Thomas Edison, one of the most famous people of his time, shared his Florida estate with other prominent figures of the day. The purchase of the Guest House in 1906 allowed the Edison family to entertain and house important guests while reserving the Main House for private family use. The Seminole Lodge guest book reflects Edison's status as an international icon, with names such as Forbes, Colgate, Kellogg, Burroughs, Ford, Firestone, and Hoover among its pages. Madeleine Edison, born in 1888, was the oldest child of Thomas Edison and Mina and their only daughter, and her letters and journal entries reveal a keen sense of humor and caustic wit through her playful rules for guests at Seminole Lodge.

Photo: Brandon D Cross

Fort Myers, Florida · USA