Building Library
The Library functioned the starting point for many Edison’s research and
development projects: industrial research West Orange began with thorough
search all written sources the topic hand. Nov.
24 Ibid.
2fl Ledger book E4294, November 24, 1887, 32, West Orange laboratory records, Box 38. Timesheets and payroll records not indicate any formal
opening day.
22 Charles Batchelor diary, catalog 1337, Sept. The library also served Edison’s main office area, and from
his desk and director’s table administered the various aspects his
organization.23 From that point on, the exterior appearance the
original six buildings changed little.. 1890, gate house was added near the
brick entrance gates erected with the original structures. Fred Ott’s recollection that Edison moved into the laboratory November 24, 1887, but
no other documentation supports this date. 19, Oct.24 roof was erected over the west
courtyard doorway Building some time after 1920., 6. 10, and Nov, 25, 1887.. Aside from its practical function, the library served the
ceremonial core for operations the West Orange laboratory.
Edison moved his operation the West Orange laboratory late November or
early December 1887."26 Purchase vouchers and book inventories show that
in the early years West Orange, Edison frequently purchased new books and
periodicals provide his experimenters and other employees with up-to-date
research library. the library, "a
magnificent affair.with three tiers alcoves and two balconies around the room,
17
. 5,
Edison Laboratory National Monument," prepared Norman Speiden, October 28, 1959, also
Historian’s Note 131.experimental equipment were shipped horse cart from Harrison.22 soon as
the experimental apparatus was installed, Edison and his men arrived from
Harrison and started work.25 Edison planned a
sophisticated research facility, noting 1887 that intended hire "one person
familiar with scientific matters translate-must understand English, french
[sic], German, and Italian.
23 National Park Service, "Historic Structures Report, Part Main Laboratory Building, Building No. Untouched the 1914
fire that destroyed much the Edison plant, the original six buildings had new
metal windows and frames installed 1915.
25 Andre Millard, Edison and the Business ofInnovation, (Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press,
1990), 9
