Named the 20th century “Man of the Millennium” by LIFE Magazine, Thomas Alva Edison is best known for perfecting a commercially viable incandescent light bulb. He was also a newspaper printer, telegrapher, inventor, businessman, boss, husband, father and friend. During his career, Edison was awarded 1,093 United States patents and is the only person granted a patent every year for 65 consecutive years. His purpose for invention was to “transform middle class life.” He discovered many commercial applications for ordinary materials and agricultural products. Although his favorite invention was the phonograph, his work spanned improvements to the telegraph, light bulb, generator and motors, movie-making, batteries, cement, and a domestic source of rubber, one of his primary research focuses in southwest Florida. From his first visit in 1885 to his last stay in Fort Myers in 1931, Edison created an estate that included areas for his research as well as family and social activities. His love of Florida included fishing, boating, reading, trips to town, and exploring the tropical paradise he affectionately called his “Eden.” He said that “there is only one Fort Myers and soon 90 million Americans will discover it,” a prediction reflected in the thousands of national, international and Florida residents who visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates every year.

Photo: Anonymous

Photo: Sandra Hughes

Photo: Sandra Hughes

Photo: Sandra Hughes

Photo: Sandra Hughes

Photo: Sandra Hughes

Photo: Sandra Hughes

Photo: Sandra Hughes

Photo: Sandra Hughes

Photo: Sandra Hughes

Fort Myers, Florida · USA