|
By the
end of February 2008, well over 200 photographs and images were obtained by
the Committee. They were found in 10 books containing local police
history and at least 10 other sources. Those photos were categorized.
In addition, nearly 250 police artifacts, tools of the trade, uniform
items, technical equipment, books, collectibles, etc. were located at
Wright State University and ‘Dayton History’ as well as the Lodge,
Police Academy, Signal Building, Safety Building and other places. A
number of members and private individuals offered items for exhibit.
All of these items were catalogued.
The photos and law
enforcement items were been researched extensively and although this
remains an ongoing effort. The images and the articles in the displays
were woven together into an account that reveals more about each piece
than would otherwise be known. Although this exhibit is the largest
that has been held for Carillon Park, many items and photos collected
were not exhibited because of space considerations… this is the reason
that efforts are underway to establish a permanent police museum.
Examples of the Exhibit
Ø
Post
Civil War, the Dayton Police Force was first organized in 1867 and
soldiers were appointed to the new profession of police patrolmen.
Actual equipment used by these officers is on display as depicted in
photos of assembled officers from 1876 and 1888.
Ø
Circa
1890 peeler police hats, 1900 clubs/batons and police patrol call boxes
circa 1920 and 1945… the utility of these artifacts are photo
illustrated and explained.
Ø
J.
Edgar Hoover named him FBI’s Public Enemy No. 1… John Dillinger.
Arrested in Dayton in 1933, his confiscated Colt .38 Super
semi-automatic handgun and the handcuffs placed on him by a Dayton
officer are on display, along with the story of his capture.
Ø
The
1947 local arrest record of George ‘Bugs’ Moran, leader of
Chicago’s north-side Irish gang that rivaled Al Capone’s south-side
Italian gang. Moran – the main target who escaped the slaughter of his
gang in the ‘St. Valentine’s Day Massacre’ – did not escape his Dayton
crime. Convicted of a $10,000 armed robbery in west Dayton, ‘Bugs’
Moran was sentenced to 10-25 years behind penitentiary bars.
Ø
A
replica 1969 Dodge Coronet Dayton police cruiser used in the filming of
the movie “Circumstances of Fate”. The film producers launched
their website in early May –
www.MovieBigShot.com – where the ’69 Dodge appears in the movie
trailer. This replicated Dayton police cruiser will be given away on
the website in a drawing scheduled for the end of October 2008.
Ø
The
unique history of African Americans and Women in Law Enforcement is
placed in fresh perspective and is distinguished by heroic actions,
sacrifices and progress.
Ø
The 24
Dayton police officers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of
duty are honored in a memorial tribute marking their end of watch.
Ø
Portraits of those serving as Dayton Police Chiefs since 1867 and career
dates leading the police force. Also on display is an evolution of
weapons, holsters, leather gear, radios and uniforms. Bicycle and horse
patrols re-emerged in the 1990’s; their hardware is on display. See
the past, see the present, see all that has changed… as well as all that
has not. |
