The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Ft. Myers, Florida recently hosted its annual "Airing of the Quilts" event on its grounds. The members of the Southwest Florida Quilters Guild display their creations on clotheslines in front of the cottages built by Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. It was a perfect opportunity for us to explore the historic site for the first time.
In 1885, inventor Thomas Edison traveled to the wilds of Ft. Myers Florida, scouting for a winter home site. Smitten, he purchased 13 acres for $2,750 and immediately began designing a family home, a guest cottage, and a laboratory. He called it Seminole Lodge, and the Edison family spent their winters there, frequently hosting famous guests including Henry Ford, naturalist John Burroughs, industrialist Harvey Firestone, and Herbert Hoover. Edison and his guests enjoyed the Florida outdoors, swimming, shelling, boating, and fishing for huge tarpon and other fish. He also worked from time to time, and developed a major interest in botany, using his laboratory and acreage to experiment with various plants for industrial use.
Various pictures of the Seminole Lodge and guest house
In 1916, Henry Ford bought the property next door to his buddy and built a bungalow that was christened The Mangos.
Ford, Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs often went camping together around Florida and beyond. They, or their underlings, packed their Model Ts and stocked their chuck wagon, complete with camp cook, and hit the road. Maybe they made smores around the campfire and told stories about how they abused their employees, electrocuted dogs, and spread racist propaganda.
The museum on site contains quite a few interesting displays covering the careers and contributions of both men, minus any controversy or negativity. The botanical laboratory is also open for visitors, and the Estates have quite an active gardening group which offers workshops, classes, and plant sales throughout the year.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are worth a visit. Website https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/ It's a great look into the lives of two of the most influential Americans of the 20th century.
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