Edison & Ford Winter Estates - Ft. Myers, FL
Posted by: 
lazyCachers
N 26° 38.046 W 081° 52.731
17R E 412522 N 2946210
Located just south of downtown Ft. Myers, Florida on McGregor Blvd. Coordinates take you to the visitors center.
Waymark Code: WM3ZCB
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 06/10/2008
Views: 47
A nearby historic marker states:
In 1885 world-famous inventor Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) first visited Fort Myers. In 1886 he built his winter home, "Seminole Lodge," a second home for a friend/partner, and a laboratory. He brought his bride, Mina Miller Edison (1865-1947), to honeymoon and vacation here in 1886. The homes were designed by Edison and pre-cut by two firms in Maine and shipped to Fort Myers. In 1916 industrialist Henry Ford (1863-1947) purchased the estate next door, "The Mangoes," in order to spend more time with his good friend and mentor, Thomas Edison. These two prominent figures vacationed here until Edison's death in 1931, and Mina continued to vacation here until 1947. The City of Fort Myers purchased the Ford estate in 1988 as an addition to the Edison Historical Site. Mina generously deeded the estate to the City of Fort Myers for $1.00. In her dedication ceremony on March 6, 1947, she stated: "My faith and belief in the sincerity of the people of Fort Myers prompts me to make this sacred spot a gift to you and posterity as a Sanctuary and Botanical Park in the memory of my honored and revered husband, Thomas A. Edison, who so thoroughly believed in the future of Fort Myers."
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
The attraction’s own URL: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation:
Open Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Last tour leaves promptly at 4:00 p.m.
Botanical Tours
Thursday & Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
Admission Prices:
Homes & Gardens Tour
(Includes Lab & Museum)
Adult $20.00
Child (6-12) $11.00
Botanical Tour
Adult $24.00
Child (6-12) $10.00
Laboratory & Museum Only
Adult $12.00
Child (6-12) $ 5.00
Holiday House
Adult $15.00
Child (6-12) $ 1.00
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Half of a day (2-5 hours)
Transportation options to the attraction: Personal Vehicle or Public Transportation
|
Visit Instructions:As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.