Edison Electric Light Company Headquarters, 65 Fifth Avenue, New York – Exterior View
Photograph
This historical photograph captures the exterior of the Edison Electric Light Company headquarters at 65 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, probably one of Lewis Latimer’s early employment sites during his career working for Thomas Edison’s businesses. It shows a multi-story brownstone building adorned with elegant architectural details. The sign reading "The Edison Electric Light Company" is prominently displayed above the lower windows. The building features numerous windows with decorative awnings, reflecting the architectural style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Two men in formal attire stand at the entrance, possibly engineers, executives, or employees of the company. The photographic print has a blue tone, suggesting it is a cyanotype print, a technique commonly used in architectural and engineering documentation during the late 19th century. Lewis Latimer owned this photograph, suggesting his pride in his long association with Thomas Edison’s companies.
The Edison Electric Light Company, founded by Thomas Edison in 1878, was a pivotal enterprise in the development and commercialization of electric lighting. This building likely served as a hub for research, engineering, and business operations, supporting the advancement of incandescent lighting technology. Lewis H. Latimer, a figure on Edison’s team, worked on the improvement of carbon filaments and contributed patent drawings and technical expertise. The cyanotype format of the image suggests it may have been used for archival or technical documentation, possibly in company records or promotional materials.
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]
"The Edison Electric Light Company"