Volume I: Narrative History

Chapter 2 (1909 Into the Film Industry): Investigating the Field

Seeking to learn more about motion pictures, Edwin Thanhouser journeyed to New York City in the spring of 1909, where he met with Rich G. Hollaman, of the Eden Musée on 23rd Street, and Adam Kessel, Jr. of "Bison Life Motion Pictures" made by the New York Motion Picture Company, an early Independent producer. Note The Eden Musée, primarily known as a wax museum, was a pioneer in the exhibition of films and was among the first in New York City to include motion pictures among its various attractions, Note which also included such exhibits and entertainment as statuary, art objects, and live performances on a small stage. For the next six months Thanhouser studied the field and met with others in the trade. Confident that he was making the right move, he launched his motion picture business in the autumn.