[D8523ZAH], Letter from Joseph B Strauss to Thomas Alva Edison, April 9th, 1885

https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D8523ZAH

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Title

[D8523ZAH], Letter from Joseph B Strauss to Thomas Alva Edison, April 9th, 1885

Editor's Notes

I wrote to you over a week ago concerning an electric lighting system I want to establish in Cincinnati to supply TAE light to the portion of the city surrounding my house. I asked for estimates of the cost and maintenance of the system, and though I knew it "might detain you a few moments from your occupation, I thought you would not refuse to grant me those moments" especially as it pertained to establishing your light in Cincinnati, "where, although you are represented, it, I am sorry to say, is not extensively used." I ask you again to give me the desired information. In my original letter, the district comprised no more than 400 houses, but by laying the wires through the streets, we can supply a district of more than 2,000 houses in a circuit of less than 2 1/2 miles. [Letter goes into detail about how charges would be levied, how long it would take to retire debt, and how much money would be made in the enterprise.] "The experiment would be a stimulus for others and here, at least, your light would rapidly come into favor." If you decide to approve the plan, please inform me ASAP, as the mains would have to be laid immediately because the streets will soon be paved with granite. P.S. "After the debt has been paid, I would be willing to pay a reasonable royalty to you for using your patents and rights."

Date

1885-04-09

Type

Folder/Volume ID

D8523-F

Microfilm ID

77:644

Document ID

D8523ZAH

Publisher

Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University
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