Henry Ford Watching Thomas Edison Sign Edison Institute Cornerstone, September 27, 1928

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THF112480 / Henry Ford Watching Thomas Edison Sign Edison Institute Cornerstone, September 27, 1928
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Artifact Overview

September 27th, 1928, on the future site of Henry Ford's new museum, famed inventor Thomas Edison placed a spade once used by legendary horticulturist Luther Burbank into a block of freshly poured Portland cement. Ford looked on as his friend and personal hero wrote his name in the wet cement, officially dedicating Henry Ford Museum--where this "cornerstone" is now displayed.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

27 September 1928

Collection Title

Edison Institute Photographs

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

EI.1929.P.188.5524

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Linen (Material)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 7.5 in
Width: 11.063 in

Keywords
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    Cornerstone of Edison Institute Signed by Thomas A. Edison, September 27, 1928

    The cornerstone commemorates the dedication of The Henry Ford. It suggests a union of nature (Luther Burbank's spade) and technology (Edison's signature and footprints). That unity is borne out by the block itself, made from Portland cement refined from blast furnace slag at the Ford's Rouge plant--a great example of Henry Ford approaching industry like a good farmer, denying the concept of waste.
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