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MARCH 2019

THE ESTATES ON THE CALOOSAHATCHEE

Newsletter sponsoredand printed byPanther Printing

2350 McGregor BoulevardFort Myers, Florida 33901

(239) 334-7419www.EdisonFord.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORSLee Golden, Chair

Frank Aloia, Jr., Vice ChairCraig McLean, TreasurerKaren Ryan, Secretary

Sidney Ann BrinsonJohn Cauthen

Colleen DePasqualeKathy Dean

Jeanne DozierSuzanne “Sass” Edwards

Eric GraffLaura Jibben

Melvin MorganSteve NiehausRenee NorrisWiley ParkerCole Peacock

Madeleine PlummerBrett Sands

Margaret SirianniTom Smoot, Emeritus Trustee

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERMichael Flanders

GENERAL HOURSOpen Seven Days a Week

9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

ADMISSIONAudio tour:

Edison Ford Members: FREEAdults: $25

Teen: (ages 13-19) $20Children: (ages 6-12) $15

Children: (ages 5 and under) FREE

Guided tour:Edison Ford Members: $5

Adults: $30.00Teen: (ages 13-19) $25.00

Children: (ages 6-12) $18.00Children: (ages 5 and under) FREE

EDISON FORD TRIVIA On March 8, 1927, Mr. Edison helped out at spring training. According to The “Fort Myers Tropical News”, Thomas Edison gave a Philadelphia Athletics outfielder a batting lesson. Who was this famous baseball player? Email the correct answer to Sherri Muske at [email protected]. A winner will be selected at random from all correct entries.

Congratulations to February’s trivia question winner, Don Morse. The correct answer was Philadelphia Athletics.

NEW ITEMS IN THE MUSEUM STORES AND GARDEN SHOPPE!

Spring is here and in Southwest Florida, that means Spring Training Baseball! Come see our assortment of baseball items and pick up an Edison Ford baseball jersey to wear to the Vintage Base Ball game hosted by Edison Ford on March 24 (see page 6-7 for details).

We also have an assortment of fan pulls, pens, bottle stoppers and various wood items made from trees that we lost during Hurricane Irma. The wood has been carved and polished to a beautiful luster. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history that has been turned into a magnificent masterpiece!

The Garden Shoppe has a lot of new items. Spring is the perfect time to start a butterfly garden, grow some vegetables and herbs, or perhaps turn your yard into a botanical showplace. However you decide to add some color to your piece of paradise, we can help. The Garden Shoppe has ceramic pots, bird baths, and of course lots of plants! Stop by and see how one of our horticulturists can help.

2 Edison and Ford Winter Estates

VIP TOUR - SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FLORIDA, APRIL 13

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and South Florida MuseumDepart 7:30 a.m. - Return 6:30 p.m. (times are approximate)Cost: Edison Ford Members: $125; non-members: $140

Join our Membership Program and take advantage of all our discounts.

Come join us as we spend the morning outside at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota and then the afternoon inside at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton.

The 15-acre Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytes, especially orchids and bromeliads and their canopy ecosystems with a focus on botany, horticulture and environmental education. The garden has more than 20,000 living plants in its collection. You will experience a private “walk and talk” conducted by an experienced docent weaving the local history, horticultural tidbits and the science of botany into a tour featuring the garden highlights. Some of the highlights include, tropical conservatory, towering bamboo garden, banyan groves, fern garden and Koi pond. The exhibit on display called Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise highlights the essential role of botanicals in achieving the artist’s vision of the exotic. The exhibit features ten of the artist’s original dramatic woodcut prints and wood engravings, photographs showcasing Tahiti during the time of his travels, historic maps and visual materials that shaped his work.

Learn all about South Florida culture and history at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton. This museum is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. A private guided tour will be provided of this unique and engaging museum of exhibits and displays of the cultural knowledge of Florida, the world and our universe. This museum features fossil evidence of Florida’s earliest marine and mammal inhabitants and archaeological materials representing Paleo-Indian, archaic and pre-contact cultures as well as local history. The museum also features an all-digital Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Aquarium.

Lunch is included and details will be provided prior to the trip.

Cancellation Policy - Cancellations must be made more than 14 days before the tour date to receive a refund, unless your vacancy can be filled.

For questions or to make reservations for this or any tour, please contact Sherri Muske at 239-335-3677 or [email protected]. Tours fill up quickly, so we encourage you to call and make reservations early.

* Richmond Hill/Savannah Georgia VIP Tour has been postponed due to low registration. We hope to reschedule in thefall. Contact Sherri Muske at 239-335-3677 or [email protected] if you would like your name on the list to

receive information about this trip.www.edisonford.org 3

RHYTHM ON THE RIVERHELL FREEZES OVER, AN EAGLES TRIBUTEMarch 2, 6 p.m., River Pavilion Join us for an evening of rock and roll with “Hell Freezes Over,” an Eagles tribute band. The group plays songs from every era of the Eagles’ career, including the band’s biggest hits and fan favorites. A cash bar will be available.

Advance Tickets:Edison Ford Members: $20 (E-tickets, Membership Desk or Ticket Counter); non-members: $25 (purchase E-Tickets in advance) A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $30 for both members and non-members.

VOLUNTEER MEETING AND LECTURE SERIESMarch 12, 10 a.m., South Florida Water Management

Our March volunteer meeting features Katie Gardenia speaking about her book “A Bubble Moment.” Katie is the original owner of the Bubble Room on Captiva Island. Her book features entertaining stories and rare recipes from the restaurant. It is no longer in print but we have some of the last copies available for sale. Everyone who owns a copy of this book says it is a treasure that you will enjoy for years to come. The book retails for $49.95 but volunteers will receive a 20% discount. Volunteer meetings are free and open to the public, current and potential volunteers. Contact Bobby Feldman or Holly Shaffer, Site Program Managers at 239-335-3694 for information.

MUSTANG CAR EXHIBITIONMarch 2, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host the annual Mustang Car Exhibition as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Henry Ford, a pioneer of the automobile industry. Owners of Ford Mustangs will be showcasing their cars on Henry Ford’s lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River. The Mustang has been popular ever since it debuted in 1964; in two years, more than one million mustangs were sold. Mustang car owners and enthusiasts are invited to come out and spend the day, talk to exhibitors, and see some beautiful Mustangs. Cost: Edison Ford Members: Free; non-members: $20Service dogs are welcome; pets are not permitted.

YOGA ALONG THE RIVERSaturday, Mar. 9 and Mar. 23, 9:30-10:30 a.m., River Pavilion

Although Yoga has been around for more than 5,000 years, it has become increasingly popular during the past decade. Yoga is known to offer many health benefits. This one-hour yoga class allows you to step away from all the 21st century gadgets and focus on the moment. Yoga prepares the body, mind, and spirit for meditation; both yoga and meditation purify, resulting in feeling recharged and rejuvenated.

Skill level is beginner to intermediate. The class is taught by a certified yoga instructor from Gulfshore Yoga. Bring a yoga mat, water, and towel.

Cost: Edison Ford Members: $15; non-members: $20 per class (E-Tickets, Membership Desk or Ticket Counter). Admission to the site is not included.


FORT MYERS FILM FESTIVALApril 11, approximately 7 p.m.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is hosting the Fort Myers Film Festival again this year and will be the first location out of eight different sites. Short films on Robert Halgrim, Sr. and Robert Halgrim, Jr. will be shown, along with a feature film and another short piece that the film makers may enter for an award. The Fort Myers Film Festival features

international, independent filmmakers that are in the same circuit as the famed Sundance Film Festival.

Robert Halgrim and his son have very strong ties to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and together represent several decades of service to the site. Robert Halgrim, Sr. started working for the Edisons around 1926. He was later given the task as plant collector and lab assistant for the Edison Botanic Research Corporation. Eventually, he became the first curator and director for the Edison estate. His tenure was about 25 years and Halgrim Jr. worked for the site for about 20 years (from 1973 to 1993). Thomas Edison invented the motion-picture camera so it is very fitting for the estates to host the Film Festival once again. Come watch several short films under the stars with us and enjoy some refreshments. Tickets: Edison Ford Members: $5; non-members $10

AFTER FIVE: HISTORY COMES ALIVE SPEAKER SERIES March 28, 5:30 p.m. Refreshments, 6 p.m. Speaker, Museum West Porch

Don’t miss the last speaker in the Florida Humanities Council Speakers Series presenting on “Florida’s Female Pioneers.” Award-winning author and lecturer, Dr. Peggy Macdonald, highlights some of the women who have shaped the unique culture and history of the sunshine state.

Dr. Macdonald, a native Floridian, is the executive director of the Matheson

History Museum and an adjunct professor of history at Stetson University and Indian River State College. She writes articles on local and Florida history and culture for several magazines. Dr. Macdonald is an alumna of the University of Florida where she earned her Ph.D. in history and Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia.

Cost: Edison Ford Members: Free; non-members: $5. Admission to the site is not included.

DRAWING IN THE GARDENS WITH MEGAN

KISSINGERBeginning Botanical Drawing: Flowers, Trees and Leaves, March 23, 1-4 p.m. This student-oriented series is suited to any skill level. Everyone will learn as the botanicals in bloom change from month to month. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch.

Meditative Zen Drawing, March 30, 1-4 p.m.No experience is necessary in this creative class! Students will be inspired by nature as they stroll through the gardens of Edison Ford.

Cost: Edison Ford members: $40; non-members $60 (per class).

MONDAYS WITH MARIEMondays with Marie will give visitors the opportunity to watch a painter in action. Feel free to ask Marie about technique, materials, inspiration, design or upcoming workshops or just sit and watch her paint. Marie welcomes all visitors and is sure to inspire. No additional charge.

ART CLASSES WITH MARIE DYERTime: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. All materials are provided.Cost: Edison Ford Members $90; non-members $100

GARDEN GRANDEUR:March 2

In this impressionistic workshop, participants will use acrylics to paint botanicals from the Edison Ford gardens! Students of all levels are welcome and will learn about observation, texture and form, mixing colors, and basic design techniques.

SILK SCARF PAINTINGMarch 16 and April 20

A variety of techniques will inspire painters of all levels to create their own one-of-a-kind scarf. The scarves can be worn or used as art.

LANDSCAPE PAINTINGApril 6

Spend the day overlooking the water in the River Pavilion while painting a beautiful landscape using acrylic paint!

www.edisonford.org 5

VINTAGE BASE BALL WEEKENDMarch 22-24

Ellie Presents The Brief Double Feature

“It’s a stand-up comedy routine with history!”

Speaking of Unmentionables: The Rise & Fall of Ladies’ Underwear

&

Cup Check Please:

A Scholarly Talk on a Jocular Subject

Together at Last

One Night Only Friday, March 22

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Members $5

Non-Members $10

Ladies First at 6:30 p.m.

Gentlemen Following at 8 p.m.

An Intermission Reception with free tea & lemonade will be held between the presentations.

A cash bar will also be available.

Special Bonus 1 – Attend any of Ellie’s presentations on Friday or Saturday and receive a free wooden nickel pass to attend the vintage base ball game at Terry Park on Sunday.

Special Bonus 2 – Purchase a $5 adult admission at Terry Park on March 24 for the vintage game and receive a wood-en nickel good for $5 off one adult admission to Edison and Ford Winter Estates.


A VISIT WITH MRS. POTTS March 23, 11 a.m.

In 1871, Mary Florence Potts was an inventress at the age of 19. She spent the rest of her life perfecting and promoting her “Boon to Women.” In her presentation, she visits the modern world fresh from her appearance at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. At the Philadelphia Exposition in 1876, Mary Florence Potts’ cold-handled sad iron was the toast of the fair. She spent the next two decades touring the country with a

promotional lecture. Mrs. Potts will visit Edison Ford as a stop on her tour to promote her invention. She will discuss domestic life in the 19th Century, the science and technology behind the development of her invention, and what it means for a woman to hold a US Patent and manage her own affairs. Her costumed interpretation will be a fitting tribute to Women’s History month.

THE DISTAFF SIDE OF VINTAGE BASE BALL: THEN & NOW March 23, 2 p.m.

This presentation will offer stories and information that will help you understand a vintage base ball match. Ellie has been the manager, “Boss Lady,” of The Chicago Salmon since 1996. In all those years, she has baked thousands of pretzels, grilled tons of chicken, sewn hundreds of uniforms and costumes for umpires and followers, and mended more than several pairs of trousers (sometimes with the player still in them). Boss Lady has also organized festivals, helped form new teams, and kicked at least one player off the team for having a bad attitude. Join us for colorful stories, information, and answers to how vintage base ball was played.

Cost: included with admission

VINTAGE BASE BALL GAME AT TERRY PARK March 24, Gates open at 9:30 a.m.

Edison Ford will host a day of vintage base ball with three vintage teams playing for top honors in a mini tournament featuring the Vintage Base Ball Club of Central Florida, the Mudville Base Ball Club from Massachusetts, the Springfield Long Nine from Illinois, and a team of Vagabond All Stars from several states. The “Boss Lady” will be on hand in period costume to guide us through the rules of 1860s base ball and provide colorful insights. Come and experience base ball the way it was intended -- played for the love of the game without stats, stars or shame. Three consecutive games starting at 10 a.m. will determine top honors with a possible fourth consolation game (daylight, weather and endurance permitting).

Cost: Adults $5, Teens $1, Children 12 and under free

Special Bonus 1 – Attend any of Ellie’s presentations on Friday or Saturday and receive a free wooden nickel pass to attend the vintage base ball game at Terry Park on Sunday.

Special Bonus 2 – Purchase a $5 adult admission at Terry Park on March 24 for the vintage game and receive a wood-en nickel good for $5 off one adult admission to Edison and Ford Winter Estates.


MARCH DAILY TOURS AND PROGRAMSDaily Programs in the MuseumThroughout the day, join in hands-on presentations to learn about music, sound and the phonograph, how a motor works on Henry Ford’s Model T and making movies with animated images.

March Tours and ProgramsEvery day of the week Edison Ford offers visitors historian-led guided tours and audio tours in English, German, Spanish, and French, as well as museum demonstrations and hands-on science activities.

Automotive TourMondays - 10:30 a.m.

Join Automotive Curator, James Moss, for a new perspective on the evolution of the automobile. Learn about production and how to operate a vehicle. From the Model T to the Model A, gasoline to electric, the Ford Motor Company and beyond, the Automotive Tour promises to offer a new way to connect with one of our most popular collections. Reservations are not required for this tour.

Cost: Edison Ford Members: $15; non-members: Adults $40, Teens (13-19) $30, Children (6-12) $16.

To arrange a group tour, call 239-334-7419.

Inside-the-Lab TourTuesdays - 10:30 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays - 2:00 p.m.

An in-depth exploration inside the Edison Botanic Research Lab, a National Historic Chemical Landmark, includes areas of the laboratory normally closed to the public. Visitors see the plant processing area and learn about the machinery and chemistry.


To schedule a tour for groups of 15 or more, call 239-334-7419.

Edison Ford Garden ToursWednesdays - 10:30 a.m.

Learn about what’s blooming at Edison Ford. Garden tours are led by an experienced plant curator.


German Language ToursWednesdays - 10:30 a.m. and Fridays - 12:30 p.m.

Historian-led tour of homes, gardens, lab and museum in German language.



Ask the CuratorWednesdays - 11:30 a.m.

March 6: What came first the Model A or T? Join Automotive Curator, Jim Moss, as he compares the two vehicles and demonstrates how to start them. (Live Demonstration)

March 13: What was Edison’s favorite sport? Site Program Manager, Holly Shaffer, shares her in-depth knowledge about this fascinating part of Fort Myers history.

March 20: Want to know more about historic quilts? Historic textile specialist and Edison Ford staff member, Lars Cain, will lead a discussion on historic quilts and the artisans behind them.

March 27: Was Edison an expert telegrapher? Come join Education Manager, Pearce Augustenborg, as he explains Morse code and demonstrates how the telegraph system worked.

Cost: Edison Ford Members: Free; non-members: included with admission.

Inside-the-Homes ToursThis tour is a unique opportunity to take a sneak peek inside normally-closed areas of Thomas Edison’s “Seminole Lodge” and Henry Ford’s “The Mangoes.” Approximate tour time is 90 minutes to two hours. (Allow additional time to view the museum, laboratory, and gardens.) Thursdays - 11 a.m.

Limited reservations available for this tour only. Pre-registration required by calling 239-334-7419.

Fridays - 11 a.m.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. For persons with limited mobility, please speak with a staff member about special accommodations.

Cost: Edison Ford Members: Free (one time); non-members: Adults $50, Teens (13-19) $35, Children (6-12) $20.

Step into History with Edison Ford HistoriansFridays - 10:30 a.m.

Each week, Edison Ford Site Historians present an in-depth look at a topic related to our site. Topics include: Edison’s Dynamo and Generators, Edison’s Early Films, Edison’s Cook: Queenie Adams, Mina Edison, the Edison Children, Edison and Tarpon Fishing, and Edsel Ford.

Cost: Edison Ford Members: Free; non-members: included with admission. Reservations are not required.

Edison Ford River CruisesDaily cruises departing at 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and sunset. Edison Ford Members can purchase tickets in the lobby of The Marina at Edison Ford for a discounted price of $27. For more information on sunset cruises or group rates call 239-263-4949.

MARCH DAILY TOURS AND PROGRAMS (CONTINUED)



JOHN FLEMING1937 - 2019

Professor, site historian and friend to all, John Fleming, passed away unexpectedly on January 26. We mourn his passing but celebrate his life and share warm memories of his contributions to Edison and Ford Winter Estates. John never lost his Boston accent even though he was a seasoned traveler and spent many years in Minnesota, where he was a professor of social psychology and business at the University of Minnesota. He later taught in Florida as well. We fondly recall his descriptions of the historic "gahdens" and the "pahking lots." John had an amazing ability to engage in deep discussion of world events and the human experience. Ever the behaviorist and keen observer of everything, he would wax poetic on the current state of society, politics and any other subject of casual conversation, usually offering a satirically humorous analysis to the delight of all. John lived by the motto "continuous improvement." He encouraged his coworkers to follow this philosophy as well, always inspiring them to do better.

A voracious traveler, John recently returned from a month-long cruise on the Amazon River and was looking forward to a trip to Europe in the spring. He was a valued member of the historian staff at Edison and Ford Winter Estates for more than 12 years. His wit and wisdom will be greatly missed by his coworkers and all who knew him.

JAMES MAGIRL1939 - 2019

Beloved volunteer James (Jamie) MaGirl passed away on January 16. Jamie and his wife, Jan, portrayed Thomas and Mina Edison for many years at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. He also devoted many volunteer hours as a lab docent and helped out in the information booth. Jamie’s twinkling blue eyes and engaging personality made him a visitor favorite.

He was passionate about sports -- especially the Chicago Cubs, the Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed IndyCar racing. Jamie was also an elder and congregant of the Faith Presbyterian Church and a member of the Southwest Florida Yacht Club.

His positive attitude and the joy he brought to the Estates will be greatly missed. Anyone who knew Jamie is invited to join his family and friends for a celebration of his life at Edison and Ford Winter Estates on March 25, from 6-8 p.m.

IN LOVING MEMORY

RARE PLANTS PROTECTED AT EDISON FORDBy: Britta Soderqvist

Public gardens play an important role in plant conservation, and the gardens at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are no exception. As habitat loss, climate change, illegal harvesting and other issues continue to threaten the world’s floral biodiversity, public gardens serve as “safe havens” for species that are most vulnerable. At Edison Ford, we have more than 1900 plants in our collection, comprised of more than 750 species. Of those, at least 34 species are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened

Species™. This list has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. It may surprise some that the royal poinciana, Delonix regia, or the bottle palm, Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, make the list. Both are common landscape features in Southwest Florida but are hard to find in their native ranges. Many cycads, including species in our collection, are believed to number less than 500 in the wild. Edison Ford’s plant data is part of PlantSearch, the only global database of living plants, seeds and tissue collections which is coordinated by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). More than 1,100 institutions participate, allowing researchers and conservationists to contact the keepers of the world’s rarest plants. Through PlantSearch, we discovered that some of the plants we house are found in less than 10 of those institutions, affirming the importance of continuing conservation efforts at multiple gardens. We hope to highlight some of our rare plants using the “Care for the Rare” program facilitated by BGCI. Look for the informational signs to appear in our garden later this year. In the meantime, you can do your part by making sure all the plants you buy are responsibly grown and not collected from the wild. Royal Poinciana

NEW FORD CITRUS GROVE Did you know that Henry Ford once had a fruit grove? We have brought back a part of history and now have a Citrus Grove for visitors to see. This new grove is a "sweet addition" to the site and will also open the door to partnerships in agricultural tourism and education. The close to 50 trees demonstrate different varieties of citrus, including Valencia and Midsweet. There will be grove signage and interactive displays to help visitors learn about Florida citrus, Edison and Ford's interest in agriculture, and the economic importance of the citrus industry today.

In the future, the Ford Caretaker's Cottage will be restored and house a Citrus Café, which will offer a variety of refreshments including orange juice and other citrus-ingredient delights. A new interior and exterior dining area, overlooking the Caloosahatchee River will provide a scenic location for visitors to relax and will also be used as an outdoor classroom.

We have partnered with several organizations to make this grove a possibility, including the Florida Department of Citrus; Southern Gardens Citrus nursery supplied the trees; IFAS outfitted the trees with Defenders, a new, state-of-the-art protection system that includes a netted bag and plastic base shield for the young trees; and Old Florida Citrus and the CFS Roofing Services team planted the trees, donated and installed the irrigation system, and is providing grove maintenance and staff training. Sponsors for the kick-off event that was held in February included Sam Galloway Ford, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Gulf Citrus Growers Association, Sun Harvest Citrus, Millennial Brewing Company and Norman Love Confections.

The next time you visit, be sure to see the new Citrus Grove!

Bottle Palm

EDISON FORD EXHIBIT IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Visiting Washington D.C. next summer? Stop by and see our exhibit on the National Mall at The United States Botanic Garden (USBG)! Our horticulture team applied in July to be one of 30 gardens showcasing their collection and we were recently informed our proposal was accepted. The educational vignette will focus on Thomas Edison’s rubber research and include an informational sign about the Edison Botanic Research Corporation along with live, potted specimens of banyan, Madagascar rubber vine and other plants Edison’s crew tested for rubber.

The exhibits will be available to the public seven days a week from May to October 2019.


EDISON, FORD, AND CITRUS – A SWEET HISTORYElsewhere in this magazine, you will read about an exciting new project to recreate the historic Henry Ford Citrus Grove. Many visitors to our site are unaware of the historic connections both Henry Ford and Thomas Edison had with citrus and fruit trees. How many of the below facts did you know?

• When Henry Ford purchased his Fort Myers estate, mango and citrus trees were laid out in “grove-like” lines. In fact, the property was known as “The Mangoes!”

• By the 1940s, “The Mangoes” was described as having “50 budded orange and grapefruit trees.”

• As many as 300 fruit trees stood on the Edison property at one point, located in closely-spaced groves at both the north and south borders of their property!

• The Edison family had many varieties of citrus on their estate, including “golden oranges, deep colored mandarins, bright yellow lemons, shaddocks, red tangerine oranges, grapefruit,” and many others.

• Fruit squeezers are on the list of items purchased by the Edisons to be shipped to Fort Myers.

• The Edison family regularly had citrus jellies made on the winter estate shipped to their year-round residence in West Orange, New Jersey, and crates of citrus fruit were shipped to friends and families as gifts.

• Mina Edison established a citrus grove near the Edison Botanic Research Corporation laboratory across the street in the 1930s.

Edison and Ford aside, the citrus industry has deep roots in southwest Florida. Oranges were grown in Fort Myers as early as the 1860s, but truly blossomed in the 1890s, when a deep freeze in north Florida caused many growers to move their crops further south. Oranges were typically shipped on steam boats until train service to the area arrived in the early 1900s. Piers extending into the Caloosahatchee River (no longer existing today) housed several prominent citrus packing facilities.

Moving forward, the replanted Henry Ford Citrus Grove represents an opportunity to interpret this often-overlooked horticultural history, and to educate visitors about the significant history of citrus in the Sunshine State -- and its relevance to Edison, Ford, and Fort Myers.


MARCH GARDEN TALK: VINES THAT THRIVEMarch 9, 10 a.m., Banyan Cafe

This talk is an introduction to the color and beauty of exotic and native vines used for enhancing a garden, creating a focal point, or creating a beautiful garden barrier. We will provide an overview from vines that attract butterflies to ones that produce edible fruit.

Cost: Edison Ford members: $10; non-members: $15

Participants will also receive a 20% off coupon for use in the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Garden Shoppe.

CRAZY FOR CALADIUMS GARDENING CLASSMarch 12, 1 p.m., Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council Did you know that today, 90% of the world’s supply of caladiums are grown right here in Florida? Whether you’re an indoor or outdoor gardener, only have a shady or sunny location, or simply don’t have enough time for gardening, caladiums may be the perfect solution to enrich your space. From their historical beginnings here in the US to becoming a significant part of Florida’s “agriconomy,” these beautiful plants – available in hundreds of color combinations – are a must for all gardeners.

In this class, you can take home free caladium bulb samples and learn how to grow this garden gem. Participants will also

receive a 20% off coupon for use in the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Garden Shoppe. The class will be held in the Garden Council Building (parking is available on Larchmont Avenue, in the Estates overflow lot).

Cost: Edison Ford members: $30; non-members: $45. Advance registration at www.edisonford.org is required.

EDISON FORD PRESENTS AT AMERICAN HIBISCUS SOCIETY

Debbie Hughes, Senior Horticulturist at Edison and Ford Winter Estates presented all the new happenings in the Edison Ford Gardens to the American Hibiscus Society, James E. Hendry chapter. Everybody was quite impressed with the plantings at the Estates entrance. After Hurricane Irma, we had an opportunity to enhance this area, and Hibiscus fit the bill. We have a small collection of Hibiscus planted among the Crotons and Ixora. These Hibiscus flowers that last only a day, get photographed more than any other plant by our visitors. Come check out this area of the garden and stay tuned for more hybrid hibiscus blooms to be donated by the American Hibiscus Society.

FORT MYERS-LEE COUNTY GARDEN COUNCIL FLOWER SHOWMarch 1, 1-4 p.m., March 2, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council Building, 2166 Virginia Avenue

The Garden Council will host a Standard Flower Show on Friday, March 1 from 1-4 p.m., and Saturday March 2 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The theme of the Flower Show is "It's All About Water."

Edison Ford collaborates with the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council on many activities relating to the gardens. The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council, Inc. was created in 1957 as the Fort Myers Garden Council by 9 local clubs and societies joining together. In 1967 it was renamed the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council as its membership had far outgrown the city limits. The Council now consists of over 18 garden clubs, nine plant societies and two affiliates, totaling more than 1,530 members. In 2007, the Council moved to its current headquarters which was made possible by a long-term lease from the City of Fort Myers. The Berne Davis Gardens and Mina Edison Botanical Library are housed on the premises.

Queen’s Wreath vine located betweenEdison’s main house and guest house


EMERGING INVENTORSART, NATURALLY

March 14, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Ages 1-5

Express your inner creativity through crafts inspired by nature, such as fish prints and leaf design, along the banks of the

Caloosahatchee.

Cost: Edison Ford Members $10; non-members $15 Includes one adult and one child; each additional child $5

(subject to availability).

HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE SCHOLARSRADICAL ROBOTS, PART 1

Calling all future robotics engineers! Students will explore the fundamental concepts of robotics with LEGO Mindstorm EV3.

No prior experience is required.

Grades 1-3: March 8, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Grades 4-6: March 8, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Grades 7-8: March 7, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Edison Ford members $15; non-members $25

Advance registration is required for all programs.Register by visiting www.edisonford.org, or contact Program Registrar,

Leeanne Criswell at [email protected].

EDUCATION PROGRAMSEducating Through the 21st Century

ELECTRICAL INNOVATORS CAMPMarch 15

Grades 1-6

Campers will learn the history of electricity and become an electrical innovator in this fast-paced day camp.


INTRODUCTION TO LEGO MINDSTORMMarch 31, 1 - 3 P.M.

Students are introduced to the key concepts of robotics and learn about the Mindstorm hardware, software, and mechanics.

This foundational class teaches the basic skills needed to advance from concept to roving robot.

Cost: Edison Ford members $15 per class or $75 for the series; non-members $25 per class or $125 for the series.

CREATIVE CHEMISTRY CAMPMarch 18-22Grades 1-6

Campers will learn how to use everyday items to conduct amazing experiments. They will learn through different chemical

experiments each day during this week-long camp.



SUMMER 2019

INVENTOR’S SUMMER CAMP

June 3 - August 9, 2019

Join us as science and history come alive in the “living laboratory” of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates!

Camps are off ered for ages 6-8 and 9-12 from 9am - 4pm daily:

JUNE 3 - JUNE 14, 2019 • FANTASTIC FILM MAKERS Future directors and actors will shine in this popular two week camp! Members: $440 • non-members: $495

JUNE 17 - JUNE 21, 2019 • WATER WIZARDRY • Launch water rockets, engineer aquatic vessels, and more in this one week camp. Members: $220 • non-members: $250

JUNE 24 - JULY 3, 2019 • VIDEO GAME DEVELOPERSOver eight days, campers will hone coding skills and create their own video game! Members: $370 • non-members: $400

JULY 8 - JULY 12, 2019 • INVENT IT! • Campers will invent and innovate their way through a variety of challenges in this week-long camp. Members: $220 • non-members: $250

JULY 15 - JULY 19, 2019 • 3-D ART AND DESIGN • Use a 3-D printer and other tools to create art, structures, and other masterpieces! Members: $220 • non-members: $250

JULY 22 - JULY 26, 2019 • RIVER ECOLOGY & CHEMISTRY Test water quality and explore hands-on biology and chemistry in this week-long camp! Members: $220 • non-members: $250Co-sponsored by Captains for Clean Water

JULY 29, - AUGUST 9, 2019 • ROVING ROBOTS • Explore the wild world of robotics, mastering mechanics, computer science, electronics, and more. Members: $440 • non-members: $495

Register Today by visiting our website, or contact

Program Register Leeanne Criswell [email protected]

Registration is required. Early drop-off and late pickup are

available for an additional cost.

The school is neither endorsing nor sponsoring this event, product or service nor endorsing

the views of the sponsoring organization.

2350 McGregor Boulevard • Ft. Myers, FL 33901 www.EdisonFord.org


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