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 ...