The Edison Ford Museum in Fort Myers, Florida
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida, surprised us, as we knew Thomas Alva Edison so far as an inventor who spent his life mainly dealing with electricity and electrical engineering. Henry Ford was known to us as the founder of the Ford Motor Company. As such, he revolutionized industrial production with the invention of assembly line technology. We expected to find evidence of her life's work at the Edison Ford Museum in Florida on the Caloosahatchee River.
But far from it: their houses, which the friends had built next to each other, give the impression of a garden paradise. There is a garage in which Ford stored its vehicles. Edison's house is furnished with the furnishings of his time: electric light and lightbulbs make his lamps glow. There's an Edison clock on the fireplace. The first toaster is in the kitchen. In his library there is a phonograph on which shellac records once turned their circles. But there is no evidence of the technical genius of the two.
Edison Ford winter domicile is a garden paradise
Instead, exotic plants from all over the world grow on the property that the two families shared. The reason for this collection of tropical and subtropical plants had to do indirectly with the work areas of the two men. At the beginning of the 20th century they were looking for substitutes for rubber. This should make the USA independent of rubber imports from other regions of the world. Third in this search for substitutes was Harvey Firestone. Their plant-based experimental laboratory can still be viewed today next to the entrance building of the facility.
Edison Ford Museum on the Caloosahatchee River
However, we prefer to enjoy the gardens with their sausage and kapok trees, the eucalyptus and royal palms, the cycads and the banyan tree and see how the industrial barons once lived. Here, too, we experience a surprise. We expected them to live in palaces, much like the Flaglers, the Vanderbilts or the Astors. However, far from it! The Edison and Ford vacation homes were spacious with lots of rooms. The breeze from the Caloosahatchee River brought freshness through the windows and patio doors. Therefore, they had natural cooling even in the summer months. There is no shortage of space. But that was no wonder at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time Florida was still considered a border country, with which one did not really know what to do with it. Land was cheap to get, and no one lacked space.
Edison House Florida
The furnishings in the Edison House Florida appear rather modest. It in no way corresponded to the megalomania that was generally said of the industrial barons of that time. Two families who were friends had settled down here comfortably. In an environment in which you can feel comfortable. Ford and Edison had come here to do a job, not a party. These two buildings and their garden bear witness to this. These two families weren't about to represent. Instead, they wanted to achieve a specific goal. This was a Sisyphean work that took years. This is also confirmed by the kitchen gardens on the site: Vegetables and herbs were planted as well as fruit trees of all kinds. There are mangoes, oranges, lemons, papayas, star fruits and more. The Edisons and Fords loved to feed themselves from their garden. This is easy to see in the Edison Ford Museum.
You should pack this for a trip to Florida suitcase
- The beaches in Fort Myers Beach are ideal for swimming. Check ours packing list for the beach vacationso that you don't forget anything.
- In our packing list for the vacation you will find further tips on what to take with you on the trip.
- The miles of beaches at Fort Myers Beach beckon for beach walks. Since the sand can be very hot, it is worth it beach shoes * .
- You can find travel tips here Florida Travel Guide *.
- Also bring some Florida Maps *.
Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a motorhome? Then you will find information and a selection in these booking options.
- Check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- In Fort Myers, you can stay at the Orange Grove MHC & RV Resort, 647 Nuna Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905, United States.
The Edison Ford Museum, where Henry Ford spent winters
A visit to the Edison & Ford Winter Estate is an opportunity to look behind the facade of inventors and automakers. He shows the unexpected and the surprising. For us, the two men lose their aura of genius and become likable and humble people. They pursue their goal with perseverance and have worked towards it for years. Her life is remembered at the Edison Ford Museum.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Blvd,
Fort Myers, FL 33901,
United States
Travel Arrangements
How to get to the Edison Ford Museum
Book yours here Arrival by plane, bus or train*. Lufthansa, United and other airlines fly to Florida. From there you can continue your journey by rental car or mobile home.
Rental car
Book here easy and cheap a rental car * for your journey.
Hotels
Fort Myers Accommodation you can also book here.
Fort Myers Beach Accommodation * you can also find here.
Excursions and tours
Book excursions from Fort Myers here * get your guide
Travel Guides
Florida Travel Guide * You can also find it on Amazon.de
Do you already know:
- Fort Lauderdale attractions
- Shopping in Fort Lauderdale
- Bonnet House & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale
- Sanibel Island Restaurant where the locals eat - Island Cow
- Sanibel Island Florida - This island is all about clams
- Captiva Island Florida - Charming island on the west coast
- Captiva Island Florida - The Bubble Room Restaurant
- Cabbage Key, desert island, dolphins, dollars and bromeliads
Source Edison Ford Museum: On-site research with support from The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel
Text Edison Ford Museum: © Copyright Monika Fuchs, TravelWorldOnline
Photos Edison Ford Museum Florida: © Copyright by Monika Fuchs, TravelWorldOnline
