Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Edison Caretaker’s House
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
1. Edison Caretaker’s House Marker
Some of the Seminole Lodge Staff
Queenie Adams · J.F. Anderson · Mr. Bassler · Mr. & Mrs. Black · Ellen Carr · Michael & Tina Doyle · James Evans · Harvie Heitman · William Hibble · Henry Horsey · Noah Keen · George Kinze · Fred Ott · Sidney Scarth · Edgar & Mrs. Smith · Frank Stout · Ewald Stuplner · B.E. & Mrs. Tinstman · Eli Thompson · Hans Zeeman
A section of this building was on the grounds when Edison purchased the property in 1885 from cattleman Samuel Summerlin. In developing plans for the Estates, Edison decided to keep the house and to “repair it and use it for the employees.” His improvements to Seminole Lodge in 1903 included the addition of a room, porches and bathroom to the “Summerlin House.” The L-Addition created an apartment for driver Sidney Scarth and family. A tow-bay car garage and tool bay were completed and in use by 1929.
Edison relied on local help, as well as staff sent from his main home in West Orange, New Jersey, to maintain the Estates. Staff was an integral part of the property, corresponding frequently with Mr. and Mrs. Edison about activities in Fort Myers. Staff positions included general agents, caretakers, gardeners, cooks and drivers. (Marker Number #4.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Clara Ford’s Michigan Rose Garden (here, next to this marker); Henry Ford (here, next to this marker); Henry Ford's Florida Estate (here, next to this marker); Edison Caretaker's Yard (here, next to this marker); Fire Control in Edison’s Time... and Today (here, next to this marker); Edison Pier (here, next to this marker); “Why, this will be the finest thing that ever happened to lovely Fort Myers.” (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Myers.
Other markers no longer nearby. Motor Generator (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Edison’s Water Systems (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Edison Pool Complex (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Edison Pool Complex (was here, next to this marker but has been
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
2. Edgar Smith and family c.1920
Also see . . . Edison & Ford Winter Estates. (Submitted on November 6, 2015.)
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
3. Edison Caretaker’s House Marker
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
4. Edison Caretaker’s House
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025
5. Edison Caretaker’s House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 799 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on August 11, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 4, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 5. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
