Edison and Ford Winter Estates Post-Hurricane Update

October 7, 2022

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Post-Hurricane Update

FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 7, 2022) — Employees at Edison and Ford Winter Estates are clearing debris from the 20-acre site, removing downed trees, and assessing any possible damage. The historic homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford have weathered another storm

and are in great condition. The property had some flooding, but because the homes are elevated, they escaped the rising water.

All of the structures are being inspected for any possible damage. While the historic homes are in great condition, some of the other structures did sustain damage. The Ford Cottage Shoppe (the gift shop that was once Henry Ford’s caretaker’s home) sustained some roof damage, the swimming pool tea house structure and sistern have some structural damage, the Edison caretaker’s house and the Edison study had some flooding, and the “block house,” which is not a historic structure has roof damage. These structures will be repaired.

The museum, which is filled with hundreds of artifacts is also in great condition. Additional

Edison Ford employees take a break from raking debris (top photo in front of Edison’s study and bottom photo at the welcome booth).

artifacts are kept in the Southwest Florida Water Management District building and they are also unharmed. Electricity has been restored

to the site and the air conditioning is on in the museum.

The gardens bore the brunt of the hurricane-force winds and storm surge. Edison Ford horticulturists are assessing which uprooted trees can be propped upright and staked. The iconic Banyan and Mysore Fig trees survived.

The site is expected to partially open on October 29 for the new Fall Festival. This family-friendly event will take place on the museum side of the property from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to shop craft vendor booths, purchase something to eat and drink from the food trucks, and listen to music. Parking is free and there is no charge to attend the festival.

Several activities will take place during the Fall Festival, including the Banyan Tree Climb, which is sponsored by FNGLA ($45 for non-members; $35 for Edison Ford members); pre-registration is encouraged as space fills up quickly. There will also be a pumpkin patch (cash preferred to purchase pumpkins) with the option to paint the pumpkins, along with kid-friendly axe throwing, archery, face painting, balloon art, fairy hair, and science experiments (additional fee for each vendor).

Educational programs that were scheduled for October are being postponed. New class dates will be posted on the website and on Facebook @EdisonFordFL.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to not have personal losses and would like to help restore the gardens, may make a donation through the website at EdisonFord.org.