This folder contains documents relating to the Edison Pioneers, an organization established in 1918 for men, primarily in the electric light and power industry, who were employed by Edison in the years prior to 1886. The major correspondents are Edison's personal assistant William H. Meadowcroft, who served as the association's historian, and Frederick A. Scheffler, a former draftsman and isolated lighting plant designer, who was the treasurer. The documents for 1918 pertain primarily to the organization of the Pioneers. Included are letters regarding efforts to secure an autographed photograph of Edison for each member, attempts to obtain historical papers from Robert T. Lozier, and the membership qualifications of a few individuals, such as Edward H. Mulcay. There is also a list of members, including those present at the first luncheon, along with a printed circular signed by the association's president, Francis R. Upton. Related material can be found in the Edison Pioneers record group at the Edison National Historical Park. A finding aid is available.
Approximately 25 percent of the documents have been selected. Most of the unselected material consists of additional internal administrative correspondence between Meadowcroft and Scheffler. Also unselected are a draft blank membership form, newspaper clippings, and items duplicating the information in the selected material.
[E1831AA], Letter from Frederick Alonzo Scheffler to William Henry Meadowcroft, March 1st, 1918 1918-03-01