Carillon Historical Park, Site #4 on the Aviation Trail, presents Old Case Files at the Old Court House
DAYTON, Ohio—Since the Old Court House was dedicated on April 12, 1850, numerous structures have disappeared from the Dayton skyline, but the legendary limestone building has stood firm. Hailed as one of the nation’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture, eight U.S. Presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, have campaigned at the Old Court House. Many regional residents have long wondered what’s inside the Old Court House—the iconic Dayton landmark in the heart of downtown. Old Case Files provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the grandeur of this 169-year-old building while witnessing the riveting early 20th-century trial reenactment of Ohio v. Roy Freeman. New this year, spectators can register to be part of the jury upon arriving at the Old Court House. As always, Old Case Files concludes with a brief discussion of the real trial results. Who killed Dayton Police Officer William C. Horn? Gunshots echoed through the autumn air on September 18, 1927, as Dayton Police Officer William C. Horn lay dying. A 37-year-old father of five, Horn was called to the corner of Warren and Hollencamp Streets at approximately 2:30 a.m. Hollencamp Street no longer exists—today, the Packard Museum stands near Main and Patterson across the street from this same location. But on that fateful September evening, the automobile of 38-year-old Roy Freeman stood stalled. Officer Horn arrived at the scene on his motorcycle to find Freeman’s car broken down, a gun in the back seat. When Horn approached Freeman, an African American living in a time of heated race relations, a scuffle ensued. Ten hours later, police shot Freeman in the left leg as he fled across a field near the Dayton State Hospital. Freeman lived to be tried twice. Was Officer William C. Horn murdered by Roy Freeman? Was it self-defense? You decide! Old Case Files at the Old Court House takes place July 26, 27, 28, August 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11. Limited space is available. Tickets: $12 for Members, $15 for Non-Members. Reservations & Info: (937) 293-2841.
About Carillon Historical Park
Carillon Historical Park is part of Dayton History, a private non-profit organization established to preserve, share, and celebrate our region’s history. The Park's 65-acre campus is home to over 30 historic structures and cares for over three million artifacts. In addition to Carillon Historical Park, the following sites rest under Dayton History’s care: Carillon Brewing Co., Hawthorn Hill, the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site, Patterson Homestead, the Old Court House, the Mound Cold War Discovery Center, Memorial Hall, and the Archive Center.
https://www.daytonhistory.org/events/historical-experiences/old-case-files/