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Historic Buildings of Clayton
Isaac B. Young Residence on Talmadge
A Victorian Vernacular home believed to have been built around 1880 by Isaac B. Young, a local tanner, the Talmadge Residence reflects the layered history of Historic Clayton. Though tax records are not definitive, the home has passed through many hands over the years, including the Medley family, who cared for it for 66 years.
Hamilton M. Turner Residence on West Salem St.
A brick Greek Revival home believed to have been begun in 1836 and completed in 1851 by Hamilton M. Turner, a major landowner and businessman in the Village of Salem. Turner owned grist and saw mills, operated as a distiller, and dealt in flour, feed, and lumber. Members of Turner’s family—believed to have been his two brothers—were associated with the first Dayton Opera House, which burned, was rebuilt, and later burned again on the site where the Victoria Theatre stands today. Together, the home and the Turner family’s business connections reflect Salem’s role in the region’s early commercial and cultural development.
Salem Township Hall on Talmadge
Historic records indicate that in 1912, the Randolph Township Trustees purchased the property and approved construction of the new Salem Township Hall by A.O. Smith for $686. The building was completed in July of that year. Over the years, it served many purposes, including as a jail, post office, voting precent, and courtroom. Later, it was converted into a residence. Most recently, the building is being renovated, and the owners hope to restore it as a community gathering place. Its many roles reflect the building’s long-standing importance as a center of civic life in historic Salem and Clayton
Turner Business Office on Water Street
Believed to have been built around 1880 as an office for the Turner businesses, this building later became a residence. Over time, additions were made to expand its size. The building borders the park where the grist mill and distillery once stood. Its location helps connect the property to the Turner family’s commercial activity and the working landscape of early Salem.
Talmadge Residence
Research on this home is still underway, but available information indicates this Folk Victorian home was built around 1902, and has had only a small number of owners during its long history. Over more than a century, only about three families have lived in the home. A family that owned the home in the 1940s removed the porch’s gingerbread trim and railings and replaced the porch floor with concrete. The current residents have lived there for about 30 years. The home’s long-term ownership and visible alterations offer a reminder of how historic properties evolve over time and why thoughtful preservation matters.
Mercantile on Talmadge Rd.
Research on this building is still underway, but available information indicates that it once operated as a grocery store known as The Hub. Around 1848, Randolph Lodge No. 98 received its charter from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was instituted in Salem. Around that time, the lodge took over the building on Talmadge Road. Over the years, the building has gone through several changes and now functions as a mercantile store focused on primitive furnishings and art. Its varied history reflects Talmadge Road’s role as both a commercial corridor and a gathering place in historic Salem.
Heritage & Architecture
Preserving local architecture is about more than maintaining old structures; it is about honoring the craftsmanship and stories that define our community’s soul. Each weathered brick and original feature serves as a tactile link to the residents who built Clayton's foundation.
By protecting these historic landmarks, we ensure that the neighborhood’s unique character endures for future generations. These stories, etched into our gables and porches, provide a sense of place and continuity that modern developments simply cannot replicate.
Community heritage thrives when we actively engage with our past. Preserving these architectural treasures fosters stronger bonds among neighbors, creating a shared identity rooted in the preservation of what makes Clayton truly special.
Share Your Story
We invite residents to share their personal memories, family historical findings, and local architectural stories. Your contributions help us build a richer, more complete archive of the vibrant heritage that defines our neighborhood. We will continue to update this section as we gather more information from you.