jAdis: A Repository of Intrigue & Wonder (Event #4 - 9/29/24)

On September 29th we explored jAdis, a “cabinet of curiosities, repository of the pre-digital, and mad scientist prop house in pursuit of magic, imagination & wonder since 1976.” 

 

Filled with all sorts of obsolete equipment, electric switches, gauges, gears, laboratory glassware and dirigibles, you may begin to wonder, jAdis is truly a one-of-a-kind shop. The website describes it as “an appreciation of thinking and doing.” However, when the co-founder/creator, the late Parke Meek, was asked this question, he would often respond, “When you figure it out, let me know.” And in the tradition of Meek’s playful tone, jAdis is the epitome of whimsy and wonderment.

 

On this exclusive tour, we got an overview and history of jAdis and creator Meek, led by Susan Lieberman (Meek’s surviving partner). During the walkthrough much of the rare items and gadgetry were detailed and the aviation models and gears, which are normally off, were turned on. We even had a chance to see the Wimshurst machine - an electrostatic generator - up and running.

 

Everyone left with a souvenir bag with some really neat mementos to remember jAdis, as if we'd forget such a fascinating place! 

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jAdis props have been featured in such films as Oppenheimer, The Prestige, Batman and Robin, Waterworld, Mystery Men, Van Helsing, and X-Files among others.