Three Famous Friends And Their Quest For Rubber

Three Famous Friends And Their Quest For Rubber. Edison Botanic Research Lab. , In 1927, inventor Thomas Edison, industrialist Henry Ford, and tire magnate Harvey Firestone embarked on a project to find a fast-growing source of natural rubber for use in times of national emergencies., Edison, Ford, and Firestone were concerned about America's dependency on foreign rubber sources for its industrial enterprises. As a result, the three men formed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation (EBRC) in 1927. Under Edison's leadership, the corporation sought a source of rubber that could be grown and produced quickly in the U.S. in the event of a shortage in the foreign supply., The EBRC was operational until 1936 (five years after Edison's death, when the project was transferred to® the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This lab, built in 1928, was the headquarters for Edison and his staff., Historical documents reveal he employed a research superintendent, linguist, machine shop manager, chemist, secretary, and a part-time glass blower. A major portion of the interior was designated for chemical experiments with seven tables outfitted with water, gas, and electricity. Both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) powered the laboratory., The machine shop area housed a drill press, lath, grinder and a metal shaper that allowed Edison's staff to create, modify, and repair metal tools and lab equipment necessary for the project., Plants grown on the property were first dried outside and then taken into a room near the back of the lab that contained various grinding machines. After the plant material was ground into a fine powder, they were ready for testing. The laboratory was also equipped with a small darkroom to document the research process., Did You Know? , Many of the photographs developed in the darkroom are preserved in the Edison Ford Winter Estates archives and are on display in the museum where you can learn more about them., (captions) , Pictured left to right: Henry Ford, Mina Edison, Harvey Firestone, John Miller, and Harry Ukkelberg stand in front of the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory. This photo was taken on March 1, 1934, when they met to decide whether to continue the rubber project., From 1928 to 1930. Edison had tested over 17,000 plant specimens and compiled a list of 100 of his highest-producing plants. At the top. Edison poses with his hybrid Goldenrod (Solidago edisoniana), seen above, which was cultivated to produce around 10% latex and could be grown and harvested in a single season., Ford, Edison, and Firestone discuss the bromination process inside the lab circa 1930.
Inset photo: Edison Botanic Research Laboratory, circa 1930s. Designed by architect Nat Galliard, this served as the headquarters in the search for natural rubber.