Dark tribute paid
On Monday Oct. 19, 1931, newspapers were announcing the death of inventor Thomas Alva Edison.
For several days the events of his life and accomplishments were reported.
Thomas Alva Edison. - Photograph provided to The Oklahoman.
On October 21, the 52nd anniversary of his perfection of the incandescent lightbulb, Edison was buried and at the request of President Herbert Hoover, a national tribute was paid by businesses and individuals dimming their lights from 9:00 p.m to 9:01 p.m.
Oklahoma City took part as was reported on Oct. 22, 1931 in The Oklahoman.
LIGHTS BLINK FAREWELL TO AGED INVENTOR
Darkness Shrouds Streets As City Pays Edison Last Tribute.
Darkness shrouded the downtown Oklahoma City from 9 to 9:01 o’clock Wednesday night as thousands paused in respect to Thomas Alva Edison.
From end to end of Main street on Broadway, First street and Robinson avenue, lights were extinguished in places of businesss, signs and street lamps.
Theater Lights Out
Theaters doused their glaring arcades and the great beacon and silhouette lights atop the First National Bank building were turned out.
Traffic at downtown corners was halted for the minute, when red-and-green signal lights were turned out. Impatient and forgetful mortorists sounded long blasts on horns, before being released by the lights.
During the day flags at schools were at half mast and in some classrooms short memorial services were held. Flags on utility company offices and plant buildings also were lowered at the hour of the funeral.
Firm closes offices
Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. offices were closed at 4 0′clock to permit employes to attend a memorial service in the Shrine auditorium.
J.S. Ross, attorney, lauded Edison and his work in a brief address. Invocation was by Rev. F.E.C. Haas, pastor of the German Lutheran church and president of the Ministerial alliance.
Music was by the company quartest and Byrne Gerhart, baritone.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 will mark the 130 anniversary of Thomas Alva Edison’s electric light.
Pause and remember the great man who gave us light and the electrical generating plants that provide power for our lives today.
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