[D8523ZCA], Letter from Ohio Edison Electric Installation Co, Archibald B Stuart to Thomas Alva Edison, December 9th, 1885
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D8523ZCA
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- Title
- [D8523ZCA], Letter from Ohio Edison Electric Installation Co, Archibald B Stuart to Thomas Alva Edison, December 9th, 1885
- Editor's Notes
- "I do not suppose there is much use writing you this letter as I have frequently done so before but not under the same circumstances, and I trust you will treat it as strictly confidential." ##We made a large extension to the Middletown plant. We are lighting the streets of the whole city and people are praising the light. "This you will remember is where we closed up the Brush Co. and I think with a little extraordinary effort, with good success we can also close up the Gas Co." But, I am uneasy about the plant. Everything is in splendid condition and running in fine shape, but an accident happened last evening that showed Mr. Hoffman and me that its success "seems to hang upon a slender thread." The electrical work was put up by Mr. Leonard and it works nicely, but there is some difference in its electrical system and your regular three-wire system, but just how I'm not capable of explaining. The plant is something to be proud of and I think it will do you god to see it, but we have a very large investment there, over $40,000 in cash and a good chance to make a monopoly of lighting in Middletown, but I am uneasy about the great care which it is necessary to exercise to run it successfully. Much depends upon our avoiding any slips or accidents. The Brush Co. are threatening to bring in incandescent lights, etc., but the only thing I am afraid of is 'is it put up as it ought to be, permanently.' Given the magnitude of the investment, could you come examine it? While you were here I would like for you to look at some plans for Cincinnati. Please treat this as strictly confidential. P.S. [handwritten, rest of letter is typed]: "I shall be under great obligation to you if you will come-and am pretty sure to go back with you."
- Recipient
- Edison, Thomas Alva
- Date
- 1885-12-09
- Type
- Letter
- Subject
- Competition and market structure
- Stocks, bonds, and investments
- Electrical distribution system
- Folder ID
- D8523-F
- Microfilm ID
- 77:701
- Document ID
- D8523ZCA
- Publisher
- Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University
- License
- CC0 1.0 Universal
- Has Version
- Archive.org Viewer, Microfilm Series Reel 77