By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

MORAINE, Ohio — Those living in southwestern Ohio know of NCR Corp.’s Moraine Farm. The 97-year-old estate on eight acres, with its 1912 farmhouse that was transformed into an English manor, is a Dayton landmark, coveted by its citizens.

But Dayton residents held their breath when Moraine Farm was put up for sale last fall. The asking price was $8 million.

Prior to her death in 2003, Virginia Kettering tried to purchase the farm, hoping to entrust one of the area’s most prized landmarks to the namesake hospital system underwritten by her husband. Virginia is the daughter-in-law of famed Dayton inventor and Delco founder Charles F. Kettering, and widow of his only son, Eugene.
Last month, Kettering’s dream became a reality when the Kettering Health Network (KHN) purchased the estate.

“I think she is smiling upon us,” said Frank Perez, KHN CEO. “We wanted Moraine Farm to remain a lasting reminder of the best that Dayton has been and can be.”

Neither Perez nor NCR staffers would disclose the purchase price, though Perez confirmed it’s a fraction of the $8 million initially sought.

Moraine Farm, located on West Stroop Road in Dayton, features a 45,803 square-foot home. It was home to Col. Edward Andrew Deeds, chairman of NCR’s board. Deeds assisted Charles Kettering in inventing the first automobile self-starter.

The mansion includes an observatory from which Deeds projected vacation photographs on the grounds for guests. Its music room has a walnut Steinway piano, said to be one of the largest in the country. One room’s wood paneling, furniture and fittings all come from Deeds’ yacht.

A spokesman for NCR said many historically significant antiques and artwork will remain in the house. Personal correspondence, portraits and other items related to NCR’s history and Deeds will be kept in NCR’s archive, managed by Dayton History.

Kettering Health will now use the facility to host corporate and community functions. Outside entities may use it for a small fee; fees will be used to help maintain the 97-year-old facility. The original estate had a dairy barn, stable and private landing strip adjacent to the house. The grounds are picturesque and are located just east of Interstate 75. Some of the historical figures who have visited the home include Orville Wright, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.