This folder contains correspondence relating to the widely publicized development of Edison's poured concrete house as well as to other architectural uses of concrete. Most of the letters are unsolicited requests for information about the house and its expected date of availability. Many items contain Edison marginalia indicating that he had not completed the molds for the house and that a prepared circular should be sent in response. Other letters concern the protection and development of Edison's patents abroad, including his attempt to prevent former employees Henry J. Harms, Jr., and George E. Small from setting up a concrete house business in Holland. A communication from master machinist Robert A. Bachman pertains to experiments with cement mixtures. A few letters mention visitors to Edison's laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey.
Approximately 20 percent of the documents have been selected. With the exception of a few samples, unsolicited inquiries have not been selected. Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.