Motor Generator

After Thomas Edison arrived in Fort Myers, he used a variety of equipment over the decades to electrify his estate. Edison and Ezra Gilliland personally supervised installation of the first electric dynamo, or generator, in April 1887, powered by a coal-fired steam boiler. By 1888, the necessary electrical devices were at his laboratory, leaving only poles and wires to be put up. Edison left Fort Myers in May 1887 and did not return until 1901, but the boiler and dynamo continued operating lights and water pumps for about 25 years, running only when needed. Records of major boiler repairs in 1906 and 1910 indicate the estate continued using Edison's local direct current power for almost 25 years even after Fort Myers had its first alternating current electric plant in 1898. By 1919, the dynamos that powered the estate's lamps were removed and shipped to West Orange, New Jersey, and electric bills first appearing in 1918 confirm the estate had finally been converted from direct current to alternating current supplied by the local power company. Part of the power generating system was located inside the original Edison laboratory, and Edison's 36-foot electric launch Reliance was powered by nickel iron alkaline batteries recharged by a generator.

Fort Myers, Florida · United States