Communities
The Kettering, Moraine and Oakwood areas date back to 1798 when the region was settled as a farming community. In 1841, when Ohio was admitted into the Union, the area became known as Van Buren Township. In 1907, the City of Oakwood was formed, followed by Kettering in 1955 and Moraine in 1965.
Oakwood, Ohio
Oakwood developed in two major eras. In the 1880’s, the northern part of Oakwood was a popular location for summer homes of the wealthy, offering privacy on the large estates. Following the great Dayton flood of 1913, Oakwood offered relief on higher ground, spurring rapid development and expansion. Oakwood continues to be considered a preeminent residential community today.
Kettering, Ohio
In 1952, Van Buren Township approved the incorporation of the Village of Kettering, named for its most celebrated citizen, Charles F. Kettering. In 1955, the population of over 38,000 qualified it for city status. “Founded on Progress”, Kettering is still celebrated as a leader in suburban living as well as economic development.
Moraine, Ohio
The adjoining area became Moraine Township and is today, the City of Moraine. Transportation on the rivers and railroads made the area an important location for manufacturing and industry. In 1910, the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company, or DELCO, started building an automobile industrial complex. During WWI, the plant was expanded to include the production of aircraft. In 1921, General Motors brought Frigidaire to the area, and industry continued to evolve for Moraine.
History of Kettering, Moraine and Oakwood
History is something for which the communities of Kettering, Moraine and Oakwood can be proud. This region produced some of the greatest and most inventive minds of the 19th & 20th centuries in Charles F. Kettering, Colonel Edward A. Deeds, John H. Patterson and Orville & Wilbur Wright. These were the types of men who dreamed it, then created it.
The first airplane, the first cash register, the first electric automobile starter…just a few of the “firsts” from which these communities have built their success. It’s no wonder Kettering, Moraine and Oakwood are premier communities in the region today.