The Great Banyan Tree, Thomas A. Edison Winter Home, Ft. Myers, Fla.

Banyan Tree (Ficus Bengalensis)

Ft. Myers January 29, 1957

Hello Rhea?

Wish you could be here with us.  We are going to the beach to-day.  Just like summer.  What is going on up there any way. 

As ever,

Frank?

Palm N Trailertown

% Bannett

Ft. Myers, Fl

Mrs. Rhea Thomas

210 Pearl St.

Burlington, Vermont

Given to Mr. Edison by Harry Firestone in 1925.  It was brought over from India, growing in a butter tub and was 2” in diameter at that time.  Now over 90 feet in diameter around the trunk.

So basically, some old rich white guy brought an invasive species to his friend, also some old rich white guy, where it thrived.  Now it’s a tourist landmark on the grounds of the supermassive estates where people that live in tiny sheet metal boxes pay money  to see it.  What is going on down there anyway, Frank?

Palm N Trailertown is still listed as an existing trailerpark in Ft. Myers, one of many in the vicinity.

Burlington, Vermont is the largest city in Vermont with a little over 200,000 people, about one third of the population of the entire state.


A Miss Rhea Thomas is mentioned in an archived obituary for a Floyd Thomas, her brother who sided in 1949 at the age of 58.  The house at 210 Pearl Street has been converted into apartments, but is historic enough to be featured on this University of Vermont history website, which states the residence was built in 1885 by a George D. Wright.