Edison, New Jersey, is one of the state’s busiest towns – especially if you’re on the Route 1 corridor. This highway crosses the entire state, and every few seconds, you’ll see another retail destination or restaurant to catch your attention. But you won’t want to miss one county park in Edison, Roosevelt Park. This little urban oasis has a theater for the summer months and some great quiet spots – as well as what might be the most unique statue in New Jersey. Light Dispelling Darkness, a fountain dating back to the 1930s, is a strange display of surreal images with a unique history. Located only minutes away from a busy shopping mall, many in the area may have passed it by hundreds of times on the busy highway – but once they visit it, it’s never forgotten.
Roosevelt Park is a unique urban oasis in Edison, filled with quiet and beautiful spots for relaxation.
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It’s also home to a stage that hosts Plays in the Park during the summer - a one-of-a-kind theater event.
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But nothing at the park catches people’s attention like Light Dispelling Darkness, a fascinating fountain sculpture that has been standing since the 1930s.
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The globe and statues on top are impressive - but it’s the strange fountain heads that really get people’s attention.
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The fountain has been described as surreal, disturbing, and oddly beautiful by those who have examined it closely.
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The strange nautical theme and detailed sculptures have been beautifully restored over the last decade - but what does it all mean?
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Designed by sculptor Weylande Gregory as part of a larger art program during the New Deal, the sculpture represents knowledge dispelling the forces of ignorance and darkness.
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While you’re in the park, make sure to stop by the nearby Armed Forces memorial - a classy tribute to those who fought in America’s many wars.
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This unique roadside attraction might seem like a hidden surprise - but it’s only minutes away from the bustling Menlo Park Mall. You can even walk through the park directly to the front door!
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Have you visited Light Dispelling Darkness in Edison along Route 1? Tell us what you thought of this unique statue in New Jersey in the comments section. If you want to learn more about it and the surrounding park, you can visit the official county website. While you’re in the area, check out this walkable small town.
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Pack Traverller/Google Local
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Address: Light Dispelling Darkness Statue, Edison, NJ 08837, USAAddress: Roosevelt Park, 151 Parsonage Rd, Edison, NJ 08837, USA
