Facts about President Ford

Gerald R. Ford - Facts and Favorites
Note: Information drawn from Gerald R. Ford Library staff knowledge and the Library's Vertical File.

Born: July 14, 1913, Omaha, Nebraska.
Moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1914.
Ancestry: English
Religion: Episcopalian

Grade Schools:Madison Elementary School; East Grand Rapids Elementary School. Boy Scouts: Attained rank of Eagle Scout. High School:Grand Rapids South High School, Class of 1931. Member of National Honor Society, Varsity Letter Club, Glee Club, Student Council, Latin Club and Hi-Y (High School YMCA). Participated in football, basketball, and track. Earned all-city and all-state honors in football.
College:University of Michigan, Class of 1935. Majored in economics and political science. Member of Michigamua (senior men's honor society), Sphinx (junior men's honor society), Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, Interfraternity Council, and Student Council. Played center and linebacker on U-M football team. Started at center and named team MVP in senior year. Played in East-West College All-Star game and Chicago Tribune College All-Star game. Did not earn All-America honors as popularly believed. Received contract offers from the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions (which Ford turned down in favor of law school).

Assorted Summer and Miscellaneous Jobs: Filled and cleaned paint cans in family paint business; mowed lawns; handled concessions at an amusement park; washed dishes and grilled hamburgers in a restaurant; Park Ranger, Yellowstone National Park; washed dishes in college fraternity house.

Law School:Yale University Law School, Class of 1941. Member of Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. Served as assistant football coach and freshman boxing coach.

Occupation: Attorney.

Military Service: During attack on Pearl Harbor Gerald Ford was in Grand Rapids working as an attorney. He joined the US Navy in 1942 and remained on active duty until 1946. Ford served aboard the USS Monterey and was discharged with the rank of Lt. Commander. He remained in the Naval Reserves until 1963.

Marriage: Elizabeth Bloomer Warren (b. April 8, 1918), October 15, 1948.

Children: Michael Gerald (b. March 14, 1950), John (Jack) Gardner (b. March 16, 1952, Steven Meigs (b. May 19, 1956), Susan Elizabeth (b. July 6, 1957).

Congress: Served Grand Rapids and Kent County in United States House of Representatives, 1949-1973. House Minority Leader, 1965-1973.

Vice President: Succeeded Spiro Agnew as Richard Nixon's Vice President following Agnew's resignation. Confirmed on December 6, 1973.

President: Sworn-in as President (at the age of 61 years, 26 days) following Richard Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974. Selected Nelson Rockefeller as his Vice President. Left office on January 20, 1977, following general election loss to Jimmy Carter.

Presidential Pets: Liberty, Golden Retriever; Misty, Golden Retriever (Liberty's off-spring); Shan Shein, Siamese Cat.