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
Erected 2018 by Grand Rapids Community Legends Project.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine • Women.
this page online
Location. 42° 58.073′ N, 85° 40.633′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in the SWAN (Southwest Area). It can be reached from the intersection of Pearl Street Northwest and Scribner Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling west. Marker located on the grounds of The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gerald R. Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Legacy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Grand Legacy
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 3, 2021
2. Betty Ford Marker
Also see . . . Betty Ford at Wikipedia. (Submitted on August 3, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 5, 2024
3. Betty Ford Statue
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 8, 2017
4. Betty Ford Marker
Marker is located at the The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3. submitted on August 3, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4. submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
