Edison began figure out how many experimental rooms would need the
laboratory.
Although Charles Batchelor, partner the Edison Machine Works and one of
Edison’s chief assistants the time, was available attend details, Edison
remained very involved overseeing planning and construction the laboratory.
20 See drawing 1887, West Orange laboratory (hereafter cited WOL)--General, D-87-55. During October and November loads of
16
.Introduction Building 5
During the summer 1887 construction began the main building, which was
later designated Building Its ground floor was given over spacious library
and large machine shop. Some changes were minor, but others involved significant
alterations the structure—such the addition basement Building 5. Joseph Taft replaced Holly,
designing the four one-story laboratory buildings and closely monitoring the work
of all the contractors.
This process not only put strain the relations between client and builders but
also make the original architectural specifications unreliable source of
information about the finished building.
This was Edison’s dream laboratory and could not resist improving and
modifying his original specifications.21
By September 1887 the laboratory had begun take shape. Engines the power house also ran the dynamos which generated light
and power for the laboratory.20 These plans,
and the instructions given the architect and builders, were subject change. His sketches scraps paper show that planned put
experimental rooms and stock room the second floor Building also
placed private room for his own experiments the third floor. The roof the main
building was nearly complete and work was underway four satellite buildings
next it. continually asked for changes during
construction. Steam was carried from the boilers through
pipes which ran along the walls the laboratory buildings, providing heat during
the New Jersey winters.
21 Charles Batchelor diary, catalog 1336, August 1887. Adjacent the machine shop was the engine room
where boilers and steam engines provided power and heat the laboratory
complex. system overhead shafts and pulleys turned the
belts which then drove the machine tools, system which was typical the mills
and factories industrial America. October, Batchelor began moving equipment from the temporary
laboratory the Harrison Lamp Works, where Edison and skeleton crew of
approximately ten experimenters continued the development electric light, ore
milling, and the phonograph.
He fired Holly the end July because was not satisfied with his supervision
and felt Holly’s contractors were doing bad work
