The Northeast Manual Training School, later known as Thomas A. Edison High School and Julia de Burgos Magnet Middle School, was a prestigious institution in Philadelphia. Despite its historical significance and architectural beauty, the school faced neglect and deterioration over the years. In 2011, a fire damaged the upper floors, leading to its eventual demolition. Salvage operations were undertaken to save some architectural features, but much of the building was destined for landfill. The demolition was seen as a symbol of stupidity and failure, with the site being replaced by a parking lot and a cheap store. The author expresses sadness and a sense of loss, hoping that someone in the future will make better sense of it all.
