The talking machine world (July-Dec 1918)

46 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD July IS, 1918 BLUE DEVILS ENTERTAINED AT EDISON LABORATORIES Famous French Soldiers Spend Enjoyable Day as Guests of Thomas A. Edison and Mrs. EdisonPresented With Army and Navy Model Edison Phonograph — Mrs. Edison Host at Luncheon Monday morning, June 17, the employes of Thomas A. Edison, Inc., Orange, N. J., were thrilled with the news that a number of the Blue Devils of France would pay a visit to the Edison ranks, marched out of the laboratory and around to a specially-constructed platform to receive the cheers of the Edison workers. They were introduced by Mr. Meadowcroft, Mr. Edison's assistant, and then Sergeant P. A. Servet delivered a very appropriate speech, emphasizig the love of France for America, saying in part: "We men of France are aware of how much America loves our country. You people in America can have no idea of how France loves America." The cheers that greeted this remark left no doubt in the hearts or minds of these gallant fighters of America's love for France. Master Tester Steel, an American boy of Banner," led by the Edison band. A few more pictures were taken and then came an unexpected and delightful surprise. The Blue Devils sang one of their own battle songs, which aroused tremendous enthusiasm. Through a densely packed crowd the Chasseurs Alpines worked their way to the waiting automobiles and were driven to Mr. Edison's home, where Mrs. Edison and members of the Women's Club of the Oranges acted as hostesses-. Lunch was served on the broad green lawns; and while the soldiers of France enjoyed the famous hospitality of Llewellyn Park, the Edison Choral Society and Edison band furnished the music. After luncheon the party returned to the storage battery building, and under the guidance of R. A. Bachman inspected the plant from roof to cellar. These soldiers know the need of storage batteries and Edison storage batteries Characteristic Pose of Mr. Edison Mr. Meadowcroft, His Chief Assistant, Is Explaining What Is Desired of the "Wizard" laboratories. About 12 o'clock they arrived in automobiles driven by members of the Newark and Orange National League for Women's Service. As these French heroes entered the gates of the old red laboratory building at Lakeside avenue and Valley road Mr. Edison appeared to personally welcome them. Each, member was introduced to Mr. Edison, who presented them with an Army and Navy model and a choice selection of the new Velvet Surface Re-Creations. When these fighters return to their beloved France they will carry with them this pleasant reminder of one of the greatest Americans they have met on their visit to America. After a number of pictures had been taken and the Mutual film man had ground out a few hundred feet of film, the Chasseurs formed Mr. and Mrs. Edison and the Army and Navy Model Phonograph Presented to the Blue Devils French parentage, then sang "La Marseillaise," and the crowd answered with the "Star Spangled One of Many Groups of "Blue Devils" Guests of Mrs. Edison at Luncheon at Llewellyn Park are well known to them. Sergeant Servet was prevailed upon to say a few words to the workers and responded as follows: "You soldiers of the factory, we soldiers of France greet you. This war will be won by the country who has the most men, guns, ammunition and airplanes. Particularly airplanes. "Your job here is as noble as the soldier's. You are doing a wonderful work for your country and the Allies by your hard work. The results of your labors are absolutely needed by the men at the front. The soldiers are waiting for you — waiting for your work. "You have been informed of the impossibility of successful warfare without aviation. Every commander, before he attacks, must know all possible about what is happening with the enemy, how he is situated and the ground to be fought over. The aviators furnish this information. What you are doing here will build up aviation and aid materially in winning the war. "If airplanes are the eyes of the army, then you are the optical nerves. "I was amazed to learn to-day that during the first six months of the war there were 2,500 strikes in America. The war can never be won if the country is divided this way. You must all work together. "In my travels around I have been surprised, and at times grieved, by the vast amount of materia! lying around and the delays. The best message I can leave for you is 'speed up.' Forget your differences, bend all your energies toward winning the war and win we shall." After each of the Blue Devils had signed Mrs. Edison's guest book, they were driven back to New York.