the life of Philo T Farnsworth - Early Television Foundation

THE STORY OF TELEVISION
the field of business two more fair-minded, kindly men than
Mr. Folk and his successor. The vast powers and ramifications
of the influence of their great company seemed with them to
set a standard of perfection in integrity
and fair dealing.
The four months of waiting dragged on slowly for Farnsworth
and his associates. Farnsworth had such high regard for
the Bell Laboratories that it seemed to him almost too good
to be true that they should give formal recognition to the fruits
of his years of research and effort. One can readily imagine,
finally
therefore, the elation of Farnsworth, and all of us, when word
came from Mr. Ballard that he had the Farnsworth report
in hand. He stated that the Bell Laboratories had found
much of interest to them and that he would be glad to discuss
the matter with us. This initiated a series of conferences which
finally resulted in the preparation of a formal contract between
the American Telephone and Telegraph Company and the
Farnsworth company giving each the privilege of using the
other's patents.
Then came the day when the formal contract was ready for
signature. It was agreed by
his associates that Farnsworth should
be given the honor of signing this document. Phil arrived from
Philadelphia early in the morning and came to meet Lippincott
and me before going to Mr. Ballard's office. He was in a
high state of nervous elation.
When we assembled in A.T. & T.'s offices, on July 22, 1937,
Mr. Ballard was delightfully informal and friendly to Farnsworth.
He realized that this was really a great moment in Phil's
life and made some remarks in recognition of the situation.
Phil finally broke down and confessed that he didn't know
whether he would have a steady enough hand to sign his name.
Ballard, with delightful understanding of the situation,
said
that he quite understood that this must mean a great deal to