This letterbook covers the period April-June 1915. Most of the correspondence is by Edison and William H. Meadowcroft. Many items pertain to Edison's benzol absorbing plants in Pennsylvania and Alabama; his sale of toluol to the British government; and business conditions during World War I. There is also correspondence regarding the technical and commercial development of phonographs and recordings, including the introduction of Edison's Telescribe system for recording telephone messages. Additional items concern Edison's opinions about Germany, the sinking of the Lusitania, and the war; his attitude toward the Leo Frank case; his support for prohibition; and his public appearances. The correspondents include investment banker Clarence Dillon, longtime Edison associate William H. Mason, Edward R. Stettinius of J. P. Morgan & Co., and representatives of Mitsui & Co., an investor in Edison's benzol businesses.
The spine is stamped "Letters" and is marked "T.A.E. from April- 30- 1915 June- 18- 1915." The number "42" also appears on the spine. The book contains 697 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 15 percent of the book has been selected.
[LB104608], Letter from William Henry Meadowcroft to Clarence T Atkinson, June 11th, 1915 1915-06-11