This historic bench, made of Indiana limestone, is the result of gift left to the City of Dayton in John H. Patterson's will in 1922, for then Van Cleve Park. The NCR founder's will had a bequest stating "Three Thousand Dollars for a tablet in Van Cleve Park, Dayton, Ohio, in memory of Daniel C. Cooper, John W. Van Cleve, George Lehman, William Huffman, E. E. Barney, Judge D.A. Haynes and Alvin K. Kumler."

This bequest was made because of Mr. Patterson's keen interest in the early history and development of Dayton; and because of his admiration for these men whom he believed were largely responsible for the Dayton of his day, of which he was so proud.

The memorial as built is of a useful character, as well as possessing artistic merit. It is intended to symbolize the practical value of services rendered by these seven pioneer citizens of the city and also their vision for a beautiful one. The seven places they held in the community have been left vacant, but the opportunity is open for them to be filled by others in succeeding generations,