Robin and Joan Rolfs, Passionate About All Things Thomas Edison

In this edition of Madison Book Beat, host Lisa Malawski talks with Robin and Joan Rolfs about their book Hearthstone: America’s Electrical National Treasure.Joan and Rob have been enthralled with Hearthstone since the 1970’s when theymoved to the Fox Cities. Joan developed a successful Interior Design program at FoxValley Technical College in 1971.In 1986, Joan was contacted by a member of The Friends of Hearthstone Board andinvited to become involved with the restoration of Hearthstone. Rob was also invitedbecause of his background in electronics and electricity. Realizing the Edisonconnection and the historical importance of the house, the Rolfs accepted.In 1990, they were given the task to develop the Hydro-Adventure Exhibit in the lowerlevel of Hearthstone. The exhibit increased public awareness of the role of electricity indaily lives and the transformation which occurred in society as a result of Thomas A.Edison’s inventions and Henry Roger’s vision for implementation.Hearthstone contains all the original architecture and electrical light fixtures from whenthe home was built in 1882. The Rolfs worked with the Edison National Historical Parkin Orange, NJ and one day during their visit met Chad Shapiro, a collector and historianof early lighting. He shared his knowledge and provided the Rolfs with copies of originalBergmann lighting catalogs from 1882-1884.Approximately thirty years later, as the Rolfs researched the hanging light fixtures(electroliers) and wall sconces, they concluded the majority of these light fixtures werethe original Sigmund Bergmann fixtures dating to 1882. The significance of thesefixtures is they are the earliest surviving examples of Bermann electroliers and sconcesin the world! This inspired the Rolfs to write Hearthstone: America’s Electrical NationalTreasure.In this episode, Lisa discusses the Rolfs passions for all things Thomas Edison, theirvolunteerism at Hearthstone, antique phonographs, records, writing and their sharedlove for research.