Blueprints, The Edison Machine Works, Schenectady, N.Y., and Brushes for All Machines
The Edison Machine Works was a critical division of Edison’s electric empire, responsible for manufacturing dynamos, motors, and other electrical components used in the early power industry. Electrical brushes are crucial components in dynamos and motors, maintaining electrical contact between stationary and rotating parts to ensure consistent power transmission. The detailed sizing and engineering specifications suggest that this document was used in the production or maintenance of Edison’s electrical machines. While Latimer is best known for his carbon filament advancements, he was also an experienced draftsman and electrical engineer. This blueprint, dated 1886, aligns with the period when Latimer worked for Edison’s companies, making it relevant to his contributions in the electrical field. The precision of the technical illustrations and specifications reflects the kind of detailed engineering work Latimer excelled in, although without the evidence of his signature or initials, it is unclear whether he drew this particular blueprint.
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]
Two blueprints—one of them dated 1886—relating to the Edison Machine Works in Schenectady, New York, an important establishment in Thomas Edison’s expanding business “empire.” Lewis Latimer kept several documents relating to the Schenectady plant, presumably because his work for Edison involved documenting its technical operations.