The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is expanding its education program for children to include a unique workshop which combines history and some of the Edison family traditions at their Winter Estate in Fort Myers.  Etiquette at the Estates include a series of one day (two hour) lessons in timeless etiquette and social skills.

Etiquette runs steep in tradition and one of the first “torchbearers” of etiquette in southwest Florida was Mina Edison, wife of the legendary inventor, Thomas Edison. Historical records in the Edison Archives show that Mina Edison was a gracious hostess and was very interested in the well being of children and the community. She was frequently joined in her community activities by Clara Ford, wife of the equally legendary businessman and inventor, Henry Ford.

 Mimi’s & Mina’s Manners at the Estates (ages 6-12)

Saturdays: October 11;  November 8; December 6;  January 10; February 7; April 4

11AM – 1 PM

Children will gather at the Edison Caretaker’s house for a two-hour lesson in good manners. This class teaches children proper introductions, handshakes, and dining etiquette during a three-course meal. Each student will receive a workbook and certificate of completion. Cost: $40 Estates Members, $50 Non Members.

Registration is required. For more information, or to make your reservation, call 239-334-7419.

Teen Scene at the Estates (Ages 13 – 19)

March 7; 11 AM – 1 PM

Teens will have the opportunity to practice their dining skills while learning proper etiquette of modern “inventions” including email, cell phones and text messaging. Students will also learn the importance of handshakes and good job, dating and other important social skills. Cost: $40 Estates Members, $50 Non Members.

Registration is required. For more information, or to make your reservation, call 239-334-7419.

Generational Tea at the Estates

Saturday, May 9; 2 PM – 4 PM

All generations are cordially invited to savor a quiet moment of tea and accompaniments at the Estates. Participants will learn more about the history of tea, proper etiquette for

preparing, serving and enjoying tea. Hats are encouraged and a prize will be awarded for the best hat representing Mina Edison’s generation. Cost: $40 Estates Members, $50 Non Members.

Registration is required. For more information, or to make your reservation, call 239-334-7419.

Instructor

The classes will be taught by etiquette expert Suzanne Willis who has been teaching similar classes throughout the nation. Ms. Willis is a graduate of the Protocol School of Palm Beach, is a Fort Myers native and former Queen of the Edison pageant of Light. Ms. Willis created her etiquette classes in honor of her grandmother, Florence “Mimi” Black, a resident of Fort Myers for more than 70 years and charismatic member and officer of the early Edison Home Advisory Board. Ms. Willis remembers her grandmother telling her about meeting Mina Edison at the Estates when she was a teenager. Ms. Willis now teaches the classes in her grandmother’s memory.

Registration is required. For more information, or to make your reservation, call 239-334-7419.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is a National Register Historical Site, a Florida Historic Landmark and an Official Project of Save America’s Treasures of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Estates is open daily, year round, 9 AM – 5:30 PM. All participants of “Etiquette at the Estates” will tour of the Estates the day of the class. For more information, please visit www.efwefla.org.

The recent graduates of Mimi’s Manners at The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando had a great time learning manners–and they always enjoy the cuisine created by the talented chefs at The Ritz. The Chef created a delicious tomato soup, a lemon sorbet intermezzo, an entree of glazed chicken with truffle mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables ending with a warm chocolate cake with coffee ice cream laced with chocolate syrup. YUMMY!

The children especially enjoyed their "intermezzo."  They all agreed that it tasted like an ice cream sorbet! The intermezzo is perfect for "cleansing the palate" prior to their entree.  

School may be out for the summer, but class was definitely in session at The Field Club. 

Two manners classes were held at the private club for students ages six through 12 this summer.  The two-hour classes were held in the private dining room where students learned proper handshakes, dining etiquette, writing thank you notes and other important skills that will be beneficial in their personal, social and future professional endeavors.

Pictured below, the students demonstrate handshakes, the "finished position," the proper way to hold utensils, and the all-popular "b" and "d" technique for remembering where your drink glass and bread plate should be placed. 

What a lovely group of well-mannered young ladies and gentlemen!

Mimi’s Manners made the news in MomsMiami.com, a new website from The Miami Herald, created to help parents face a host of challenges and seemingly unanswerable questions about being a parent.

This story informs parents about manners classes their children can take in and around the South Florida area. Click here to see the whole story.

Suzanne Willis teaches etiquette classes at The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove and her students are featured in the cover story.