Story of the C. F. Kettering Research Laboratory

MOUND MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES SPOTLIGHTS

This presentation begins by covering Charles F. Kettering’s (Boss Kett’s) early career including his association with Edward A. Deed’s invention of the electric cash register, the automobile ignition, and the self-starter; and the formation of DELCO. The presentation will delve into Kettering’s many scientific interests outside of his activities at General Motors (GM) and his extensive activities after his retirement from GM. During this later period, the presenter joined Boss Kett’s staff as a Senior Research Associate for the study of photosynthesis at the C. F. Kettering Laboratory in Yellow Springs Ohio. In that position, he worked directly with and for Mr. Kettering on many projects at the time until Kettering’s death in 1958. The presenter remained at the Kettering Laboratory until 1963. This Laboratory remained in operation until closing in 1988. This is a follow-on talk to a 2018 MSEMA seminar with updated revisions and addition of newly-found information concerning the Kettering Magnetics Laboratory, originally located in Dayton, but subsequently relocated to the Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

Speaker

Chuck Johnson is a graduate of Central State College (1956); Sr. Research Associate, C. F. Center 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 Unit (1972-1986); Northern Regional Manager, Frontier Engineering, WPAFB 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.