Madison Area in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home / President Gerald R. Ford

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 4, 2021

1. Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home / President Gerald R. Ford Marker

Side 1

Inscription.
Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home Gerald R. Ford, the thirty-eighth president of the U.S., lived here from age 8 to 17 (1921-1930). Of all his boyhood homes, Ford remembered this one most vividly. In his autobiography, Ford recalled that he and his friends used the garage behind the house as a social club. “We learned to play penny-ante poker . . . it was a great hideaway because my parents wouldn’t climb the ladder to get to the second floor--or so I thought.” Ford served Grand Rapids in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1949-1973.

President Gerald R. Ford In 1973 President Richard M. Nixon nominated Congressman Gerald R. Ford vice president. He was confirmed by a vote of the House and Senate. Upon Nixon’s resignation in 1974 because of Watergate, Ford ascended to the presidency. At his inauguration Ford said, “My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule.” Ford ran for reelection in 1976, and was narrowly defeated by Jimmy Carter.

Erected 1995 by Bureau of Michigan History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S648.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics

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. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #38 Gerald R. Ford, Jr., and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 42° 57.034′ N, 85° 39.252′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in the Madison Area. Marker is on Union Avenue Southeast, 0.1 miles north of Thomas Street Southeast, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 649 Union Ave, Grand Rapids MI 49503, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Andrew's Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); May House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Castle (approx. 0.6 miles away); Voigt House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Bishop Frederic Baraga (approx. 0.8 miles away); Catholic Central High School (approx. 0.8 miles away); Saint Andrew School Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Boy Scout Troop 15 / Eagle Scout Gerald "Junior" Ford (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Additional commentary.
1. National Register of Historic Places
President Gerald R. Ford, Jr. Boyhood Home

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 4, 2021

2. Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home / President Gerald R. Ford Marker

Side 2

was added to the NRHP on February 27, 1995

— Submitted July 6, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 4, 2021

3. Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home / President Gerald R. Ford Marker

Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 4, 2021

4. Gerald R. Ford Boyhood Home

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 406 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.