Thomas Edison and William Meadowcroft Inspecting a Poured Concrete House with Fred Fowler, 1919

Summary

In 1899, after a failed attempt at ore mining, Thomas Edison formed the Edison Portland Cement Company. At his plant, Edison combined his mining operation's rock-crushing technology with new machinery he developed, like a more efficient cement kiln. These innovations drove overproduction in the cement industry, leading Edison to propose a radical use for the excess product -- concrete houses for working class families.

In 1899, after a failed attempt at ore mining, Thomas Edison formed the Edison Portland Cement Company. At his plant, Edison combined his mining operation's rock-crushing technology with new machinery he developed, like a more efficient cement kiln. These innovations drove overproduction in the cement industry, leading Edison to propose a radical use for the excess product -- concrete houses for working class families.

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

October 1919

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

84.1.1630.P.188.18600.C

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Linen (Material)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 10.875 in

Width: 7.25 in

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More