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. Edison's personal assistant William H. Meadowcroft served as the association's historian, while Frederick A. Scheffler, a former draftsman and isolated lighting plant designer, was the treasurer. Included are documents relating to the group's annual Edison-birthday luncheon, along with reminiscences sent by former employees. Also included is a letter from Pioneers secretary Robert T. Lozier regarding the creation of an associate member category for individuals employed by Edison during the period 1885-1899 and an honorary membership for close personal friends of the inventor who had contributed significantly to his work. The correspondents include businessman Arthur S. Beves, electrical power station engineers Wilson S. Howell and Sidney B. Paine, and banker Francis S. Smithers.
Approximately 60 percent of the documents have been selected. The unselected items consist primarily of routine correspondence pertaining to the administration of the Pioneers.
[E1923AA], Letter from William Henry Meadowcroft to Thomas Alva Edison, William Maxwell, January 3rd, 1919 1919-01-03