This folder contains correspondence and other documents relating to the construction and operation of Edison's West Orange laboratory. Some of the material pertains to experiments and tests conducted at the laboratory and to labor policies for laboratory employees. There are also many letters by Joseph H. Taft, architect of the laboratory, concerning payment for his services. Among the correspondents are Charles Batchelor, superintendent of the laboratory, and Arthur E. Kennelly, chief electrician.
Approximately 80 percent of the documents have been selected. The following categories of documents have not been selected: routine shipping receipts; routine correspondence about payrolls, orders, shipments, and the personal affairs of laboratory employees; routine correspondence regarding the availability of local housing; routine reports of engine performance tests. Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.