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Edison Pioneers Golden Anniversary Invitation – October 21, 1929

Letter
This is a printed invitation from the Edison Pioneers, dated October 21, 1929, announcing the Golden Anniversary celebration of Thomas Alva Edison’s invention of the practical incandescent electric lamp. The event was scheduled to take place at Menlo Park, New Jersey, commemorating 50 years since Edison’s breakthrough in electric lighting in 1879. The document outlines key highlights of the event, including A large incandescent lamp being illuminated by Edison from Dearborn, Michigan, with the lighting broadcast to Menlo Park. Music and speeches planned for the attendees. Accommodations and reserved spaces for members of the Edison Pioneers and their guests. At the bottom of the document, two embossed gold emblems are present. One features a profile of Thomas Edison, and the other depicts an incandescent light bulb with the inscription "TO EDISON", symbolizing the commemoration of his contributions. Lewis Latimer had passed away in 1928, but one of his family members may have received this invitation and preserved it as a memento.
Edison Pioneers Golden Anniversary Invitation – October 21, 1929 picture number 1

The Edison Pioneers was an organization established in 1918 to honor and bring together individuals who had worked with Thomas Edison before the mid-1880s. Lewis Latimer was a founding member of the group. This book serves as an official document outlining the constitution and by-laws governing the group. The well-preserved cover reflects the significance of this historical artifact in the history of technology and innovation.

The Lewis H. Latimer Papers (1870-1929, 1972) [QPL Subgroup]Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

Header: "EDISON PIONEERS Secretary’s Office 40 West 40th Street New York City" Body: "To the Edison Pioneers: The Golden Anniversary of Thomas Alva Edison’s discovery of a practical incandescent electric lamp will be fittingly celebrated the evening of October 21st, 1929, at Menlo Park, N.J. It is hoped that every Edison Pioneer who can possibly do so will be present at Menlo Park on this historic occasion to honor Mr. Edison on the very site where fifty years ago he produced the nucleus of what subsequently became one of the world’s most important industries. A huge incandescent lamp on a suitable temporary tower will be lighted by Mr. Edison from Dearborn, Michigan, where a similar celebration will be held, and which will be broadcasted to Menlo Park. In addition to this broadcasting, music and speakers will be provided at Menlo Park, and accommodations reserved for the Edison Pioneers and their guests. The celebration will commence at 7 P.M., the enclosed card serving as a means of identification of the Edison Pioneers, as well as a means of directing them to the scene of the festivities." (Below the text, two embossed golden medallions appear: one featuring Thomas Edison’s profile and the other featuring an incandescent light bulb.)