Catalogit it- Entry-Detail - Aisha Abdul Rahman, MLIS, PhD. Archivist, Genealogist & Heritage Traveler

Letter from the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison to Lewis Latimer

Letter

DescriptionA handwritten letter dated September 30, 1889, from Lewis Latimer’s friend and colleague John F. Randolph from the laboratory of Thomas A. Edison in Orange, New Jersey, addressed to Lewis Latimer. The letter acknowledges a previous correspondence and mentions a poem that Latimer had sent. The author expresses pleasure in hearing from Latimer and discusses work-related matters, including visits to New York City. Additionally, the letter references an invitation to a wedding and a gift sent in place of attending.

Context

This letter is an example of professional and personal communication between Thomas Edison's laboratory and Lewis Latimer, who was a figure in the development of electrical lighting technology. The letter highlights Latimer's ongoing relationship with colleagues now working in Edison’s laboratory. Randolph’s reference to “44” alludes to 44 Broad Street in New York City, where Latimer was then working for Edison’s legal department as a patents expert.

Collection

Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

Transcription

From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison, Orange, N.J. Sept 30th, 1889 Subject: Dear Latimer, Your welcome letter came to hand a few days ago, and enclosing some poetry. I was very glad to hear from you and it keeps up old times to hear from you and Joe, and I am very glad to hear that with all the change that has been made that both you and Joe are still kept. And the next time I am in 44 I am going to call in and see you, but just now my visits to the city have been once a month and very seldom twice. The poetry which you sent me is very good and everyone around the place says you are a good writer! I had the pleasure of receiving an invitation to Miss Seldeon's wedding, but I was unable to go, but did the next best thing—sent her a present. I am not as far advanced as Miss Seldeon, but I have been engaged to be married two weeks. Very truly, John F. Randolph