Whenever you turn on a light, listen to a recording, or watch a movie, do you ever wonder who made this possible? The answer: Thomas Alva Edison, a prolific inventor who in his lifetime developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world.

Edison, of West Orange, N.J., had a second home in Fort Myers, Fla., next door to automotive innovator Henry Ford. They became friends and a good deal of entertaining and socializing went on in Seminole Lodge, the Edisons’ home. Today Seminole Lodge and all of its dependencies along with Ford’s “The Mangoes” are Florida and National Landmarks and are open for millions to enjoy.

Libby Crawford of Mathews lived for a while in Fort Myers and was a longtime volunteer at the Edison and Ford winter estates, putting in more than 700 hours greeting visitors.

Libby had the opportunity to attend special occasions where food was involved. “It was a very enjoyable time. I first served in the information booth and then became a docent on their big beautiful porch. You met so many interesting people and many of them were second and third time visitors. Special occasions where delicious foods were served were often held on the grounds or in the restored caretaker’s cottage,” she said.

Libby was not only a dedicated docent, she was also a big supporter of the landmarks. Near Seminole Lodge’s front yard sits a comfortable bench for all visitors to enjoy. A plaque reads “Contributed by Margaret “Libby” Crawford in memory of her husband LTC Gordon W. Crawford.”

Edison’s first wife Mary died in 1884 at the age of 28. He remarried, and he and Mina developed the Seminole Lodge property as a winter retreat. In this place he tried to find a domestic source of natural rubber. Mina maintained her role as a loving wife, business confidante and home executive, handling a busy social life, dinner parties and public relations, just as she did at Glenmont, their home in New Jersey. They were always being joined by friends and visitors the world around. 

Although Mina Edison employed a family cook for her entire married life, she had favorite recipes and they were prepared to her specifications. The following are but a few of those served at Seminole Lodge.

Born in 1847, Edison died in 1931. He held 1,093 patents in his name in this country, as well as many patents in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Mina Edison, born in 1865, died in 1947.

According to the cookbook from which these were taken, “The following Edison recipes were written during their lifetime, therefore the directions, measurements and styles of the recipes reflect the period in which they lived and their personal tastes. Because the recipes are original for the times, you will want to read them carefully and experiment liberally.”