Kettering's First Self Starter and Car photograph   Save
Ohio Department of Industrial and Economic Development Collection
Description: Two photographs of Charles Kettering's self-starter were taken in the 1960s. Kettering invented the self-starter in 1911, revolutionizing the automobile industry. Prior to Kettering's invention, cars had to be started by hand by turning a large crank in the front of the car. The photographs of the car and self-starter measure 8" x 10" (20.32 x 25.4 cm). Inventor Charles Kettering (1876-1958) was born in Loudonville, Ohio. He registered 140 patents, including the self-starting ignition for automobiles, leaded gasoline, and Freon (with Thomas Midgley Jr.). Kettering founded Delco (Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company) in 1909, where he invented many of his products. Kettering was a 1904 graduate of the Ohio State University. He was also known for his philanthropic work, including the establishment of Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research near Dayton. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: Om3064_3670093_001
Subjects: Transportation; Science and Technology; Automobile equipment & supplies; Automobiles; Inventions; Kettering, Charles, 1876-1958
Places: Dayton (Ohio); Montgomery County (Ohio)