Two Dayton Legacies at Woodland: Charles F. Kettering and Paul Laurence Dunbar
Schedule
Wed Apr 15 2026 at 01:00 pm to 02:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
118 Woodland Ave, Dayton, OH, United States, Ohio 45409 | Dayton, OH
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Woodland Cemetery is the resting place of many of Dayton’s most significant citizens. Among them are two individuals whose lives represent two remarkable dimensions of Dayton’s history: innovation and culture.Charles F. Kettering, one of America’s most influential inventors and industrial research leaders, helped shape modern automotive technology and scientific research. His career with General Motors and the Delco organization placed Dayton at the center of twentieth‑century technological innovation.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, born in Dayton in 1872, became one of the first internationally recognized African‑American poets and writers. His work gave voice to the experiences of his time and remains an important part of American literary history.
This program would explore the lives of these two Dayton figures, their lasting contributions, and their connection to Woodland Cemetery. Through stories and historical context, the presentation would highlight how Woodland serves not only as a place of remembrance, but also as a landscape that preserves the stories of Dayton’s cultural and scientific heritage.
Chuck Johnson will be the presenter for this program. He is a dedicated public speaker on the life and achievements of C. F. Kettering and worked for the C. F. Kettering Research Laboratory as a Senior Research Associate from 1957 to 1963. He is also a committed volunteer and historian involved in multiple Dayton community non-profits, including Five Rivers MetroParks, Woodland Cemetery, Dayton History’s Carillon Park, and the City of Dayton Landmark Committee. He is currently a Trustee of Preservation Dayton, Inc., representing the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood and working to highlight its historical significance.
This program is free and open to the public but reservations are required.
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Where is it happening?
118 Woodland Ave, Dayton, OH, United States, Ohio 45409Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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