TLS signed “Thos A. Edison,” one page, 8.5 x 11, laboratory letterhead, January 16, 1924. Edison writes to George Kleine in New York City. In full: “Let me assure you of my deep appreciation of your thoughtfulness in asking whether I would be inclined to accept an invitation to attend a function at which the representative members of the motion picture industry would be present. Although I rarely attend such functions on account of my extreme deafness, I will say to you in advance that it will give me pleasure to accept such an invitation. My personal preference would be for a luncheon, rather than a dinner, as I can get back to the Laboratory late in the afternoon. As to the date, let me say that on my birthday, (February 11th) it is understood that I attend the annual luncheon of the ‘Edison Pioneers,’ an organization of men who have been associated with me in my work in past years, some as far back as fifty years ago. The evening of that day is claimed by my wife. Practically any day before, or very shortly after [four words underlined by Edison], my birthday (except on a Saturday) will be satisfactory to me. I am preparing to go to Florida about the third week of February. I think your suggestion of 100 to 150 people is about right, and it will be entirely agreeable, so far as I am concerned, if Mr. Will Hays should be asked to preside if he happens to be in town. My son Charles and Mr. Meadowcroft will be glad to co-operate with you if they can be of assistance....” Edison lost almost all of his hearing when he was about 12 years old. He blamed it on an incident in which he was once grabbed by his ears and lifted onto a train. There are theories that attribute his deafness to the aftereffects of scarlet fever which he had as a child. Others blame it on a conductor boxing his ears after Edison caused a fire in the baggage car, an incident which Edison claimed never happened. Kleine (1864-1931) was an early film producer and director who became a prominent film distributor. On February 16, 1924, the New York Times reported on the luncheon, held the day before: “Thomas A. Edison was the guest of men in the motion picture industry at a luncheon in the Ritz-Carlton yesterday in honor of his having passed his seventy-seventh birthday. The speakers referred to him as the man who defeated darkness, as the dean of inventors, the greatest man in the world, as the man who struck the magic spark, the greatest single benefactor of the race, the greatest citizen of the world, and as the archdeacon of modern times....” At the luncheon, Edison asked that Kleine read the speech that he, Edison had written. In the speech, Edison noted that “because I was working before most of you were born I am going to bore you with a little advice. Remember that you are servants of the public, and never let a desire for money prevent you from giving the public the best work of which you are capable. It is not the quantity of riches that counts; it’s the quality which produces happiness where that is possible....” In fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds, one through a single letter of signature. RRAuction COA.
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