Edison intended the West Orange complex his own personal
endeavour. But the sheer scale of
Edison's grand strategy meant that could not support with
his own resources alone. The
laboratory was his and his alone.
The completion the Edison Phonograph Works 1888
rounded out the original plan for Edison's West Orange
operation— large manufacturing facility adjoining a
laboratory complex, and all under the control one man. The wax cylinders and phonograph batteries
were made this building, which also contained the finishing
and packing rooms. also had every facility manufacture wide
range precision products, especially those requiring
electrical parts.II- 4
testing rooms, and the japanning ovens for the phonograph's
varnished finish. cost him around $180,000 build
and this represents over two million 1987 dollars. The electric light had made him rich man and
enabled him turn his dream great research laboratory
into reality. was owned and operated by
Edison until his death 1931 and never thought as
anything but his personal business. between these two long structures were
three smaller buildings, one which contained the powerhouse
for the Works. Edison invested considerable part his
fortune the laboratory. The history his laboratory is
. Fully equipped with large foundry, and
illuminated throughout electric light, the Works could carry
out all aspects phonograph manufacture from toolmaking to
r
testing
