The Wizard of Menlo Park
Friday, August 1, 2025
“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
Last week, while Deanna and I were away for a few days celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary, we decided to visit the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford in North Fort Myers. Actually, I hinted that I would like to go… and Deanna was kind enough to agree.
Thomas Edison, who received 1,093 patents for his many inventions that included the phonograph, the motion picture, and the electric light bulb, purchased 13 acres of land along the Caloosahatchee River for $2,750 in 1885 and had a prefabricated house shipped there the following year. Edison spent every winter at the “Seminole Lodge” until his death in 1931.
Meanwhile, his close friend and former employee Henry Ford bought the adjacent property in 1916 and dubbed it “The Mangoes”. Among the visitors to the Edison and Ford homes were such luminaries as Herbert Hoover and Harvey Firestone.
Here are some more words of wisdom passed down from these two giants of industry and innovation…
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” – T.E.
“There are no rules here -- we're trying to accomplish something.” – T.E.
“Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” – T.E.
“We often miss opportunity because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – T.E.
“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – T.E.
“Don't find fault, find a remedy.” – H. F.
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – H.F.
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – H.F.
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
