it to his wife and, as he puts it, “Naturally, had to buy another one.”
“That turned into several more, which became 60, which turned into 100, and that became, I gotta sell some of these,” Trevor laughed. A full-time auto mechanic, it might seem odd for someone just 26 years old to start down such an arcane career path.
Over the last twenty years, typewriters have seen something of a renaissance. Fueled first by internet insecurities and one enthusiast’s declaration of a “Typewriter Insurgency,” writers, artists, business professionals, and college professors continue challenging the digital paradigm. “It’s not a booming industry,” Trevor admitted. “But the interest is there, and business goes in waves.” The industry got a secondary boost from the recent Taylor Swift video, “Fortnight,” which featured the megastar with an old Royal 10.
Taylor Swift’s Royal 10 in ‘Fortnight.’
Swift had them as props, but a few famous people are actual typewriter fans and users. Most notable is Tom Hanks, whose collection and passion for the machines are well known. The exposure has helped Trevor’s shop steadily grow. “I’m not sure exactly how many machines we have serviced in total,” he said, noting the expansion from his home garage last year. But we can typically get through 30-50 machines a month depending on what needs to be done to each.”
At last count, TB Writers Plus has inventoried more than 600 machines. Many are cannibalized for parts, and others are refurbished for sale. Trevor does the bulk of that work but has also trained Becca. An atmosphere of learning and openness permeates the shop. No organized training program exists, and factory training was discontinued years ago. Everyone who works here is an unofficial apprentice.
PART II – HE DOESN’T DO IT ALONE
Three part-time employees, Tyler, Keenan, and Torii, have been learning on the job, guided by Trevor’s experience. Each tackles the intricacies of these incredibly complex machines in their own way.
Tyler Lewis, of Fairborn, began as a technician in November 2023. “I mostly refurbish and repair, taking apart the machines, cleaning them, and putting them back together.” He learned about TB Writers Plus from an article in a local zine. A zine is, in his words, “An underground, independent magazine that people publish usually by using copy machines.”
Tyler should know since he’s the primary writer and publisher of his own zine, appropriately named “Tylerzine.” He was working at the Wright State University college newspaper and pitched his own article idea. “I met Trevor, immediately liked his openness, and ended up hanging out that first day for like six hours,” he said.
He sits at a typewriter loaded with purple ribbon and cranks out a short poem based on a prompt suggested by someone else in the room. Tyler’s passion and personal brand of artistic expression suit the typewriter world. “My entry point has always been the literary aspect of typewriters,” he said. “I am a devout believer in language, so what typewriters represent as a means of expression greatly appeals to me.”
Technician Keenan started as a hobby when Trevor was still working out of his garage back in 2023 but took some time off for school. The 28-year-old Kettering resident came back in May of this year. “I wanted to learn more about how typewriters work, and it was an enjoyable way to spend my time,” he said.
“I enjoy the simplicity of the process compared to modern technology that feels invasive at times,” Keenan explained. “It’s just a simple typewriter on the workbench that needs fixing. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Tori’s B checks out a 1930s era Smith-Corona manual.
At the workbench, technician Torii B, from Bellbrook, hovers over an antique Smith-Corona. She scrutinizes the machine, evaluating any repairs needed before it’s put up for sale. Torii is a 36-year-old marketing and design professional and working mom. Although she has freelance design clients, she left a full-time marketing job last May. She’s applied for permanent positions in her field, but nothing’s been a good fit so far.
About a month ago, a friend told her about an anachronistic typewriter repair shop whose owner sought part-time help. As it happened, she and the friend have a role-playing game involving type-written note cards and the adventures of two fictional journalists. Her interest peaked, she reached out to TB Writers Plus, and before long, she signed on as a part-time tech and general worker.
Her diverse background fits this very mechanically oriented job. “I went to school for visual communications,” Torii said, pausing momentarily. “But, before that, I studied mechanical engineering.”
“I like the physical act of working on the machines,” she explained. “Watching the machines move keeps my mind like a well-oiled machine. Each one is like solving a puzzle.” She points to three small containers, each filled with tiny machine parts, springs, levers, and knobs. Her task is identifying and cataloging them for future repair work. It might seem tedious, but there are no more typewriter parts in production. Every part salvaged is vital to the shop’s operation.
PART III – THE TYPEWRITER COMMUNITY
A team can only function well with good leadership, and this one is no different. Trevor is doing his best to help his crew find their way. “Each works a little differently than their coworkers and has their own skill set,” he said. “Tyler is really good at detail-oriented work. Keenan’s strength is getting a lot of work done quickly. Torii is still finding her place in the shop,” Trevor continued.” She’s helped us with inventory ideas and graphic design and handles other odds and ends around the shop.”
Trevor Brumfield adjusts a 1955 Royal Quiet De Luxe.
Trevor’s interests and skills are well-suited, and he clearly enjoys this work. But what he likes most about the job is the people. “All of our customers treat my shop like a safe haven. I’m not sure why, but people drop their guard when they walk in here,” Trevor explained. “We’ve heard some crazy stories from people; war stories, childhood traumas, business plans, just about anything you can think of.”
“We have customers that will leave work in the middle of the day just to come here to vent because they are having a bad day. Next thing you know, they’ve been here for 3 hours, and their boss is calling.”
Brumfield’s modesty won’t allow for his own kindness and personability as reason enough for people to gravitate to him and his family. “I don’t know what it is about this place that makes people feel so at home, but I don’t think it is just me – or any one person here. But as soon as they walk in, they get this look like they just had a weight removed from their shoulders.”
Customer and typewriter enthusiast, Greg Parker, of Urbana, Ohio, with two of his growing collection.
TB Writers Plus customers are an eclectic mix of artists, collectors, and businesspeople from all over the country. Greg Parker, for example, is from Urbana and has purchased three typewriters from the shop. The 40-year-old, married Army veteran has been collecting typewriters for about ten years. He currently has seven, including two Royals, an Underwood, and an Olympia. He explained his interest in the machines is mainly about the experience.
“I grew up with typewriters and used them when I was young,” he said. “But I really like the aesthetics.” Parker’s not a writer or artist but a welder by trade. “I do some journaling, and I have some memoir stories I’d like to put down on paper someday,” he said. “But I feel like I was born too late, like in another time. I enjoy the mechanics of the machines. The sound and the feel are very different from a computer. When you type something on paper, it’s like you really created it yourself.”
“Type-ins” attract enthusiasts from all over the country for a common purpose. TB Writers Plus has hosted several, including a costumed Halloween event and a 4th of July fireworks type-in.
Creativity and the personal connection with a simpler time is common throughout the typewriter community. For example, on Sunday, October 27th, TB Writers Plus is hosting a costumed “type-in” event, encouraging people to come dressed in the same era as the typewriters they bring. Type-ins are most easily explained as cruise-ins for typewriter enthusiasts. Scattered around the country, these predominantly social events, provide the opportunity for aficionados to talk typewriters, socialize, and even do some typing.
Back at the dinner table, the boys are no longer interested in their meals and require some encouragement. Trevor digs into his food as he and Becca talk about their day. Eventually, they would like TB Writers Plus to be independently sustainable as afull-time career. For now, they, their crew, and, of course, Clayton and Sam, are enjoying the work and the people who share in the simplicity and resurrection of a by-gone era. To learn more, visit www.tbwritersplus.com.
Author’s Note 1:While researching this article, I had the good fortune to meet many of the shop’s customers and supporters. The loyalty they seem to share is remarkable, not just for the typewriter community in general, but for Trevor and his staff in particular. I want to note, for the record, how honored I am that they welcomed me into the circle. It’s truly an amazing community.
Author’s Note 2:While typewriter shops are still operating throughout the U.S., their numbers are dwindling. Trevor Brumfield has been buying out the inventory, tools, and parts in an effort to stay ahead of those closings and keep up with demand.
Author’s Note 3:Update August 2025 – As of this date, TB Writers Plus has expanded its footprint in the Davis-Linden Building. The shop now includes a larger typing and show room, community space, equipment washing room, additional storage and much more. They’ve also seen a change in personnel in the past year.
Yellow Springs, OH – April 27, 2022 – The stylish Mills Park Hotel, located at 321 Xenia Avenue, in downtown Yellow Springs, Ohio, has been sold to an employee and his spouse. Ryan Aubin, the marketing manager for the hotel since 2019, and his husband, Alex Price, have purchased the property and business for approximately $4.5 million. The Dayton couple was one of several parties who made offers when the owners first announced their intent to sell nearly a year ago.
Mills Park Hotel was the project of developer Jim Hammond and his family, who have owned and operated the property from the start. Construction was completed in 2016 and forever changed the look of the small, eclectic, Greene County village. The 28-room, 31,000 square-foot southern-style hotel, with its sprawling front porch and grand foyer, rises three stories and houses a restaurant, gift shop, banquet hall, fitness room, and conference space.
The hotel’s design was modeled after the 19th Century home of William Mills (1814-1879), an early settler who first came to Yellow Springs in 1827. While the original home no longer exists, every attempt was made to incorporate its charm and style into the hotel. Some of the furnishings were even built from trees that grew on the property.
According to Aubin, the community and hotel staff have been very encouraging. “Obviously, there are questions, but everyone has been assured all along that Alex and I do not intend to change anything,” he said. “We just want to build on the great product that the Hammond family started.”
Mills Park Hotel Marketing Director, Ryan Aubin (seated), and his husband Alex Price, are the new owners of the property located in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The couple plans to continue the great service that made the hotel a success since it opened in 2016.
Mills Park Hotel is ranked in the top 2-percent of properties on Hotels.com and Expedia. It is a favorite of destination travelers who want to experience the relaxed, diverse charisma of the village, yet be only footsteps from great outdoor adventures, museums, performing arts, and the Dayton area’s many historic attractions.
Aubin and Price intend to continue to offer a unique experience for guests and keep the hotel a shining star in the community. “We’ve got an amazing staff that cares about how wonderfully our guests are treated,” Aubin said. “We do everything we can to make them feel like they are staying in a presidential suite but with the personal touches of a bed-and-breakfast.”
Dayton, Ohio – April 12, 2021 – On Memorial Day Weekend, avid cyclists and casual riders alike are invited to participate in the Dayton Century Ride, a 50 and 100-mile bike ride to support the Wounded Warrior Project. This is the second year for the event and there is no cost to participate, however organizers are hopeful participants will encourage family and friends to sponsor their ride and donate to the Wounded Warrior Project campaign. https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=3976
The event begins at 8am on Sunday, May 30, 2021 – Starting point will be at the Creekside Trail near the intersection of Springfield St and N Smithville Rd. Participants will follow the Creekside Trail to Xenia where it meets up with the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
Riders will continue south to Cartridge Brewing, located right on the bike trail and a perfect 50 miles, one way. Participants can either have friends and family pick them up at Cartridge Brewing after a well-earned rest around noon or head back north to complete the full 100-mile century ride.
“The first ride was completed in 2020 by a few Air Force officers while stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB,” explained Mark Adams, one of the event organizers. “We hope to make the ride a staple event of the Dayton area, growing in number and impact as the ride becomes better known. We hope you join us on this great ride for a great cause!”
All proceeds support life-changing programs that empower, employ, and engage America’s injured Veterans. Thanks to the generosity of those who donate, warriors and their families never pay a cent for these services.
Unless someone is a true bigot, it’s hard to imagine why people don’t want to help the immigrant Mexican children being sent across the border without family, without supervision. But wanting to help is not the same thing as having the resources and infrastructure to do so properly, in a way that meets the ultimate goal which should be to see that the children have better life in America than they had in Mexico.
Unfortunately, people are so focused on the problem of the immigration process, they forget about what will happen once the kids get into the United States. Without a plan, infrastructure, money and personnel, it’s unlikely that these children will be living in anything less than squalor once they arrive and are processed.
Our government should do everything they can to help these kids, even if that means the best thing to do is to send them back home. Why? Because there are some vital questions still as yet unanswered. For example: Where will they live? Who will pay to feed and clothe them? Who will pay to educate them?
Each night in the United States, an estimated 611,000 people are sleeping homeless and nearly 50 million go hungry, according to the charity groups National Alliance to End Homelessness, and Feeding America. As unbelievable as it may seem in the most powerful country in the world, organizations such as these struggle each year to find the millions of dollars needed to provide food and shelter for people already living here, a great many of which are children.
(Photo NY TIMES)
When hundreds of immigrant children become thousands, they become refugees, not immigrants and caring for the kids will eventually land squarely on the shoulders of local government. The White House and congress might clear the way for an easier method of entry or grant them all amnesty once here, but then it’s the problem of Main Street U.S.A. to care for them.
Sure, there will be federal money – probably from new taxes that will overburden a still recovering Middle America – but it will be pennies per child, per day, leaving the remainder to be covered at the local and state levels. The current welfare system cannot handle such a fast influx of need, especially while still recovering from the stress of the recession.
Some local leaders, however, are welcoming the immigrants with open arms. Dayton, Ohio Mayor Nan Whaley recently stated that she would welcome the immigrant children to the area. It’s clear that Mayor Whaley, who previously served on the Dayton city commission, does not realize that what happens in Dayton affects the outlying communities of the Miami Valley region, both socially and economically. None of these suburban areas have the kinds of resources necessary to handle such a massive issue.
As expected, the democratic mayor’s comments drew a firm response from area republicans, led by Congressman Mike Turner. Turner sent a letter to President Obama signed by him and six local area leaders which states, “We are writing to express that our community does not support Mayor Whaley’s proposal and to further express that our community does not have the available resources to support such a proposal.” It goes on to point out that, while they are sympathetic to the issues related to the border crisis, the community is simply not in a position to offer assistance.
There is speculation that Whaley’s comments were little more than a publicity stunt, aimed at getting a sound bite on national news, which she accomplished without question. Others believe her intention was to gain more favor with Dayton’s large and ever-expanding Hispanic population. Only the mayor knows why she really made such a sweeping statement without discussing the concept with other local leaders.
These sentiments are playing out across the country in a constant battle. While there is an overwhelming feeling of obligation by most to help children and families fleeing poverty and abuse, there must first be resources in place to properly handle the situation without making it worse.
Jamestown Comet Editor Gery L. Deer is an independent columnist and business writer. More at gerydeer.com.
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