The Atchison County Library recently replaced the plaque marker on the antique table that has long graced the Rock Port Library near its Main Street entry. The beauty and unique design of the table garners much attention from local library patrons and also from visitors outside the region. Admirers are usually surprised to find that the table is an original design by inventor Thomas Edison and was originally exhibited by Edison at the immensely popular 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The table was owned by prominent Atchison County resident H.F. Stapel who was a one-time owner of The Atchison County Mail and founder of Missouri Farmers Mutual Tornado, Cyclone and Windstorm Insurance Company in Rock Port (which later became today’s Columbia Insurance Group.) Although attractive, the table provided Mr. Stapel and his co-workers a practical modern workspace designed to accommodate several workers in one space. Many years ago, the Edison table was donated by the Stapel and Cox families to the Atchison County Library. On a recent visit to the library, Mark Cox (a great-grandson) noticed that the original plaque citing the donation had aged and was barely legible. The family has donated a new plaque to the library that cites the table’s history. Over the years, there has been a steady stream of curiosity concerning the unique library artifact and staff are pleased to have received a clearer notation to help pass along the table’s historical significance. During your next visit to the Rock Port branch of the Atchison County Library, don’t overlook the table that was designed by Thomas A. Edison. Although a century has passed, the table still functions as both a beautiful antique and as a useful piece of library furniture.