1918 plan indicates total remodelling of
Building The plan divides Building into main room and disc record
celluloid room, about one-third the size the main room. This room was eventually
taken over Theodore Edison and was called "Theodore’s room. This was carried out
by Selden Warner the small laboratory the room the west side the
building. the 1930s this room was designated as
a chemical laboratory." contained sink the north end and counter top
and shelves running along the east side. Perhaps this room was used for temporary
production Blue Amberol records after the war and there was mistake its
description this document." photograph
taken 1939 shows little structural change and the addition numerous bottles
of chemicals and balance (figure 13).334 experimental
rooms are described. This included converting the alkaline storage battery to
96
.
In 1919 this building was used develop electrical systems for use Ford Model
T automobiles.333
The end World War work brought changes this building government
research contracts were terminated.The two small rooms either side the main entrance were also changed suit
new experimental projects.332 This room had once housed photographic equipment and remnants
can seen the photographs (figure 11). left Edison’s
employ 1921 (see for more Selden Warner). During the war they were equipped
to carry out experiments hydrogen testing apparatus (to measure the gas the
interior submarines) and depth sounding equipment. the other hand the term celluloid might have
been loosely used cover all types recording material.
333 "Classification Build)ngs-Historical Dept," July 21, 1939, Historical Research Dept., containing
reports and correspondence relating the History the Edison Laboratory from 1935 1949.
332 jyjpg, "HSR, Edison NHS, Building 1,” pp. The reports
and correspondence were generated from 1935 through 1949.
After the war, Selden Warner continued work this room. They were not similar shape for the west side office
was larger and extended the partition. final possibility that
Edison took celluloid more seriously recording medium than has previously
been believed. This listing included all buildings being
converted historical/museum use. Interior spaces were divided into sections and subsections. Warner also worked sound ranging equipment and
assisted with the miner’s safety cap lamp. Spieden called "chemical room and
photographic dark room. The use the term celluloid puzzling because this
material was not used the production Edison discs, only for Blue Amberol
records which were cylinders. that case this room
could have been employed the production discs.
3M ”Thomag Edison Personal—Floor Areas Laboratory Building," November 25, 1918, 1918, WOL-
General. 7-8
