The Thomas A. Edison Papers Digital Edition

[Because of the large number of clippings in this scrapbook, it has been indexed in two parts. This note covers both parts. There are numerous repetitive clippings that have not been indexed.]

This scrapbook, which is a continuation of Cat. 44,454, contains clippings primarily from the period May-December 1916. Included are articles about an explosion at the Edison Chemical Works in Silver Lake, New Jersey; efforts by the local communities of Bloomfield and Belleville to reduce smoke emissions from Edison's chemical plants; labor unrest in the Disc Manufacturing Dept.; management's dealings with the Edison Protective Association, a workers' sick and death benefit organization; the formation of the Wisconsin Cabinet & Panel Co. to manufacture phonograph cabinets; and the deaths of longtime Edison associates Jonas W. Aylsworth and Emil Herter.

In addition, there are references to Edison's relationship with U.S. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, including a dinner together at Glenmont during which they discussed the proposed Naval Research Laboratory. Numerous clippings pertain to the presidential election of 1916, including Edison's announcement of his support for Theodore Roosevelt, his shift to President Woodrow Wilson after Roosevelt dropped out of the race, and the endorsement of Wilson by Edison's friends Luther Burbank, John Burroughs, and Henry Ford. Other items relate to Edison's camping trip in the Adirondacks with Burroughs, Ford, and Harvey Firestone; his receipt of an honorary doctor of laws degree from the State University of New York in a ceremony conducted over the telephone; his views about women's suffrage and other issues; and his attendance at events such as the Preparedness Parade in New York City, the Newark Industrial Exhibition, the National Exposition of Chemical Industries, and the New York Electrical Show.

Also included are articles pertaining to "Edison Day" and "Edison Week" celebrations through the country; "tone tests" of the Diamond Disc phonograph conducted in various cities; and the "Edison Star," a bright light in the sky above Menlo Park, that was erroneously attributed to Edison. In addition, there are numerous clippings regarding the opinions and social activities of Mina Miller Edison, particularly her participation in the annual convention of the General Federation of Women's Clubs during which "peace" and "preparedness" candidates vied for the presidency. There are multiple versions from numerous newspapers of most of the stories, although later in the book these duplicates are merely listed. The front cover is inscribed "Clippings re Thos. A. Edison." The pages are unnumbered; approximately 150 pages have been used.