Edison WWI MSG

Edison's War-time Messages to Edison Dealers

1917 to 1919

By Doug Boilesen, 2022

In the June 15, 1917 issue of The Talking Machine World Edison announced that he would use this space for "conveying timely messages to present Edison dealers..."

World War I, however, was the reality of the time and Edison used that advertising space more and more to make connections between the war, business and the importance of music as food for the soul, as a "healing influence," a "vital force," and "indispensible to our soldiers."

By the end of 1919 Edison was addressing a post-war problem with his December Message No. 56 that was simple and to the point: "Industrial unrest is prevalent in all parts of the world for the simple reason that man has not yet learned to know the fundamental truth that is the foundation of ever-lasting peace -- brotherly love and a common interest between labor and capital and public."

Edison Message No. 1, The Talking Machine World, June 15, 1917

There are four prime necessities of life according to the great Bovee -- first food, then raiment, then shelter, then MUSIC. MUSIC and The NEW EDISON are synonymous. If Music is a necessity, then the NEW EDISON is a necessity." (Message No. 2).