Wilber O. Pettys and his wife Martha Dodson Pettys were the sub-dividers of the Dodson land (originally 18 acres), now known as Edgewood Subdivision.
1865
John Dodson, grandfather of Martha Dodson Pettys, purchased the land and moved into the house on the farm, located at 2320 East Main Street, Urbana.The 18 acres of virgin timber, known as Dodson woods, on the east edge of the Dodson land was used as a pasture and wood lot for the Dodson families.
1948
Martha Dodson Pettys had a serious operation and the expenses prompted them to start subdividing the 18 acres.1950
The Pettys' received approval for Edgewood First Subdivision, comprising of 14 lots.1951
Three houses were built. Dilber O. Pettys' completed the house at 102 Dodson Drive.1952
The house at 106 East Dodson Drive was completed. Mr and Mrs. Martin Kimpel's home at 108 East Dodson Drive was also completed.The Pettys wanted to perpetuate the Dodson name so the first street was named Dodson Drive. All of the streets are named after members of the Dodson Family.
The construction of the east part of Slayback Street was the connecting link between Dodson Drive East and Dodson Drive West, this was the last piece of land within the original 18 acres of virgin timber land.
1954
The Dutch Elm disease hit the Edgewood area and in the next two or three years the beautiful elm trees died.1956
Asphalt was applied to the rock streets in the first three subdivisions.The history of Edgewood Subdivision was compiled in 1962 by Wilber O. Pettys and Martha Dodson Pettys.
