Significant among these changes was the installation in
1915 new windows these buildings.
While the inventories provide important documentation the site, the fire itself
inspired some physical changes the five original buildings, which were
untouched the blaze. However, Edison himself reviewed
all recordings, probably rooms the second and third floor the building. Because would impractical alter the layout and windows the
laboratory buildings, interpretation spaces that have been altered should
acknowledge structural changes but note that most changes not substantially
affect the function and furnishings the rooms.
Edison’s own disc machine, used for reviewing, and the notebooks which he
179
. This period very well documented series photographs, taken in
1914, and photograph albums compiled Miller Reese Hutchison from 1910 to
1918. analysis the labor records indicates that the
period from 1912 1914 marked the greatest size the work force the West
Orange laboratory. The 1910-1914 period was also important
because the primary experimental projects-the disc phonograph and the storage
battery-became the new products that carried the Edison enterprise through the
next two decades. addition, several inventories were made the aftermath the 1914
fire, including one the chemistry laboratory. Although the prototype plant for duplicating discs was
established Building equipment make test pressings was installed and
production methods were perfected the chemistry building. The Robertson
hydraulic disc press still place. This was period intense activity the West Orange
laboratory, comparable only the 1888-1890 period terms the number of
experimental projects undertaken. Later structural changes were made to
the library and stock room, and are discussed the introduction the individual
plans.
The phonograph experiments were carried out the second and third floor of
Building and the development the materials for records was done the
chemistry laboratory.FURNISHING PLAN
RECOMMENDED FURNISHINGS and WORKING DRAWINGS
Furnishings recommended for the West Orange laboratory reflect the period 1910-
1920.
The labor records for this period are detailed, giving idea the duties each
member the laboratory staff and enabling cross referencing daily tasks with
entries shop order books.
The one part the phonograph campaign that cannot interpreted through
historic furnishings the recording new catalog songs for the Diamond
Disc machines. This was carried out the music room the third floor of
Building and the New York City studio
