On December 31, 1879, Thomas Edison gave the first demonstration of his incandescent light bulb in Menlo Park, New Jersey. Edison was a very smart man. He didn’t want to spend his winters freezing. In 1885, he brought property along the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. He built a beautiful home and lab there. Today, you can visit this National Historic Landmark.
A visit to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is like a trip back in time. Edison’s home is perfectly maintained. As you step onto the verandah, feeling those warm tropical breezes, you can picture yourself here at the turn of the century. You can peer into his living room, and imagine him listening to phonograph records. Of course, the house is lighted by his famous incandescent bulbs. You will also get to see one of the first swimming pools in this part of Florida. My, have times changed!!
Fort Myers, Florida became a popular place for prominent Americans to vacation at. The warm, balmy winter days made it a terrific destination for snow-bound Northerners. Henry Ford liked the area so much that he built a house right next to Edison’s. Your tour will take you past his house and into his garage. Yes, there are a few vintage Ford’s to see!!
Edison also built a laboratory here. His lab is literally frozen in time. There are vials and bottles filled with things he was actually working on! Your guide will tell you about some of the famous experiments conducted here. There is also a terrific museum showcasing some of Edison’s greatest inventions. Did you know that he helped invent the x-ray machine, the stock ticker, the toaster, and the telegraph? Plus, there is a beautiful garden on the property. The garden has over 1,000 different plants, including a banyan tree that has weathered a few major hurricanes.
All tours of the estate are guided. Your tour guides will regale you with stories about Edison’s inventions and life in Southwest Florida. There are plenty of spots to take some terrific pictures by the river. Tour his estate in the morning and spend your afternoon on the beautiful, white sandy beaches of Sanibel.
For more information about the Edison Estate, visit www.efwefla.org
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