The Thomas Edison House, also known as West End Lodge, is located at 729 E Washington St, Louisville, KY 40202, at the edge of the city’s exclusive Ludlow neighborhood. The house was built in 1883 for Thomas Edison. The inventor and entrepreneur was one of those eccentric Americans who loved to explore new ideas and experiments. He was also a great fan of the English gentleman farmer Charles Fourier, whose philosophy inspired him to create his own garden estate. Edison purchased the five-acre property from his friend Henry Ford for $10,000 (a huge amount of money for that time). The self-educated inventor had tried many professions before becoming a successful inventor and businessman. He worked as an electrician and telegraph operator at the local railroads before going into business with George Westinghouse to form the Central Manufacturing Company in 1878. Learn More about Louisville, KY
The Edison House Exterior
The Thomas Edison House, located at the corner of 6th and Greylawn streets in Louisville, Kentucky, is a perfect example of the Victorian architecture of the late 19th century. The property sits alongside a forest of mixed hardwoods, with native trees like the oak, maple and dogwood, giving the area a very rural feel. The house was built in 1883 for Edison, for whom the property was a laboratory for conducting experiments. The building itself is quite impressive; it was designed by the renowned New York architect A.J. Davis. The front facade of the house is adorned with white columns and an imposing portico. The building is topped with an octagonal cupola, now a roofless mess, but which Edison had intended to be a tower.
The Thomas Edison House Interior
The interior of the Thomas Edison House is just as colorful as the exterior. The house is adorned with a mix of Victorian, Art Deco and Craftsman decorations and furniture, hinting at the house’s eclectic owner. Having said that, the house’s interior can be said to be a reflection of Thomas Edison’s personality. The inventor’s passion for science led him to collect everything that had to do with electricity, from model trains to the world’s first electric chair (built in 1888). And, Edison was a big fan of the English gentleman farmer Charles Fourier, whose philosophy inspired him to create his own garden estate.
Thomas Edison’s Office and Workshop
The Thomas Edison House’s office, workshop and laboratory is a perfect example of how an American dream could be realized. The office, situated at the front of the house, was Edison’s workplace. It’s decorated with a mix of Victorian and Art Deco furniture, like the walnut roll-top desk. The walls are adorned with a few portraits of Thomas Edison, like one of him with his father. The workshop and laboratory are located at the basement level, behind the office and are completely stocked with the latest technology at the time. The workshop, filled to the brim with machinery, includes a machine that was used to make Edison’s films.
The Guest Room
The guest room may not be what you expect when you hear the name “Edison”. Located at the end of the hallway, the room features a mix of Art Deco and Mission furniture. The bed and side tables are covered with a mix of geometric and floral designs in muted colors. The guest room is a perfect place for Edison’s friends and associates to stay when visiting. This was the room where Thomas Edison used to sleep, in a bed that had been specially designed for him. The bed is made of iron and is decorated with several Edison gadgets.
Conclusion
The Thomas Edison House is a perfect example of how an American dream could be realized. The house was built for Thomas Edison in 1883 and was used as the inventor’s laboratory and workspace. The building was also the home of Edison’s office and workshop. The guest room is a perfect place for Edison’s friends and associates to stay when visiting. This was the room where Thomas Edison used to sleep, in a bed that had been specially designed for him. The Thomas Edison House is a museum and a perfect example of the Victorian architecture of the late 19th century. If you find yourself in Louisville, visiting the house is a must. Check this article for more.
