In a fine example of "Yankee Ingenuity", Jacob Edson invented the diaphragm pump, and in 1859 established The Edson Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts to manufacture and sell his pump. He continued to invent a wide range of marine products which resulted in significant growth; and in the mid 1930's the company moved to expanded facilities in New Bedford, MA. The Edson Corporation is now recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Massachusetts and the United States.