TLS signed “Thos A. Edison,” one page, 8.5 x 11, From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison letterhead, December 26, 1914. Letter of thanks to C. G. Meisel. In full: “I want to express my appreciation of your kind letter of the 21st instant, sympathizing with me in my recent fire loss, and to thank you for all the good words you are pleased to say in my behalf. Let me also thank you for your kind invitation to visit you at your farm in Duchess County. Of course, I am not thinking much about visits at this time, as every moment is occupied in the work of the rehabilitation of my plant. We are all on jump here, and I think I shall be back in the game in quick time. When the summer time comes again, however, I may drop in on you if I am automobiling in your direction. I am wondering whether you are related to Christie Meisel who kept a store in Port Huron.” In very good condition, with intersecting mailing folds, Edison’s ‘umbrella’ signature a shade or two light, but completely legible, and overall toning, with a slightly heavier block over left side of page.
On December 9, 1914, a spectacular fire broke out at the Edison laboratory and factory complex in West Orange, New Jersey, destroying a dozen buildings and much of Edison's life’s work. The fire started in the film finishing building at the plant's center, where chemicals used in the finishing process apparently ignited and created an explosion. The disaster resulted in a missing foreman and damage estimated at two to seven million dollars.
While surveying the damage the day after the fire, Edison took an optimistic view: "There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew." Although his plant had been underinsured on the belief that the buildings were indestructible, Edison rebuilt the complex, absorbing much of the cost through his company, with partial financing from his good friend, Henry Ford. The plant was constructed in just a few months, with his employees working around the clock.
While the factory was being restored, Christian G. Meisel, a German immigrant who settled in Dutchess County, New York extended an invitation to Edison to visit his farm, but Edison declined the offer as "every moment is occupied in the work of the rehabilitation of my plant." He also asked the farmer if he was related to another Meisel of Port Huron, Michigan, the town where the young Edison was raised. A fine letter from the legendary inventor regarding one of his greatest setbacks. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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