Thursday, December 12, 2024Nikola Tesla & Lulu at the door, by Teagan via Night CafeHello, one and all. I realize that Thursday Doors is supposed to have a Christmas theme this week… But including Lulu and her holiday story is about as close as I can come to that kind of post today. I’m no better than Lulu when it comes to blog rules. Or a lot of other social rules for that matter.
One of the few well-known inventors I included in Real Steampunkery Tech was Nikola Tesla. Aside from being brilliant and ahead of his time, the man had so many quirks that the writer in me can’t resist him. What you might not know is that I used a fictionalized Tesla in Hullaba Lulu: A Diesel-Punk Adventure and in the holiday novelette, Hullaba Christmas: Lulu and the Snatched Santa.
Thursday Doors
Nikola Tesla, Pixabay
Nikola Tesla
Yes, this brilliant man had some truly remarkable quirks and phobias, but I’ll save that for another post. Today I’m not talking about Tesla’s personality. Rather, I’m sharing some doors related to the inventor.Although during most of his life as an inventor Tesla lived in the USA, he was born in Smiljan, Croatia. There you would find a cultural-historical site and museum dedicated to him.The actual door isn’t in view, but the “Jetsons” look of the reception building caught my eye.Nikola TeslaMemorial Center reception building in Smiljan, Croatia Wikipedia
Below is the entrance to the unassuming house where he was born.
Tesla’s Birthplace, WikipediaOne of his most famous inventions is known as the Tesla Tower. Below it is shown as part of a broadcast station. The door isn’t featured, but its location is clear.Now, the Tesla Science Center at the Wardenclyffe site is a nonprofit organization established to develop a regional science and technology center and museum at the site of Nikola Tesla’s former Wardenclyffe laboratory on Long Island, New York. In 2018, the Wardenclyffe site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.However, in 2023 a major fire swept through the Tesla Science Center, leaving parts in ruins, with repairs estimated to cost $3 million. “The original Tesla walls are all brick, are still standing,” historic architect Mark Thaler said. The center is still in operation, although apparently not year-round.Tesla’s Wardenclyffe wireless station, Shoreham, NY 1904, WikipediaThe inventor inspired museums across the globe, including this beauty in Belgrade. I love the details around the entry, and that delicate-looking design of the iron gate.Tesla Museum, Belgrade by Dungodung at Wikipedia
It houses copies and models of many of his inventions and some personal items. Below is an “off and on” photo of the inside. I love those arched doorways.
Demonstrations of a Tesla invention at museum in Belgrade, WikipediaNikola Tesla lived in more than one place in New York City, including rooms 3327 and 3328 of the New Yorker Hotel from 1933 until his death in 1943. The entrance/door is beneath the awning, so not very visible. However, there are some terrific car and bus doors in sight.The New Yorker circa 1933 screenshot
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Thanks for opening this door. Friendly comments are encouraged. Hugs!
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I must include the obligatory shameless self-promotion.
Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras
Thursday Doors is a weekly feature allowing door lovers to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos from around the world. It’s hosted by Dan Antion. Feel free to join in on the fun by creating your own Thursday Doors post each week and then sharing your link in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time).
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I didn’t know much about Tesla, but this is fascinating. Hubby, Son #1, and I did an escape room once with Tesla as the theme – it was very “sciency” and one of the coolest ones we’ve done yet. Have a great weekend, Teagan!
Thanks so much, Resa. I liked her green gown too, although it didn’t look very flapper-ish… However, my old image platform changed and won’t let me do what I used to do (at least not for free). I’ve started using Night Cafe, but it only lets me do one image a day. (Sometimes I get extra, just to tease me.) Have a sparkling weekend. Hugs winging back to you.
I love your fun, and slightly rebellious approach to blogging, Teagan. I know almost nothing about Tesla but am happy to learn. That Steampunk book sounds interesting, too.
LOL. Thanks, Jo. In the important and the legal things, I was never a rebel. But when it came to
clothes, hair, and self-expression, — or to not butt kissing, or fairness I was definitely a rebel. I guess blogging falls under my heading for self-expression, and I just can’t seem to follow the rules.
“Steam Punkery Tech” is meant to be a fun approach to a short encyclopedia of (mostly) weird inventions. It also includes some of the mundane things that we just don’t bother to think about — like vegetable peelers. Have a great weekend. Hugs.
I do have some knowledge about Nikola Tesla, but this was quite an additional information. Enjoyed the post thoroughly and those historic images. Great job, Teagan. 🙂 Hugs from both of us.
I used to attend an almost monthly meeting in NYC that ended with a cocktail hours(s) at the bar in the New Yorker. It’s kitty-corner from Penn Station. I never stayed there. He was a brilliant man, and I would never complain about a few quirks. It’s good seeing Lulu. I hope your week is going well.
That’s interesting, Dan. I imagine it was beautiful. There are some interesting tidbits about the New Yorker of Tesla’s day in this article: https://teslauniverse.com/nikola-tesla/articles/hotel-new-yorker-teslas-residence-1934-1943
He and Mark Twain were reportedly good friends. Can you imagine having drinks with the two of them! Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
I would love to sit at the bar with Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla. I think they were both flirting between the realms of this world and one we still don’t yet understand.
So interesting to learn more about the genius of Nikola Tesla. I wonder what he would think about today’s world of technology? Thanks for sharing, Teagan!
Hi, Jan. Tesla has fascinated me since my days working for the US Patent and Trademark Office. I expect he would wonder why it took us so long to get where we are today — and why we haven’t gotten farther. 🙂 Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
I was hoping for more photos, John. I had to dig to get those. I’ve been fascinated with Tesla ever since my years working for the US Patent and Trademark Office. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
Hi, Deobrah. Thanks about Lulu. Oh, no, it was expensive then too — and he lived in a few other equally luxurious hotels (like the Waldorf-Astoria where he was friends with the owners) before the New Yorker. His celebrity status went a long way, but he sometimes sold his properties and/or inventions to pay his hotel bills. It’s said that being single, and absorbed with his work, he preferred the convenience of hotel living. Considering the luxury of the accommodations, I can imagine the attraction. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
Tesla was way ahead of his times. A lot of his work is being revised and revisited now that we finally have the technology that can make practical use of many of his inventions and theories. Physics is magic until you build a toaster with it.
Haha! That’s a great spin on the magic until science idea, Daniel. There were so many forgotten and unique inventions in that era, but to me, Nikola Tesla stood head and shoulders above the rest. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
Neat to see these structures of Tesla’s background, or inspired by him. It’s tragic about the fire at the Tesla Science Center. I hope the place gets fixed up to its former glory.
It seems like he really did come from a humble beginning, Dave. I agree about the restoration. I tried to find a more recent update on that status, but didn’t. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
Teagan, thank you for this terrific introduction to Nikola Tesla, a person I feel I should at least have heard about before! What a fun way to learn about his life through the doorways featured across the countries he lived and worked. The hotel one is so atmospheric of the era! A terrific post!
It’s funny that you should say that, Annika. I felt the same way about several inventors I learned about back in the years I worked for the US Patent and Trademark Office — particularly Tesla. I’m delighted you enjoyed this, and I appreciate you visiting. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
Teagan's Books 
This was fascinating! Thank you, Teagan.
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I’m happy you enjoyed it, Jennie. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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I always look forward to opening your doors, Teagan. 😍
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I didn’t know much about Tesla, but this is fascinating. Hubby, Son #1, and I did an escape room once with Tesla as the theme – it was very “sciency” and one of the coolest ones we’ve done yet. Have a great weekend, Teagan!
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This is fascinating, Teagan, thank you!
I adore history. The photos are fab, especially The New Yorker circa 1933 shot.
Lulu looks amazing in green, and it is a Christmas colour.
I can totally see why you are fascinated by Tesla. Thank you for this wonderful post!
Hugs!
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Thanks so much, Resa. I liked her green gown too, although it didn’t look very flapper-ish… However, my old image platform changed and won’t let me do what I used to do (at least not for free). I’ve started using Night Cafe, but it only lets me do one image a day. (Sometimes I get extra, just to tease me.) Have a sparkling weekend. Hugs winging back to you.
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I love your fun, and slightly rebellious approach to blogging, Teagan. I know almost nothing about Tesla but am happy to learn. That Steampunk book sounds interesting, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL. Thanks, Jo. In the important and the legal things, I was never a rebel. But when it came to
clothes, hair, and self-expression, — or to not butt kissing, or fairness I was definitely a rebel. I guess blogging falls under my heading for self-expression, and I just can’t seem to follow the rules.
“Steam Punkery Tech” is meant to be a fun approach to a short encyclopedia of (mostly) weird inventions. It also includes some of the mundane things that we just don’t bother to think about — like vegetable peelers. Have a great weekend. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Caramba! I don’t have a veg peeler!
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I do have some knowledge about Nikola Tesla, but this was quite an additional information. Enjoyed the post thoroughly and those historic images. Great job, Teagan. 🙂 Hugs from both of us.
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Hi, Sharukh. Thanks for your encouraging words. Wishing you and Sarah a sparkling weekend. Hugs.
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Wishing you the same from us 🙂 Hugs
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Love this and love youXX
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Janet, you’re a treasure. Love and hummingbird hugs.
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I used to attend an almost monthly meeting in NYC that ended with a cocktail hours(s) at the bar in the New Yorker. It’s kitty-corner from Penn Station. I never stayed there. He was a brilliant man, and I would never complain about a few quirks. It’s good seeing Lulu. I hope your week is going well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s interesting, Dan. I imagine it was beautiful. There are some interesting tidbits about the New Yorker of Tesla’s day in this article: https://teslauniverse.com/nikola-tesla/articles/hotel-new-yorker-teslas-residence-1934-1943
He and Mark Twain were reportedly good friends. Can you imagine having drinks with the two of them! Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to sit at the bar with Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla. I think they were both flirting between the realms of this world and one we still don’t yet understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh, that’s very well said, Dan. 🙂
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So interesting to learn more about the genius of Nikola Tesla. I wonder what he would think about today’s world of technology? Thanks for sharing, Teagan!
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Hi, Jan. Tesla has fascinated me since my days working for the US Patent and Trademark Office. I expect he would wonder why it took us so long to get where we are today — and why we haven’t gotten farther. 🙂 Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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I enjoyed learning more about Nikola Tesla, and you found some great doors to feature!
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Thanks, Liz. It took more digging than I expected. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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You’re welcome, Teagan. The digging paid off for your post!
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Fun door post with Tesla, Teagan:) Too bad about the fire, I hope it gets repaired. Xo
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So do I, Denise. I was hoping for a more current update on the project, but couldn’t find one. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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I loved this profile of Tesla’s work and living places, Teagan. It is no wonder the car is named after him. He was brilliant.
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I was hoping for more photos, John. I had to dig to get those. I’ve been fascinated with Tesla ever since my years working for the US Patent and Trademark Office. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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Hugs back.
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Cool history about Tesla, Teagan. How anyone could afford to live in a hotel for all that time is mind boggling. Perhaps it was a lot cheaper then?
Lulu’s green dress is Christmasy and beautiful.
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Hi, Deobrah. Thanks about Lulu. Oh, no, it was expensive then too — and he lived in a few other equally luxurious hotels (like the Waldorf-Astoria where he was friends with the owners) before the New Yorker. His celebrity status went a long way, but he sometimes sold his properties and/or inventions to pay his hotel bills. It’s said that being single, and absorbed with his work, he preferred the convenience of hotel living. Considering the luxury of the accommodations, I can imagine the attraction. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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Hugs! 🤗
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Tesla was way ahead of his times. A lot of his work is being revised and revisited now that we finally have the technology that can make practical use of many of his inventions and theories. Physics is magic until you build a toaster with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! That’s a great spin on the magic until science idea, Daniel. There were so many forgotten and unique inventions in that era, but to me, Nikola Tesla stood head and shoulders above the rest. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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My pleasure Teagan. It is said that Einstein consulted Tesla often. 😉
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Wonderful write-up on Tesla. He was a brilliant man. It would be great if they could get the money to renovate his science center.
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It really would, Tim. I hope they get to restore everything. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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Neat to see these structures of Tesla’s background, or inspired by him. It’s tragic about the fire at the Tesla Science Center. I hope the place gets fixed up to its former glory.
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It seems like he really did come from a humble beginning, Dave. I agree about the restoration. I tried to find a more recent update on that status, but didn’t. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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Great job, Teagan.
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I appreciate your kind words, GP. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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Thank you so much for sharing another interesting article🙏
Tesla was a GREAT scientist
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Indeed he was, Luisa. I’m happy you enjoyed this. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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As always, you’re highly welcome, dear Teagan 🌹❣️🌹
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Teagan, thank you for this terrific introduction to Nikola Tesla, a person I feel I should at least have heard about before! What a fun way to learn about his life through the doorways featured across the countries he lived and worked. The hotel one is so atmospheric of the era! A terrific post!
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It’s funny that you should say that, Annika. I felt the same way about several inventors I learned about back in the years I worked for the US Patent and Trademark Office — particularly Tesla. I’m delighted you enjoyed this, and I appreciate you visiting. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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That sounds like a fascinating job, Teagan! Being there at the beginning of imaginative creations before they are launched upon the world!
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A fascinating character and some wonderful doors. Thanks for sharing it and for including Lulu in the post. She always makes me smile!
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Lulu is delighted with your kind words, Olga. So am I. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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