Jordan's Post #3: Deeds and Kettering letter

            The turn of the twentieth century was a unique time in Dayton’s history. Dayton was a thriving community of business and innovation. John Patterson had established the National Cash Register Company (NCR) on a new business and sales model that was extremely successful. Two of his subordinates made names for themselves and perhaps surpassed Patterson in fame and accomplishment. Edward A. Deeds and Charles F. Kettering had both worked for Patterson and NCR. Eventually, they both formed Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO). This move helped launch their careers. Deeds became prominent locally through business and particularly through his efforts in the Miami Conservancy District after the flood in 1913. Kettering became known nationally as a great inventor through his more than three hundred patents. These two men were perhaps overshadowed by the accomplishments of the Wright Brothers. It is rare for cities to have been the home of any man as accomplished as these, but Dayton had many during one period of time. The fact is that these great men were in contact with each other. Their close proximity had allowed them to associate with each other. Dayton was not an intellectual island. Rather, great men of business and innovation were often in close contact. This connection greatly benefited Deeds and Kettering. They continued to write and work with each other at various times throughout their lives. In December 1940, Deeds wrote Kettering concerning the death of a colleague named George Smith. Apparently, Smith’s death was unexpected and he had been working on a business transaction that involved both Deeds and Kettering. This letter confirms that Kettering and Deeds were still working together nearly forty years after Deeds had hired Kettering at NCR in 1904. The second half of this letter concerned the upcoming holidays. Deeds wrote that he will spend Christmas with his grandchildren in Hartford and he assumed that Kettering would spend time with his grandchildren in La Grange. Deeds wrote, “If I have kept proper count, we each have three reasons for a Merry Christmas.” Fortunately, they would continue to keep in contact during the 1950s. I would like to imagine that they were good friends until they died about a year and a half apart.

The Kettering Family Papers. MS-363, Box 7. Wright State Special Collections and Archives. Wright State University: Dayton, OH.