constant stream visitors passed through the
64
.There combination office and
library it.. 1. 1901, another reporter writes: "Once inside the visitor conducted
into spacious and lofty libraiy, where waits.A....
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.200
200 The New York Times, May 12, 1888, col.204
Visitors."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. Here, after time, comes him
the genius the place. 3..." (H..
201 The New York Times, January 20, 1901, 18, col. The New York Times described the
event:
Edison’s new laboratory and perfected phonograph Orange, were thrown open
to representatives the press yesterday.Townsend to
A.
The Press.
203 Literary Digest, March 1927; American Magazine, vol. When Edison moved the West Orange laboratory 1887 was
already famous man.Although the library may have been accessible 1917, this account suggests that
the reference material may not have been kept current this time. 86, 1918, 35. May 11, 1888, Edison opened the library the press for one of
the first tours the West Orange laboratory..
2W Dyer, Martin, and Meadowcroft, Edison: His Life and Inventions, 659. The plant purely for experimental
purposes, and one the largest the world.
When representatives the press were allowed inside the laboratory buildings,
they entered through the Gate House and were directed immediately into the
library.203
According Dyer and Martin, Edison welcomed reporters and "the easy,
inveterate good-nature Edison toward reporters proverbial the craft.-Articles, D-89-07). Tate, February 20, 1889 (in 1889, Edison, T."
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
