[Linked Image from dawesarb.org]

Did you know The Dawes Arboretum, located in Newark, Ohio, hosts an annual History Center exhibit? This year, The Arboretum’s exhibit is Fueling a Legacy: The Pure Oil Company and Beman Dawes..

It focuses on the history of The Pure Oil Company, its local impact and how Beman’s funds from The Pure Oil Company were used to create and sustain The Dawes Arboretum, a now nearly 2,000-acre property. The town of Heath and its refinery is also related to Dawes' history.

In 1919, a 24-hour refinery was built, named after Fletcher Heath, secretary and treasurer of The Pure Oil Company while Beman Dawes, co-founder of The Arboretum, was president. The town eventually was named after the refinery, Heath, as it still stands today. The refinery expanded to an impressive 184 acres with a 7,500-barrel capacity to produce gasoline, kerosene, furnace oil and heavy fuel oil.

The refinery was known for its high wages, good benefits and cooperation between labor and management. You can learn more about the Heath refinery by visiting The Arboretum’s annual exhibit, open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dawes is located at 7770 Jacksontown Road, Newark, Ohio.

Last edited by The Dawes Arboretum; Mon Jul 27 2026 06:59 AM.