It was a hellhole, but I wish I could relive my first trip to Dayton in 1987. It was my baptism of fire in the ham radio business. Lol!
That time I got up on the roof to shoot some video of the fleamarket. I remember there were some rips and holes in the tarpaper covering the entire surface, and that there had to be some leaks of rainwater to the building below.
I went once and it never cultivated interest in me to return. Although, I did get to meet with the Kenwood representatives to discuss the addition of Smart Beaconing to the D710A.
Went there with the local ham club on a school bus as a Novice in 1972 . Fun but I only had 100 bucks saved up at 14 years old . Bought a Matrix electronic keyer/paddle combo brand new . Ah yes . I remember it well .
Ohhh... I remember that well. A couple friends of mine and I had a flea market spot not far from where it bubbled up in the parking lot. Missed us, but that smell....
Great video Paul. Nice to see a warm day, camaraderie, beer, and people having fun without the gov telling them to wear face diapers. Ahhh, nostalgia!
My first trip to Dayton, 1988...kept returning for 29 years, (missed 1 due to illness ). Priceless memories, good and bad. Sad to see it go. Xenia isnt the same. Bob, in Michigan.
I only went one time, in 2000. I was so excited to finally be there I didn't even notice the building condition. I've wanted to go back, but then the Covid thing hit and shut everything down. Maybe next year.
I went 2X in the 80s and the last time in 1991. Bought my first new HF rig there, Yaesu 757GX for less than I could squeeze the dealers on the phone. I still have that radio!
I grew up in that area before moving to Michigan in the early 80's. I remember going there in the 70's for sporting events and it was a dump back then. Ham sure have a fond reverence of that place (I do to, my first Dayton was in 1983 and I don't think I missed one in the 90's and 2000's)
The Green Hotdogs were something on the last day. Hershey Squirts all the way on the drive home. Thank goodness for Depends.
