Edison quest subject of documentary

In the early 1900s, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone formed the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory to find a source of rubber at a time when U.S. dependence on foreign rubber was a serious problem.

The process and the notable experts with whom Edison collaborated are the subject of WGCU's documentary "The Wizard's Laboratory: Edison's Quest for Rubber."

The film follows the work of Edison from the early 1920s until his death in 1931 and outlines the critical role his laboratory along the shores of the Caloosahatchee River played in his research.

The WGCU documentary explores Edison's passion and commitment to finding a scientific solution to the nation's demand for rubber and his association with famed naturalist John Burroughs, wellknown plant breeder and author Luther Burbank, founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company Harvey Firestone, as well as Henry Ford, and the role each of these men played in Edison's quest.

Many images in the documentary are from the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Images and documents were also made available by the Edison National Historic Site and the Florida State Archives.

The television premiere of the film will be 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 28 on WGCUTV 30/Cable 3. The program will re-air at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 and at 11 p.m. on Sunday, March 30.