Boss Kett and the History of DELCO

MOUND MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES SPOTLIGHTS

Summary

As the May 2023 MSEMA speaker, Chuck presented an overview of the career of Charles F. Kettering (Boss Kett) in Dayton that led to the development of several companies which eventually became key components in the General Motors (GM) organization. In this seminar, he covers the story on Kettering’s collaboration with E. A. Deeds and the beginnings of the Dayton Engineering Laboratory Company (DELCO). The considerable success of the engine ignition and starting system, led to Kettering and Deeds forming several additional companies, that attracted the interest of William Durant who was beginning the formation of an automobile parts conglomerate that led to the purchase of the Kettering/Deeds companies by United Motors in 1916 and were subsequently purchased by General Motors around 1920 became a division of General Motors in 1926. Chuck now covers the amazing transition of Kettering’s knowledge and influence into the General Motors organization and his eventual influence of this General Motors impact on the Dayton community contributed to the development of the US Air Force and the establishment of America’s national airway system.

Speaker’s Biography

Chuck Johnson is a Graduate of Central State College (1956); Sr. Research Associate, C. F. Kettering Research Laboratory (1957-1963): Contractor Positions, WPAFB (1963-2001); Mgr. Engineering, Aerojet-General Corp., Toxic Hazard Research Unit (1963-1972); Principal Development Engineer, U. California Irvine, Toxic Hazard Research Unit (1972-1986); Northern Regional Manager, Frontier Engineering, WAFB Computer Center (1987-2001); Retirement; U. California Irvine (2001); InvenTour Guide for Five Rivers Metro Park; Woodland Cemetery Volunteer Tour Guide; Carillon Park Member and Volunteer Interpreter.

For additional details on this presentation call 937-353-4457. The presentation is free and open to the public and has ample free parking.

Mound Cold War Discovery Center
E-Mail: msem475@gmail.com
Phone: 937-247-0402
Web: www.daytonhistory.org

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