Edison & Ford in Fort Myers

On our way to our next campsite in Bradenton, we stopped in Fort Myers to see the Winter Estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. These two great inventors and industrialists were good friends and neighbors here in Florida during the winter months. The grounds are lushly planted, as Edison was trying to find plant sources for domestic rubber and Ford enjoyed gardening. Palms, fig trees, ficus, bamboo, and mango trees are just some of the plants here.

On the grounds are also museums with a restored Edison Botanical Lab. And, of course, a few model T’s, including one designed as a “chuck wagon” for extended family road trips taken by the two families. Rather like a precursor of the modern RV.