Deed’s Carillon, A Dayton, Ohio Landmark

Approaching Carillon Historical Park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I could hear the Westminster chimes tolling from the Deeds Carillon. The spectacular sounds of “Over the Rainbow” could be heard from miles.

A carillon is a tower (belfry) that houses a set of bells that requires a keyboard or automated system to play music. To be considered a carillon, the instrument must include a minimum of twenty-three bells with a musical range of at least two octaves.

Philanthropists Colonel Edward Deeds and his wife Edith gifted Dayton with this spectacular tower, as well as the nearby Carillon Historical Park. Edith Deeds, an accomplished musician, performed the first carillon concert on Easter Sunday in 1942.

After having been automated in 2010, the carillon plays daily from over 10,000 musical pieces. On special occasions, such as annual Easter services, a world renowned carilloneur plays concerts throughout the year.

Standing at the base of the carillon, it is not hard to believe it is the largest of its kind in Ohio, standing 151 feet tall and housing fifty-seven bells. At the base of the tower are stanzas from a well-known poem written by Henry Longfellow:

“It was as if an earthquake rent the hearthstones of a continent and made forelorn the households born of peace on earth good will toward men. And in despair I bowed my head there is no peace on earth I said for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth good will to men. Then peeled the bells more loud and deep God is not dead nor does he sleep the wrong shall fail the right prevail with peace on earth good will to men.”

During the holidays, one of Dayton’s best known landmarks is transformed into the Carillon Tree of Light. Decorated with over 20,000 bulbs, the lighting ceremony introduces the park’s season of festivities to include fabulous food and family fun.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Carillon Park and hear the bells? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about the beautiful Carillon Park in Dayton, Ohio and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Deeds Carillon at Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Boulevard
Dayton, OH 45409
Telephone: 937 293 2841

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton SW University Area
2140 S Edwin Moses Boulevard
Dayton, OH 45417
Telephone: 937 250 6400

Where to Eat:

Culps Café at Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Boulevard
Dayton, OH 45409
Telephone: 937 293 2841

I ordered the chicken salad sandwich with Mike Sells Potato Chips. Save room for an ice cream sundae!

What to Eat:

The Bourbon Burger at Brixx Ice Company
Calamari Appetizer at Franco’s
Cheese and Onion Sandwich from Central Perc
Chicken Monterey at Flavors
Del Mar Trio (grilled lobster, tilapia, and shrimp) at El Rancho Grande
Fish with Chili Sauce at Thai9
The Grilled Peaches with Goat Cheese at Lily’s Bistro
Huevos Rancheros at Sunrise Cafe (Yellow Springs)
The Land and Sea BLT at Harvest Mobile Food Truck
The Lox and Cheese Crepe at Crepe Bohemey
The Paris Omelet at Butter Cafe
Pizza at Soft Rock Cafe
Pretzels from K&R Pretzel Bakery
Raw Oysters at Sweeney’s Seafood House
The Ruck from Dublin Pub
Spinozian Deluxe Pizza at Spinoza’s
The Split Filet served with Drawn Butter at The Paragon
Spring Rolls with Vermicelli Noodles at Miss Saigon
Whole Deep Fried Tilapia at Taco Loco

What to Read:

Dayton through Time, by Curt Dalton
The Dayton Flight Factory: The Wright Brother and the Birth of Aviation by Timothy Gaffney
Sharp and Dangerous Virtues by Martha Moody

Photo Guide for Dayton