This past month Memorial Hall in Dayton was transformed from a historical Colonial landmark to a 1920s style boxing ring fundraising for Dayton History.
“Memorial Hall is the perfect location for this type of event. The ring is placed center stage and displayed in a patriotic fashion,” Said Lauryn Bayliff.
There is a cash bar and concessions for sale provided by Brock Masterson’s. The Cabaret Room is turned into a 1920s lounge for the Speakeasy after party. It is a lot of fun to see this historical building being shared with the community.
Lauryn Bayliff is the Director of Community Development and head of the Development and Marketing for Dayton History.
“My team has been very involved in the planning of the event.” She noted. “We also get extra help from our Education and Facilities Departments to help execute the event. We also have more than 100 volunteers that make this event possible.”
The match that draws in 1,200 to 1,500 people each year features a 20s-style boxing match followed by a Speakeasy-style after party.
“The fighters are matched up with someone of comparable size and ability and engage in a match of three bouts (anywhere from 30 seconds to a 90 seconds) with breaks in between.” Bayliff said. “We also have a men’s and women’s trifecta bout that involves three fighters trading off at the center of the ring. It is quite an exciting spectacle.”
The first modern boxing match held at Memorial Hall was three years ago.
“The first event was held in 2012. John Drake, owner of Drake’s Downtown Gym approached Dayton History about a partnership to utilize Memorial Hall for a boxing exhibition that would be a fundraiser for the organization. The presenting sponsor of the event is Steve R. Rauch, Inc. and he has helped us bring in a great deal of money for the organization.” Bayliff added.
Steve R. Rauch is a local demolition contractor, who offers statewide service for interior or exterior demolition work in the residential and commercial markets since 1976.
“Funds raised by this event support the educational programming offered to the public at Carillon Historical Park and all of our sites throughout the Dayton area,” said Bayliff.
This isn’t the first time Memorial Hall was home to boxing matches.
“Memorial Hall was home to several major boxing matches that took place in the 1920s so we decided to tie this event back to the history of the venue and this time period when the sport was very popular in Dayton,” Bayliff said.
The match is open to all ages but boasts a younger crowd in the 25-35 range. Spectators can enjoy food and drink while cheering on their favorite boxers in this historic theatre. Guests were encouraged to dress in 1920s fashion to set the mood of the era.
“There are several great fighters this year, representing some wonderful companies and organizations to the area,” Bayliff said.
Some of the fighters included David Kasel, a local graphic artist, Eric James Hall from Lennartz Olde Time Barber Shop and Larry Pevoar with Hobart.
Women also found a place in the ring this year. Some of the women who took center stage for this competition were Emily Wilk from the University of Dayton, Julie Wood with the Dayton Society of Natural History and Rachael Zimmerman from Dayton History.
When the matches end, guests are encouraged to take part in the Speakeasy after party.
“The Speakeasy after party is held in the Cabaret Room in the lower level of Memorial Hall.” said Bayliff. “Hey There Morgan will be playing live music to get the party going and there will be a full cash bar available.”
The event was a hit for another year setting the stage for many fundraising events over the course of the year. Dayton History and Carillon Park put on a variety of events to promote the history of Dayton while fundraising to keep Dayton history alive.
Some future events include:
Dayton Heritage Festival–May 24
Carillon Park Rail Festival–June 27 & 28
Old Case Files at the Old Court House–July 17-19, July 24-26, July 31-Aug. 2
Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Park–Sept. 20
Jamez Duty
Reporter