There combination office and
library it.200
200 The New York Times, May 12, 1888, col.
The Press.204
Visitors.
201 The New York Times, January 20, 1901, 18, col.. May 11, 1888, Edison opened the library the press for one of
the first tours the West Orange laboratory.
202 Cosmopolitan, April 1889, 600; Horace Townsend, author the 1889 Cosmopolitan article, wrote
directly Edison’s secretary, Alfred Tate, requesting help obtaining photographs illustrate his article "Can
you not hook crook get these for me? will remember thee prayers you so.. When Edison moved the West Orange laboratory 1887 was
already famous man.203
According Dyer and Martin, Edison welcomed reporters and "the easy,
inveterate good-nature Edison toward reporters proverbial the craft.
When representatives the press were allowed inside the laboratory buildings,
they entered through the Gate House and were directed immediately into the
library. 1. Here, after time, comes him
the genius the place. Tate, February 20, 1889 (in 1889, Edison, T." (H. The plant purely for experimental
purposes, and one the largest the world.. 3."
Reporters had access Edison for interviews, but large groups probably did not
actually enter Building except special occasions, such award ceremonies or
Edison’s birthday.
203 Literary Digest, March 1927; American Magazine, vol. constant stream visitors passed through the
64
..Although the library may have been accessible 1917, this account suggests that
the reference material may not have been kept current this time...A. The New York Times described the
event:
Edison’s new laboratory and perfected phonograph Orange, were thrown open
to representatives the press yesterday.-Articles, D-89-07)..
2W Dyer, Martin, and Meadowcroft, Edison: His Life and Inventions, 659. 1901, another reporter writes: "Once inside the visitor conducted
into spacious and lofty libraiy, where waits.."201 likely that reporters were ushered around the
laboratory assistant, rather than being shown around Edison himself:
"Whichever his assistants may have been deputed guide, you will surely find
him cultivated, courteous, and acknowledged expert one more branches of
scientific research, and proudly interested the establishment which forms
a part."202
Edison’s assistants dealt with tour arrangements and details for the press, while
Edison gave interviews all subjects, often from his desk the library. 86, 1918, 35.Townsend to
A
