Evening star., 1935-07-16
Edison

Continued From First Page)
Mrs. Jane Edison Livingston Of Sewick-
ley, Pa, and seven great-grandchil-
| dren. A son, John Joy Edison. jr.. died
in 1925 and another son died in in
fancy.
Only a few weeks ago, on his last
birthday anniversary, which he cele-
| brated at work in his office in the
Equitable Cooperative Building Asso-
citation Building. Mr.. Edison paused
| to receive a reporter for The Star in
what had become an annual birthday
| interview assignment. On that oc-
casion, as on many others, the soft
spoken, kindly executive expounded
upon his philosophy Of life. which was
work hard and do right"
In that interview he predicted that
this lifelong philosophy, coupled with
answering faith in American funda-
mentals, would bring prosperity to
the Nation-just as it had brought
success to him as an individual.
Saw Hope in Future.
"Of course, we will have prosperity
again." the banking patriarch de-
clared, as he sat at desk piled high
with flowers from admirers. But
there is no man living with intuition
enough to forecast the hour or day
of another great business boom. We
have been through bad depression,
but we have had depressions in the
past and always we have come
through them safely.
THE morale of the people has been
low, but adherence to the principles
laid down by our forefathers will re-
store confidence and bring real re-
covery."
Mr.. Edison, as he graciously posed
for a photograph, remarked that he
had not missed a day at his Office in
three-and-a-half years.
mo sir" he said, proudly, 81
haven't taken a vacation of any kind
in three years. Work keeps me fit
and expect to be at my desk here
for long time to come"
At that time Mr.. Edison appeared to
be in the best of health, except for a
slight cold. Despite the cold he in
sisted on joining old friends Of the
Board of Trade on their annual shad-
bake outing the next day at Guam
tico, Va, and apparently suffered no
i'll effects.
Grosvenor Feels Loss.
Perhaps few of the legion of asso-
ciates of Mr.. Edison will feel his loss
more than DR.. Gilbert Grosvenor,
president of the National Geographic
Society. Mr.. Edison accepted the Office
of treasurer Of the society "a years
ago. At his Office today, DR.. Grosve-
nor said:
words cannot express the loss I
feel IN the passing Of my old friend
and co-worker. In his death, the
National Geographic Society has lost
rich personality, wise counselor.
His service to the society was one of
the dominant factors in its growth.
Thirty-four years ago notable COM
pany of explorers, scientists and
educators, gathered in the home of
Alexander Graham Bell. They were
sorely perplexed. They believed they
had plan for developing an organ
ization that if realized would render
immense service to mankind by max
ing people acquainted with each other,
and thus overcoming that ancient and
unfortunate human prejudice which
calls all unknown people barbarians.
A balance wheel, treasurer who
possessed vision as well as business
acumen was needed. DR.. Bell sug-
gested Mr.. Edson's name and he
accepted.
"At that time the National Geo.
graphic Society was struggling group
of some $500 members. The per-
sonnel Of the society consisted of one
clerk and myself. In his long service
he maintained an active interest in
the affairs of the society and has
watched its membership pass one
million"
Camp Flags at Half Mast.
Flags were at half staff at both
Camp Good VIII and Camp Pleasant
today, following the announcement Of
the death of Mr. Edison. Memorial
services will be held at both camps in
recognition Of the loss of "the best
friend these camps have had" Mr..
Edison was the instigator Of the Sum-
mer Outings Committee, a branch of
the Associated Charities, which is now
the Family Service Association, FORM
ed especially to promote camping. He
was chairman Of this committee from
the time Of its formation until his
death and supported both camps
literally, not only financially, but by
visits and deep interest in the welfare
of the clients as well.
Mr.. Edison made it a point to visit
each camp several times during the
season and went carefully into the
details of operation, chatting with the
mothers and children and striving to
learn what means could be taken to
make this short vacation happier.
When the Associated Charities became
a member of the Community Chest,
Mr.. Edison continued his activities on
behalf Of the camps and co-operated
whole-heartedly with the Chest in
their support.
Bankers Named.