In Memoriam: Dennis E. Dalton

We wish to note the passing of long-time Warren County historian and the Official Town Crier of Warren County, Dennis E. Dalton. Born in Waynesville, and a lifelong member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Dennis contributed in the effort to preserve and present the rich history and culture of Warren County. 

He served with Martha Edminston as an Editor of the Miami Gazette; was a reporter for The Western Star Newspaper, as well as the person who worked with Albert "Cap" Stubbs in the creation of the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville. He authored "One Nation Under Sauerkraut" as a cook book to support the festival.

As the creator of The Ohioana Room, at the Mary L. Cook Library, he won statewide praise in his efforts to catalog genealogical, architectural and folk tales of Waynesville, Wayne, and Clearcreek Townships. For a number of years, he served as Town Crier for events all over Warren County and for Christmas events in Springboro. Dennis was the originator of the famous "Ghost Walks" of Waynesville as well.

In April on 1999 Dennis was instrumental in brining Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, to Waynesville, from the United Kingdom. Dickens returned to the porch of the Holloway House for a photo, and joined Dennis in Lebanon's Golden Lamb Inn to toast - this time with brandy - when Gerald's great-great-grandfather, Charles Dickens, visited the Golden Lamb in 1842, the Golden Lamb was a temperance hotel.

In 2012, for Arcadia Press, he published "Waynesville and Wayne Township", perhaps the most comprehensive history ever done on the northern third of Warren County. Within this book, Denny poured out his love and knowledge of the place he knew as "home".

Dennis was a gifted speaker, researcher and devoted friend.
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Rest easy my friend, on the quiet hillside above the Little Miami you loved so well. 

- Michael Coyan

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