Take time to appreciate history in Fort Myers this Memorial Day (2024)

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Weekly News May 24, 2024

Open on Memorial Day
May 27, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

We will be open our regular hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Memorial Day!
Take some time to remember and reflect on how beautiful our communities are and take a
little venture to a historical spot near beautiful, sunny Downtown Fort Myers. We hope to
see you soon!

The Caloosahatchee Bridge (US 41/Cleveland Ave.) will be closed for approximately
10 weeks starting May 31. The bridge closure does not affect Edison and Ford Win-
ter Estates, which will be open regular hours during the bridge work. Visitors com-
ing from North Fort Myers can take the Edison Bridge or Interstate 75 to cross the
Caloosahatchee into the City of Fort Myers.

Upcoming Events

Farmers Market
Every Friday in June and July
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Make shopping more pleasant in the surroundings of a beautiful town jewel! Choose from
fresh produce and other items, get something to eat and drink, listen to music, and stroll
through the wildflower and Bromeliad gardens. Plus, there will be fruit trees, herbs and
flowering plants available for sale in the Garden Shoppe.

The Farmers Market is a free event with free parking (does not include admission
to the museum, laboratory or riverside of the property).

Open Summer Camp Sessions

Fundamental Physics Summer Camp
June 10-14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spotsopen for Grades 3-5
Build up your knowledge of the things that compose our world! From the sound
waves of the phonograph to the mystery of light in a bulb, this camp explores the
wild world of physics. Campers will learn how to amaze as they conduct experi-
ments and learn about the world around us. Advance registration is required.

Become a MEMBER and get unlimited free visits, discounts on
purchases in the Garden Shoppe, retail stores, special events and
adult education classes!Join today!

Ongoing Programs

Piano Performance
Takes place every Wednesday
1 p.m.

Share intraditions of the past with Curatorial Registrar, Chet, as he per-
forms onMina Edison’s 1932 George Steck piano in theguest house.

Included with admission.

Step into History Presentations
Tuesdays and Thursdays
10:30a.m. and 2 p.m.

Each week, Edison Ford Historians present an in-depth look at a topic related
to our site. This program is held in the 15,000-square-foot museum.Included
with admission.

Yoga by the River
Mondays and Wednesdaysat 10 a.m.

Class will be held in the River Pavilion (weather permitting). All skill levels are
welcome. This class is taught by Bonnie D’Angelo, a certified yoga instructor.

Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $20 per class. Tickets may be purchased
onlineor at the ticket counter. Bring a yoga mat, water, and towel. Admission to the
site is not included.

Art in the Gardens
Open through May 26

Peruse students’ artworkin theArt in the Gardens exhibit! The theme this year is
“Art on Wheels.”There is no charge to view this exhibit. It is located in the Garden
Shoppe area, next to the museum porch.

Help restore our beautiful gardens.Donate today!

What’s Blooming

Crepe Myrtle

The branches of the Crepe Myrtle, lagerstomemia indica, are coveredwith bright flowers!
It is native toChina, Japan, and other parts of Southeast Asia. This unique plant comes in
a range ofsizes, from dwarf varieties that reach less than four feet to varieties that grow
more than 20 feet. In May through the fall, this garden gem will produce large clusters of
purple, lavender, white, pink, and red flowers that form along the tips of its branches. The
tree derives its common name from its crepe-like, crinkled petals and leaves that are simi-
lar to the true myrtle, Myrtus communis. After the tree blooms, round, half-inch fruits will
form that will remain throughout the winter months. Visitors can find this tree throughout
the botanical gardens.

Apple Blossom Shower Tree

The Apple Blossom Shower tree, Cassia javanica, is spread with belts of bright pink!
It is native toSoutheast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia and reachesheights between 35
to 45 feet. In April and May, this garden gem will produce clusters of flowers, ranging
from pale red to dark red that extend along its branches. After the blooms form, long,
cylindrical brown seed pods will begin to emerge. The flowers are complemented by
compound leaves that contain 5-12 round leaflets. For best growth, plant this tree in
well-draining soils in areas that receivedirect sunlight. Its wood is used for building
poles, carpentry, and light construction. Visitors can find the Apple Blossom Shower
Tree on the street side of the Ford property.

On This Day in History

Edison Storage Battery Company Established

On May 27, 1901, Edison organized the Edison Storage Battery Company. It was organized
to develop, manufacture and sell Edison’s alkaline storage battery. It produced batteries for
mining lamps, train lighting and signaling, submarines, electric vehicles and other uses. The
company had its own research department and sales force, but it also sold batteries through
separate sales companies, including the Edison Storage Battery Supply Company and Miller
Reese Hutchinson, Inc. On June 30, 1932, the company ended its legal existence and became
the storage battery division of Thomas A. Edison, Inc. The division was sold to the Electric
Storage Battery Company (now Exide Technologies) on July 20, 1960.

Edison was intrigued with chemical batteries since childhood and one of the first people to
try designing consumer-friendly batteries in connection with his electric pen copying sys-
tem and electric phonograph. He made important improvements in primary battery design,
notably the Edison-Lalande cell. He investigated the development storage batteries with
alkaline electrolytes for use in automobiles. It took him a decade to develop a viable iron-
nickel battery, and by that time, automobiles powered by internal combustion engines be-
came dominant in the market. Edison later found use for his battery in railroad systems,
power plants, and miner’s lamps, resulting in it becoming his most profitable invention.

Our mailing address is:
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901

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