By Steve Staub (Staub Manufacturing Solutions)
Today we induct Col. Edward Deeds into the MadeInDaytonBLOG.com Hall of Fame. Col. Deeds was a brilliant man who was behind the scenes for many of the larger-than-life success stories here in the Miami Valley. From improving the ignition system and inventing the electric starter to heading up wartime aircraft production during World War I. Not only did he take the lead in founding Miami Conservancy District and our system of Dams, he is also one of the founders of the Engineers Club. Another one of Col. Deeds great accomplishments is coming back to literally save NCR and turn it into a well run organization!
During World War II Col. Deeds led NCR as part of the project to crack the German communication codes for submarines. Along with his wife Edith, they donated large sums of money to the Dayton community and founded Deeds Carillon Park today managed by Dayton History. You’ll even see Col. Deeds original barn where the electric starter was invented as part of the displays!
As we were researching this article we realized that there was no reason to write a whole new summary of this man's life when a great one was already written. So if you wish to continue learning about all of the great things Col. Edward Deeds accomplished in his life, we encourage you to follow this link to a wonderful article written by William G. Ritchie.
I think it would be interesting to see, by vote or contest, who are the modern innovators or inventors residing in this area. Who are the current "Giants" in the Valley of Giants? Is there a modern day Col. Deeds?
ReplyDeleteWe would love to have people nominate modern day folks for the Hall of Fame. We actually ran an article a few months back about it:
Deletehttp://www.madeindaytonblog.com/2012/03/madeindaytonblogcom-hall-of-fame.html#more
If you have anyone in mind please send us all the information on why they should be included.
Thanks for the comment.
I assert that Inventors want projects and challenges..recognition comes naturally with success. If someone had the ability of a Kettering today, Col Deeds is replaced by a large bureaucracy of quasi-governmental or non-profit agencies, paperwork, grant writing, networking, and business planning. They would have to be an insider or their own Col. Deeds. Its hard to match a genius with a committee as a sponsor.
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ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of being able to read a biography that had been prepared some 60 years ago and came away with even greater respect for Col. Deeds and the numerous critical roles he played at all levels throughout his career. His life truly demonstrates the perspective that you don't always have to be "Top Dog" to be powerful. Hooray for this fine tribute.
I agree, it is amazing what one or two people of means and capability can accomplish in a lifetime. Col. Deeds and Charles Kettering were a formidable team that drove whole industries for many years. It would be fantastic if that could be replicated somehow.
ReplyDeleteI think its a grave oversight not to know if another Kettering may exist in Dayton today. People of that capability do not come along very often. Maybe one in a generation. I would venture to say that if one were here, he would have to have his own endowment in order to make a difference, given the current government technology complex.
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