Thomas Edison
FATHER OF PEARL
New York City.
It has taken almost three years, but Edison, now thirty-five, is ready to unveil something that will amaze even New Yorkers, who are famous for thinking they've already seen it all.
Today's innovation shows the real difference between Edison and other inventors. He didn't stop after perfecting electric light. He has created an electric light system, taking into account all the practical difficulties that inventors in a lab usually leave to other engineers or later generations.
Today Edison will throw a switch to start six massive steam generators at a power plant on Pearl Street, which is near the base of Manhattan, not far from the Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall. If all goes well, those generators will convert that steam power into electricity, and the city that never sleeps will be lit all night.
Edison and his staff are making a careful last inspection of the facility and the equipment before he heads to the office of his chief investor, the millionaire J.â?¯P. Morgan. He has arranged to have the switch placed in Morgan's office, where Morgan and other financiers will be present.
Mor ... read full excerpt from: 10 Days Thomas Edison ebook
