Edison's Think-Tank for Workaholics

            Hidden in West Orange New Jersey, nestled among the hustle and bustle at the corner of Main Street and Lakeside Avenue stands possibly the most iconic factory in New Jersey. Easily overlooked as just another plant but contrary to belief, this facility housed some of the most innovative and intellectual minds whose inventions irreversibly changed the way the entire world lives day to day. This of course is Thomas Edison's factory, which has been preserved to educate the public about what and how Edison was able to create remarkable instruments that raised the standard of living for countless people. .
             This facility is now the largest single body of Edison's research and related material throughout his 60 year career. The extensive collection contains over three hundred thousand items divided into 3 main categories, History Artifacts, Archives, and Natural History/Comprise holdings so that access to these things is easily attainable. First impressions of the plant are good, Park Rangers are eager as well as attentive to guests and very knowledgeable about Edison and the contents of the plant. Their willingness to show me around and explain things as we progress through the tour makes it very apparent to me that the staff here truly have a passion for Edison and his revolutionary work. Initially when entering the building, the true scale of his operation doesn't begin to take root until you take a short walk down a hallway with a tall roof and step into his office. I knew previously to walking into his office that it would contain a plethora of research material and books, but I was taken aback by the sheer quantity inside his office. Thomas Edison's Desk stood alone off to the right and its grand nature and placement clearly showed that he was the mastermind behind the whole operation, but many other desks scattered throughout the room also illustrated he also collaborated closely with other researchers he had hired under his wing.