The lost Latimer Letter & Poem
In early 1919 Robert Lozier, secretary for The Edison Pioneers, contacted the organizations members soliciting them to write Mr. Edison with their recollections of their experiences while working for the Edison organization(s). Members of The Edison Pioneers included those who work for Edison in the years 1885 and prior. Lewis Latimer was a charter member of the organization formed in 1918.
These letters were written in early February of 1919, around the time of Edison's 72nd birthday.
Hidden away for decades and displayed for the public for the first time ever, this is the original letter that Mr. Latimer wrote to Edison in 1919. Included with the letter is a poem that Mr. Latimer wrote for Edison on his birthday, also being shown for the first time. (note: in the Latimer papers that reside at The Lewis Latimer House, there is a thank you letter from William Meadowcroft, Edisons secretary, thanking Latimer for the poem. The poem itself was unknown until the discovery of this original document)
Much has been written about Latimer's work for Edison, some of it true, some of it presumption, and some downright false. Here is an opportunity to learn of Latimer's work in the electrical field from Mr. Latimer in his own words.
