[SB5OS12X-F]

https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/folder/SB5OS12X-F

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Part Of: Scrapbook Series

[SB5OS12X-F] Cat. 44,452

[Because of the large number of clippings in this scrapbook, it has been indexed in two parts. This note covers both parts. Although the vast majority of clippings in the first part are from July and August, a few at the end are from September. Similarly, a few clippings from August can be found at the beginning of the second part. There are numerous repetitive clippings that have not been indexed.]

This scrapbook contains clippings from July-October 1915, with a few additional items from November. They relate primarily to the newly established Naval Consulting Board. Included are articles discussing Edison's role as its leader, the selection of its other members in September and its first meeting in October, comparisons between the American board and its British counterpart, and Edison's proposal to establish a Naval Research Laboratory. There are also references to submarine warfare, the progress of the war generally, the impact of the war on the American economy, the issue of preparedness, and Henry Ford's peace plan. Other topics include Edison's opinions about the tariff, women's suffrage, Ford's peace plan, and other issues; his health, diet, and work habits; the activities and spousal role of Mina Miller Edison; and the cross-country automobile trip of youngest son Theodore Edison.

In addition, there are articles pertaining to the invention of the telescribe (a device for recording telephone conversations) and a battery-powered searchlight, along with clippings describing "tone tests" during which recording artists such as Alice Verlet and Christine Miller alternated their live performance with an Edison Diamond Disc recording. There are also clippings relating to Edison's plans to manufacture aniline dye and other chemical products; his attendance at the National Exposition of Chemical Industries and a dinner in his honor at the Chemists Club; a strike at the Edison Chemical Works at Silver Lake, New Jersey; a minor accident at the Works involving his eyes; and the deaths of employees Andrew W. Burns and Daniel Bordner in separate accidents at the Works.

Toward the end of the book are clippings regarding Edison's departure for the West Coast to attend the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, his train trip across the country, his arrival in San Francisco, and an anonymous threat on his life that prompted the local police to assign him a bodyguard. Also included are accounts of his participation in the "Edison Day" celebration in San Francisco, along with descriptions of similar events held in other cities to commemorate the thirty-sixth anniversary of the invention of the incandescent lamp. The clippings are arranged in rough chronological order. There are many duplicate versions of each story, as it appeared in various newspapers. The label on the spine is inscribed "Mrs. Edison's Clippings July 13-November 6. 1915." The book contains approximately 350 unnumbered pages.

Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

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