Many enjoyable evenings were spent on the expanded verandahs discussing inventions and the world in general. In this time period, yet another famous American joined the group. Harvey Firestone became friends with both, and soon the three were actively discussing the economy of the nation. 1918 saw the end of the First World War during which, knowledge that world economy could be drastically interrupted had been driven home. This was of serious concern for both Ford, who needed rubber tires, and Firestone who produced them. There was no rubber to be had in the U.S. Edison became fascinated by the challenge to produce rubber from products available in the U.S. To this end he created the Edison Botanic Research Corporation as an institute to find a suitable replacement for the South American, and Asian product. Convinced that rubber could be produced from other than rubber trees, Edison began importing hundreds of trees which he systematically planted around his winter home. Most of these trees are still growing in their original locations. In 1925, Harvey Firestone, looking for an unusual gift, gave Edison a Banyan Tree. This spreading plant sends out streamers from its upper branches which, when coming in contact with the ground form another tree trunk. The tree still stands at the entrance to the Estate and now covers some 400 feet in circumference. Edison would eventually develop a rubber product from of all things, the Goldenrod plant. By developing hybrids, he was able to produce a plant that was over 12 feet high. Even so, technology had passed him by. By the time he had perfected the process, a cheaper, more efficient product had been created elsewhere and Edison's process never saw production. In 1929, President-elect Hoover attended Edison's birthday, along with his old friends, Harvey Firestone and Henry Ford. It would be his last great meeting. Edison died in October of 1931. His wife donated Seminole Lodge to the City of Fort Myers. The city would later purchase the Ford home next door, restoring both building to their original glory. The houses and grounds are spectacular but access is restricted. Guide led groups are taken along the paths to the various homes. Leaving the path is not permitted even to get a close up picture of one of the strange and beautiful trees or flowers. The houses are closed to all. The wide verandahs are as close as you get. Pictures are taken through the outer windows. The guide was good, keeping up a running commentary on life as it was for the Edisons and Fords. The old cars are immaculately preserved. The only access to a building came with the tour of the Edison's old laboratory which contained many of the neat inventions credited to him. The museum at the visitors center is, of course, open to all. Here we found a docent in the portrayal of Harvey Freestone giving instructions on how best to care for the tires on your automobile. The Museum contained more memorabilia and lots of old photographs of the men and the times. The attraction is great for the common visitor, and promises to be quite frustrating to horticulturists. The story line is a great one and of course a wonderful piece of American history.

For more information about this adventure check out
www.edison-ford-estate.com

*** THE END ***