Edison & Ford Estates

We have been enjoying some sunny days.  It was actually 80 degrees yesterday but today a cold front has come through and it didn't get higher than the mid 60's. 

We went to the Edison & Ford Estates with Dad and Juanita but didn't have as much time as we would have liked and I forgot to take the camera.  It is so close to where we are that we decided to go back.  I remembered the camera and I took pictures.

The largest banyon tree in the United States is there.  Ford gave it to Edison when it was 4 years old and it now takes over about 1 acre of space.  They were hoping the tree would be a good source for rubber but believe it or not the weed goldenrod was a better sourse of latex.

Yes, this is one tree.  It is in the fig family and there are several fig trees on the grounds.  New roots drop from heights in the tree and form the roots that look like trunks.

The homes are beautiful and are built along the Calahatchie River.  It is very peaceful there and I could sit along the river for hours. 

Edison built his home and a mirror image of his home for a good friend.  When the friendship ended over differences in business practices, Mr. Edison purchased the home and used it as additional living quarters for his family and as a guesthouse.  It is a mirror image of Edison's home.  The home was one of the earliest pre-fab homes.  Lumber and other building materials were shipped to Florida and put together on site.

Ford and Edison were very good friends and Mr. Ford loved the area and built his home alongside the Edison Estate so that he had a home to live in when he visited.  Mr. Ford was always in Florida for Mr. Edison's February birthday.

The entire grounds are covered in beautiful flowers and trees.  Many tropical plants are there.  Mrs. Edison loved orchids and had several orchids growing on the tree trunks.  Orchids do not need soil to grow.  Because it is winter there were few blooming but it must be beautiful during the spring and summer.

All of the walkways are made of crushed sea shells.  They are so pretty.  We really enjoyed our day.

More adventures to come.