Visiting the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Florida

The Edison home.


Did you know that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were wonderful friends?
Edison, 16 years his senior, was Ford's mentor.
Their winter homes were next door to each other in Fort Myers, Florida.

While visiting Florida recently, we spent a day touring the
Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Set on 20 acres right along the Caloosahatchee River,
the sight includes historical buildings, the Edison Ford Museum,
and the Edison Botanic Research Lab.

Our guided tour was wonderful!
So many intriguing things to hear about these gentlemen!
If you're ever in the Fort Myers area, set aside a day to visit this great piece of history.




Edison's study. His wife had this Moonlight Garden added for him.

There are hundreds of orchids scattered throughout the gardens!

The light and airy interior of the Edison home,

with Edison's portrait above the fireplace.

An electric chandelier. Notice the long cord hanging with a switch.

Wall switches were not yet being used.

The Fords' master bedroom.

This map shows the close proximity of the 2 friend's homes.

The Ford estate.

The interior architecture and decor of the Fords' home

was much more informal and rustic than that of the Edisons.

Some of Ford's automobiles are on display.

Staghorn ferns always catch my attention!

Here I am with my new friend Mr. Edison, under his enormous banyan tree.

Planted in 1925 as a 4 foot tree, it now is 40 feet tall and covers an area of 1 acre!

What an interesting day! Very well-spent!
Learn more at the website for the

Edison & Ford Winter Estates.