Marvin E. Purk

Whatever Happened to Marvin E. Purk? An Autobiography

This life-history of one of Dayton Ohio's native sons, Marvin E. Purk, highlights his family history, his seven years spent as a young man in California, and his over thirty years as a significant contributor to the growing city of Dayton during the mid-twentieth century.

Marvin E. Purk held numerous and increasingly responsible positions in the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, from his early days in the early 40's as a member of the Junior Chamber, to nine years as Chief Executive Officer of the Senior Chamber. His accomplishments were numerous and significant. Mr. Purk served as local liaison for the planning which resulted in the construction of the Kettering Medical Center, conducted studies which led to the creation of the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, to the location of the Sinclair Community College, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Hospital Planning Council, the expansion of the University of Dayton, the construction of the Interstate Defense Highway System in the Dayton area, the formation of the Human Relations Council, and in convincing (with the help of Sen. Robert Dole, the Ohio delegation and others) President Nixon to cancel the move of the Foreign Technology Division from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

When appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce in 1962, the Dayton Daily News stated in an editorial, "He displays a rare grasp of broad and complicated problems, an industrious and incisive mind, and a flair for getting along with people ... and he is the quiet sort who gets things done."

Documentation includes a 21-page book, with 8 bound-in photos.

Originally submitted by: Tony P. Hall, Representative (3rd District).

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