203
According Dyer and Martin, Edison welcomed reporters and "the easy,
inveterate good-nature Edison toward reporters proverbial the craft.
2W Dyer, Martin, and Meadowcroft, Edison: His Life and Inventions, 659.There combination office and
library it.204
Visitors.. Tate, February 20, 1889 (in 1889, Edison, T. The New York Times described the
event:
Edison’s new laboratory and perfected phonograph Orange, were thrown open
to representatives the press yesterday."
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.
When representatives the press were allowed inside the laboratory buildings,
they entered through the Gate House and were directed immediately into the
library.
203 Literary Digest, March 1927; American Magazine, vol.. The plant purely for experimental
purposes, and one the largest the world... 1901, another reporter writes: "Once inside the visitor conducted
into spacious and lofty libraiy, where waits.
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.
201 The New York Times, January 20, 1901, 18, col. 86, 1918, 35.200
200 The New York Times, May 12, 1888, col. 1. When Edison moved the West Orange laboratory 1887 was
already famous man.A."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. May 11, 1888, Edison opened the library the press for one of
the first tours the West Orange laboratory.. Here, after time, comes him
the genius the place...
The Press.Townsend to
A.Although the library may have been accessible 1917, this account suggests that
the reference material may not have been kept current this time."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." (H.-Articles, D-89-07). 3.. constant stream visitors passed through the
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