The Black Maria
Edison National Historic Site, NJ
This replica movie studio symbolizes the early motion picture industry. Called the “revolving photograph building” when constructed in 1892-93, the studio was soon nicknamed the “Black Maria” by Edison’s employees - probably because it resembled police vehicles of the day. The original Black Maria stood near today’s water tower.
The Edison Company used the Black Maria to produce short films, ranging in length from a few seconds to two minutes. In 1901, Edison opened a new studio in Manhattan, then moved film production to the Bronx in 1905. No longer needed, the original Black Maria was demolished in 1903. This replica was built in 1954.
Marker is on Main Street, on the right when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
