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Edison & Ford Winter Estates

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Tideone
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4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
3
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Editor Pick

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

  • May 5, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by sfharper from Renton, Washington
Edison & Ford Winter Estates

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is an unusual sort of museum, consisting of the two homes, associated properties including their gardens, and Edison's laboratory. Associated with the laboratory is a huge collection of his various inventions and a truly first rate movie about his life. I was quite enthralled.

The property sits along the Caloosahatchee river. The original pier is still standing, but no longer usable. The many signs along the property explained the various uses. The pier made the property, everything built on the land was brought in by boat and carried ashore.

The gardens were in the process of being restored, with the lily pond and the Moonlight garden already completed. I'd heard lots about the orchid garden from my husband, but those were being redeveloped, proof-positive that your fees were being well-used to maintain the property.

The laboratory required about a five-minute wait to collect a crowd. The volunteer guide was quite informative and helpful, showing us through the various rooms and explaining Edison's work on an artificial rubber.

Both houses are models for life in the tropics with good porches and screened rooms. Overall, they looked cozy and pleasant and you could imagine swimming in the pool or taking a dip in the river, smelling orchids in bloom, while watching egrets walk along shore. It makes for a good four-hour visit that's well worth the price of admission.

From journal Week at Lover's Key, Ft. Meyer's Beach, Florida

Edison/Ford Winter Homes

  • January 1, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by BeachFan from Amana, Iowa
You tour the former winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The Edison laboratory is facisnating. Also the many plants in the gardens from around the world are very interesting. Edison was the consumate inventor, always searching for new applications/ideas. A very well done guided tour that moved at just the right pace. Early Ft. Myers history mixed in the the family history.

The meeting of "Mr. Firestone" in character on the grounds was a lot of fun. Kids in about grades five or six and above should find it very interesting. The magnificent Banyon tree planted by Mr. Edison is amazing! Bring your cameras - several interesting picture opportunities.

From journal The Florida Beach Dream!

Edison - Ford Complex

  • September 27, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Tideone from Huntsville, Alabama
Edison - Ford Complex

Having a plane to catch in Tampa that afternoon caused us to have to hurry through the museum so if you are planning a visit plan on spending most of the day.
Guided tours are given of the homes while you are able to explore the museum at your own leisure.
For an interesting side trip to your visit to the homes be sure and take the boat trip aboard Edison's electric boat, 'Reliance.'
Transportation is provided from the homes to the yacht basin and back. The narrated boat tour was the highlight of our visit to the complex.

From journal Fort Myers, a great place to relive the past

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