Dayton Today

The rural community of Dayton has a population of about 2,300 residents.  Its agricultural economy includes nursery stock, vineyards, and dairy, as well as vegetable, berry, nut, and wheat production.  The area surrounding Dayton boasts lodging, shopping, restaurants, and numerous wineries.

In all of Yamhill County, Dayton has the largest inventory of historic houses.  Many of them, including what is now Martha’s Cottage, are on the National Register of Historic Places.  One of the town’s oldest residences, the 1859 Andrew Smith house, is undergoing a complete restoration.  Most of the landmark buildings around the city park are also on the Register.

The Morse Legacy

The modest Victorian house at 101 Fifth Street was built by blacksmith Benjamin Morse and his wife Rosina in 1881.   It was constructed in the Gothic Revival style popular at the time.  A few years later, Morse started the Morse & Mauts Dayton Carriage Factory in partnership with John Mauts.  After Benjamin’s death in 1892, Rosina continued to live in the house until she sold it in 1912.  The Morse home’s historical integrity was maintained through the 20th century.  It earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Martha’s Cottage has been carefully updated to include modern amenities but has many antique elements.