Family Tour Preview

201

Stop 1: Fountain (F)

This fountain is a central point from which you can view, and begin to explore, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Play

202

Stop 2: Pier (F)

The pier which once stood here was first used to bring building supplies onto the property. It later became a popular place to entertain friends and family.

Play

203

Stop 3: Swimming Pool (F)

This swimming pool was a favorite place for the Edison family to gather-- excluding Thomas Edison, who did not generally participate in physical exercise.

Play

204

Stop 4: Caretaker's House (F)

In this structure, a caretaker of the property (and often their family) lived year-round.

Play

205

Stop 5: Edison's Study (F)

This small, unimposing study represents an interesting facet of the friendship between Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, as well as Mina Edison's desire to preserve historic structures.

Play

206

Stop 6: Moonlight Garden (F)

This beautiful garden was a favorite place for Mina Edison, particularly in later years, when she often showcased it to garden clubs and visitors to the site.

Play

208

Stop 8: Main House Library (F)

Here, the Edison family kept a library of hundreds of books. This area tells a story of the many changes the Edison made to their estate throughout the years they lived here.

Play

209

Stop 9: Main House Master Bedroom (F)

This master suite contains a bedroom, bathroom, large closet-- and even a sit-in sauna.

Play

210

Stop 10: Viewing Orchid Lane (F)

The lush area between the Main House and McGregor Boulevard was called "Orchid Lane."

Play

211

Stop 11: Main House Living Room (F)

Here, the Edisons gathered as a family. Listen to learn more about how and when the Edisons visited their winter estate.

Play

212

Stop 12: Guest House Sitting Room (F)

Welcome to the Guest House! Listen to find out how the Edisons entertained visitors.

Play

213

Stop 13: Guest House Dining Room (F)

Here, the Edisons entertained friends, family, and many famous guests.

Play

214

Stop 14: Guest House Kitchen Wing (F)

This breezeway separates the kitchen wing from the rest of the house, just as the breezeway in the Main House separates the master bedroom-- the houses were mirror images of each other.

Play

215

Stop 15: Biggar Garage (F)

This garage was not built by Henry Ford, but today it houses several antique Ford automobiles.

Play

216

Stop 16: The Mangoes (F)

The winter home of Henry Ford was dubbed "The Mangoes."

Play

217

Stop 17: The Mangoes Living Room (F)

Listen to find out how the Ford family traveled to Fort Myers and spent their time at their winter estate.

Play

218

Stop 18: The Mangoes Front Porch (F)

The tropical landscape helped draw both Edison and Ford to Fort Myers-- listen as you view the blend of fruit trees, shady oaks, flowering plants, and roses visible from this vantage point.

Play

219

Stop 19: Mysore Fig (F)

Look toward the river at the towering tree.

Play

220

Stop 20: Ford Caretaker's House (F)

The final stop of your tour is a small structure with an ironic history-- it was a one car garage used by one of the most famous automakers of all time.

Play

207

Stop 7: Seminole Lodge (F)

"Seminole Lodge" is the name Mina Edison chose for the Fort Myers estate where her family wintered.

Play