Arts & Culture
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Constructed in 1892-93 as a “revolving photograph building,” this early movie studio was soon nicknamed the “Black Maria” by Edison’s employees, probably because it resembled police vehicles of the day. Standing near today’s water tower, the original Black Maria was used by the Edison Company to produce short films ranging 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. The original Black Maria, no longer needed, was demolished in 1903.
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Pleasantdale, New Jersey · United States
