Moraine milestones
Early 1900s: The DelcoLight Plant - later to become Frigidaire – begins operating after Charles F. Kettering’s invention, the Delco-Light Set. At a Delco site, Kettering, Col. Edward A. Deeds, Orville Wright and H. E. Talbot incorporate the Dayton Wright Airplane Company, which manufactures the DeHavilland DH-4 Bomber Observation Airplanes for wartime production.
1916: Wright tests the first float plane at one of the first designated seaplane bases in the world, currently near the site of Moraine Airpark.
1921 General Motors brought Frigidaire to Moraine, the stage for many of Kettering’s initial industrial developments and Deed’s experimentations in flight.
Early 1940s: Frigidaire plant become scene of defense production during World War II.
1953: The Township of Moraine is created;
1957: The township becomes the village of Moraine;
1965: Moraine becomes a city;
1966 - City charter presented and city income tax established;
1969 - Municipal Building completed at 4200 Dryden Road;
1979 - General Motors Frigidaire name sold to White Consolidated Industries;
1981 - Production to begin at General Motors Diesel Engine Plant and Chevrolet Small Truck Plant;
2007 - GM Moraine Assembly Plant produces six millionth vehicle;
2008 - GM Moraine Assembly Plant closes;
2011 - IRG purchases Moraine Assembly property;
2014 - Fuyao Glass purchases the Moraine Assembly Plant.
The city is marking its 50th anniversary this year, showcasing a history that long predates its incorporation and reflects the ingenuity associated with the region.
While Moraine is set to enter its sixth decade as a city, its heritage as a site for aviation and manufacturing innovation goes back more than 100 years, said Dave Miller, a Moraine native who is coordinating efforts surrounding the city’s golden anniversary.
Long before Moraine was known as where General Motors employed thousands or the future site of at least 1,500 Fuyao Glass America Inc. workers, it was home to some early work by Orville and Wilbur Wright, and Charles F. Kettering’s business breakthroughs, according to the city.
“We’re just so rich in history with the Wright brothers, and Frigidaire and Delco-Light,” Miller said. “We’re able to dig into that history and promote that throughout the year.
“We’re a young city,” he added. “But I think the Miami Valley has viewed us through the years as a big industrial giant – with Frigidaire and General Motors - and now it’s being reinvented again with Fuyao.”
For much of the year, the city is organizing a couple of events each month to celebrate becoming a city on May 12, 1965.
This past weekend a fly-in at Moraine Airpark and a rowing regatta on the Great Miami River were held. The largest of the upcoming events is set for May 29-30 during the 50th Anniversary Weekend at Wax Park.
“It’s going to be one of the biggest things that we’ve pulled off in the city,” said City Councilwoman Shirley Whitt, who has lived in Moraine for decades. “We expect large crowds.”
Live bands, food, amusement rides, and car cruise-ins are among the variety of entertainment that will surround a noon parade May 30. Main Street will be closed for the parade.
As the spring and summer continue, an historical marker dedication is set for June 8 while the two-day Star Spangled Boom is set for July 3-4.
Miller said he is working with area schools and libraries to hold essay contests and reading challenges, respectively, “to hopefully drive more people to learn about Moraine and the history of it.”
For a complete list of activities or if you are interested in volunteering, visit www.ci.moraine.oh.us.
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