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The End of Emerald Street

Library of Congress
Ludlow Street looking North during the Great Dayton Flood of 1913

One hundred years ago this week, the citizens of Dayton, Ohio and surrounding communities watched in disbelief as collapsing levees allowed flood waters to overtake the city in a matter of moments.    

Credit Susan Gardner
Members of the Living History Theatre Company performing a scene in 'Emerald Street.'

WYSO and the Living History Theatre present an original radio drama, "The End of Emerald Street."  Set during the Great Dayton Flood, the story combines fictional characters with historical figures like John H. Patterson, Arthur Morgan, and John Barringer.

The play features a host of local actors including, Howard Shook, Dan Davis, Flo Lorenz, Tony Dallas and Miriam Eckenrode.  Rounding out the audio performance is original music composed by Dayton native Justin Vanderberg. 

The End of Emerald Street was written by Kay Reimers, produced and edited by Jerry Kenney, and directed by Dan Davis.  This newly edited edition of the play recounts the dramatic moments leading up to the flood, the devastating effect it had on the residents of Dayton, and highlight the innovation and ideas that would eventually chart a new course for flood control around the world.

emerald_street_complete_revised-2.mp3
This is a slightly edited version of Emerald Street (2013).

Jerry began volunteering at WYSO in 1991 and hosting Sunday night's Alpha Rhythms in 1992. He joined the YSO staff in 2007 as Morning Edition Host, then All Things Considered. He's hosted Sunday morning's WYSO Weekend since 2008 and produced several radio dramas and specials . In 2009 Jerry received the Best Feature award from Public Radio News Directors Inc., and was named the 2023 winner of the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors Best Anchor/News Host award. His current, heart-felt projects include the occasional series Bulletin Board Diaries, which focuses on local, old-school advertisers and small business owners. He has also returned as the co-host Alpha Rhythms.
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