Thomas Alva Edison: The Wizard of Menlo Park, also known as (at least according to The Flintstones) Thomas Edistone -- the inventor of the candle. Holder of 1093 patents in his life time built the largest research and development facility of its day in West Orange, NJ. In the height of operations he had over 10,000 people working for him.
Back in the mid- to late- 1990s there was a rumor Edison's labs might close forever. Yes, even in the booming days of the 1990s historic sites were threatening to close due to budget issues.
Instead of closing their doors forever, though, they closed for seven years (2002-2009) during which time there was a major renovation. If you have not been to Edison's labs in over a decade, it is worth returning to see the massive improvements.
After touring the laboratory complex we went to his home, Glenmont in the Llewellyn Park district of West Orange, NJ. Llewellyn Park is just up the hill from his labs in a very exclusive neighborhood. Neighbors included the Merck and Palmolive Families. Edison's home, which he shared with his wife, Mina, and their three children had 29 rooms. The room that juts out on the second floor is their family room where Edison would retreat from public life to think. The home was originally built with gas lighting in 1880, but was quickly converted to electricity after the Edisons moved into Glenmont.
The combination of seeing where someone famous both lived and worked is rare. I'm glad were able to visit on a cold Sunday afternoon. It was even nicer that we were able to participate in one of the National Park Association's fee free days.
Each year the President declares set days to be free at all National Parks. We were pleased to learn the audio tours were free, too.
National Park Service Week
April 21, 22; 25 - 29
April 21, 22; 25 - 29
Get Outside Day
June 9
June 9
National Public Lands DaySeptember 29
In observance of Veterans DayNovember 10, 11
Thomas Edison's Labs: http://www.nps.gov/edis/index.htm
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