EDISON ~ FORD ~ THE SABEL PALMS

Thomas Edison, in his later years,
under the Banyan tree that he, along with
Henry Ford planted, in search of ways
to make rubber from plants grown in
America.

Thomas Edison and the first Banyan tree to grow in
the United States.  This is one tree, it takes up
an entire acre here but many take up much more space. The branches grow down to the ground and root themselves, to grow up in what looks like another tree. Very fascinating!

Edison built the first private swimming pool in Florida. It is still in great condition.  He invented a cement that is still being used today.  His mind must have been working overtime-continually. 

His motto ~ so true.

BAMBOO
A resource that is easy to grow, that we do not take advantage of. Bamboo can be made into such an array of items that is it actually mind boggling.  
Why don't we use more of it?
Why don't we use hemp, same story there?

The electric filament Edison invented.
The glass bulb was actually invented by someone else.
Edison's home has the original light fixtures.

The living room in the Edison home.

The kitchen, which I thought was very usable for so long ago.

The wood for Edison's home was brought from the Eastern states. As a result of that, many repairs have had to be made over the years. The furniture is all original, he actually sat on those chairs. 

Henry Ford as he would've walked
through the tropical foilage, near the beach.
Ford bought the house next to Edison's and
vacationed at the beach in Ft. Myers, 
back in the days.
What conversations they must have had!  
Two great, creative minds "chewing the fat!"

Roots of the Banyan tree.

Two of Henry Ford's car still reside in the garage he had built on his property in Ft. Myers.

Quadricycle ~ first gas powered vehicle 
Henry Ford made. 

Ft. Myers ~ city of Palms.
The Sabel Palm is Florida's state tree.
The streets in Ft. Myers are lined with
Sabel Palms, standing like soldiers
guarding the passerbys, the homes,
the stores and the tourists.