SWAN (Southwest Area) in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Betty Ford
Born: April 8, 1918 - Died: July 8, 2011
— Betty Ford was the First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977 —
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 3, 2021
1. Betty Ford Marker
Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Bloomer was born in Chicago and raised in Grand Rapids. She became an accomplished dancer and was fashion coordinator for Herpolsheimer's Department Store. On October 15, 1948, she married Gerald R. Ford. Together they had four children: Michael, Jack, Steven, and Susan.
Gerald Ford served as a Michigan congressman for twenty five years. Then, on August 9, 1974, he became President of the United States, and Betty became the nation's First Lady. As First Lady, she openly discussed her personal battle with breast cancer and raised the nation's consciousness on women's rights. She later became a strong advocate for treatments for cancer and chemical dependencies.
After the Fords left the White House in 1977, Betty remained a selfless leader on a number of issues and continued her dedication to public service and humanitarian efforts.
"Being ladylike does not require silence."
Betty Ford
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine • Women. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #38 Gerald R. Ford, Jr. series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 14, 1948.
Location. 42° 58.068′ N, 85° 40.632′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gerald R. Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); Final Resting Place of Gerald R. Ford (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grand River Bridges (about 500 feet away); First Baptist Mission Station (about 600 feet away); German-English Schoolhouse (about 600 feet away); Furniture Industry (about 700 feet away); Log Jam of 1883 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Great Flood of 1904 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 3, 2021
2. Betty Ford Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 8, 2017
3. Betty Ford Marker
Marker is located at the The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
