Picture courtesy of the Fort Myers Historical Museum.
Inventor's Retreat
Looking for a new source of domestic rubber, Thomas Edison imported exotic plants from all over the world for the lush tropical gardens that comprised his outdoor laboratory along the Caloosahatchee River. Now the historic Edison & Ford Winter Estates (shown in the postcard above), the grounds of the former Seminole Lodge date back to 1886. Though it remains open to visitors, the property is in the midst of an extensive restoration that will return it to its 1929 glory-a time when the Edison and Ford families entertained friends and dignitaries among the royal poinciana, Cuban laurel, frangipani and what is now the largest banyan tree in the United States. Tours of the property are offered seven days a week. Call (239) 334-7419 for more information.
-Katie S. Betz