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Experience a little history at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

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Melissa Fry Melissa Fry
Experience a little history at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers

The story
I really don't know much about the relationship between these two people. I learned that Henry Ford worked for Thomas Edison when he was young, and Edison became friends with him and became his mentor. Thomas Edison encouraged him to follow his aspirations, develop his ideas for cars and produce them in series. Over the years, other friends and Thomas Edison persuaded him to buy a house next to Edison's winter villa, which he built in Fort Myers in 1886. He began using it with his new Mina bride in the same year.

Banyan Tree
When you first arrive at the parking lot, you will see several giant banyan trees. They are an extraordinary sight because branches grow horizontally and become very large when they take root again. They have four banana trees that Harvey Firestone donated to them. The biggest tree with one acre diameter! In front of him is a statue of Thomas Edison. Firestone likes these trees because the sap is used to make tires.

winter house
And the winter homes at Edison and Ford are simple and beautiful. The Edison people lived there until 1947, when Mina moved property to the city of Fort Myers. Edison's original house was still furnished. Henry Ford bought the house next to it in 1906. Ford last visited his house in 1934. They were located right on the banks of the Kaluzahatchi River and offered a beautiful view of the Edison River and the harbor from the back porch. The property has a number of buildings that you can see, including an auditorium. The front and back of the houses were covered with magnificent royal palms.

Botanical Garden
We went in early March 2012 and had a great time. This property has a botanical garden and blooming flowers. You will see several large bamboo plants, fountains, ponds and lotus ponds. Edison used bamboo yarn for his first few onions. In the park behind the gift shop and the entrance to the museum is a statue of his wife Mina. There is also a water park with flowering plants behind it. There are two rows of mango trees along the road. The Estate Garden Shoppe offers a variety of unusual plants, including heirlooms, orchids, bamboo, bromeliads, fruits, vegetables, roses, edible items, and gifts. We buy avocado trees to grow in our home in Florida.

Museum - Edison Inventions
It is a smart mind to see and read all the inventions and patents created by Thomas Edison. There are seven galleries with his inventions as well as many videos and teaching exhibits. You can also visit the botany research laboratories worked by Edison, Ford and Firestone to develop fast-growing plants and natural rubber. Now you get the best services of home at webuyswflhomes.

Ford Auto Show - Henry Ford Garage - Model A and Model T
You can see some historic Ford vehicles like Model T and Model A. They even have dining cars that they use for hunting trips. It is amazing to see these old vehicles and how different they are from the cars we drive today.

Tour Information
They offer self-guided audio tours and tours by historians who tell their stories when you visit these places. We chose a guided tour where you get a handheld device that you can use to press buttons at certain points. You can also visit the museum or do a complete tour.

Overall it was a pleasant day. I learned a lot of history and saw some very nice gardens and houses. I would definitely recommend visiting the Edison and Ford booth if you are in the Fort Myers area.

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Melissa Fry Melissa Fry
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