The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1916)

EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 Within the Edison Gate UNDER this caption we purpose each month to give some interesting items concerning the life "within the gate." Mention will be made of those jobbers, dealers and others who have visited us during the previous month, as far as the editor is able to get their names. And then we want to tell the far-away dealer — the one who seldom, if ever, gets to the Edison Gate — some of the things that he will be much interested to know. From what is said below the thoughtful man will realize that "the new and greater Edison plant" predicted by Mr. Edison the day after the great fire (December 9th, 19 14) is a reality today; that the lessons learned by that fire have resulted in a solidarity of reconstruction that makes for permanency and efficiency. OUR FRONT COVER PICTURE THIS was taken from a point inside the main Edison entrance, directly in front of the Laboratory entrance. We consider it especially artistic, largely due to nature's own handiwork. The way the snow has brought out the vine that trails about the arch is exceptionally beautiful; no artist could have done as well. It reminds one of the embossed work on a handsome silver vase. Through this gate Mr. Edison passes daily on his way to the Laboratory. THE PAST MONTH'S CALLERS THE factory has been favored with calls during the past month from: A. R. Pommer of the Pacific Phonograph Co. W. O. Pardee of Pardee, Ellenberger & Co. B. W. Smith of The Phonograph Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. R. B. Cope of the GirSrd Phonograph Co. C. B. Haynes of C. B. Haynes & Co. F. K. Babson of the Phonograph Co. of Chicago and G. L. Babson of the Phonograph Corporation of Manhattan, New York. THE FACTORY IN WINTER ATTIRE WINTER in all its old-time glory descended suddenly upon the factory on the afternoon of December 13th. As the night came on the storm of snow and hail and sleet increased in fury. The scene was an impressive one, as the brilliant lights from the huge buildings stood out in strong contrast with the howling storm. Within thousands of employees went about their work unmindful of the storm. What a contrast to December, 1914! When the morning came every structure "within the Edison gate" was wrapped in a mantle of white; yet little, if any, hindrance was occasioned to the trend of factory life. There were no buildings "too cold to work in"; there were no frozen pipes; no evidence at all within that a furious storm all night had howled about them. On the contrary everything was as ready for the working force as if it were mid-summer. The heating system of these huge buildings has been so perfected that the most severe storm occasions no inconvenience, no delav. MR. EDISON'S OLDEST EMPLOYEE 47 YEARS WITH EDISON JOHN OTT, still in the Edison Laboratory, has the unique distinction of being the oldest employee of Mr. Edison. He has been with him since 1869 — 4-7 years. It was in the little cramped quarters in Newark, N. J., in the neighborhood o f Market Street Depot, that Mr. Ott first became an Edison man. He has been a continuous employee all through Mr. Edison's wonderful career, and is still today one of his active draftsmen. If you want to be entertained with many reminiscences that sound like a strange and fascinating novel told in a plain and direct manner, you have only to find Mr. Ott when he is not busy (which is seldom). Mr. Ott was born in Jersey City, N. J., in 1850, and therefore in his 65th year. He is quite am invalid, being obliged to use two crutches when walking; and yet he is at his drawing-board day after day. We extend to Mr. Ott this New Year season our most cordial greeting, and wish him many additional years in the employ of his illustrious and faithful chief. It is Mr. Ott's idea that a man is never incapacitated for work. TWO STRUCTURES AWAKEN CURIOSITY ONE, no, two buildings "within the Edison gate" always look cold and cheerless. They have no windows; they have no chimneys; they have no flag poles; they have no ornamentation. Like two solid huge rocks, they are silent, dark and cold. And yet within they are two of the brightest-lighted, cleanest, best ventilated, evenly warmed buildings in the whole Edison