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President - Personal Home - Vail
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4520828
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President - Personal Home - Vail
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Philip W. Buchen Files
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The original documents are located in Box 50, folder "President - Personal Home - Vail" of
the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 50 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
President
September 4, 1974
summer
home
Vail
Dear Mr. Lacy:
The President has asked me to thank you in his
behalf for your letter regarding Silverheels Lodge.
As you may know, the President and Mrs. Ford
own a condominium in Vail. Therefore, it would
not seem appropriate to sook the use of other
facilities for holidays in Colorado.
However, the President does appreciate very
much your thoughtful and generous offer.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Joe M. Lacy
President, JMC CO.
P.O. Drawer 17-G
T.A. Deaver, Colorado 80217
FORD is 03RA70 LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Mr. Rustand -
This is an offer of Silverheels Lodge
in Colorado as a "Winter White House"
Who could handle this for us?
MR
Mary R
Phel Bucher
GENAL <. FORD LIBRARY
JMC®
August 19, 1974
AUG 26 1974
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
PRONTMENT
OFFICE
Dear Mr. President:
Those of us who are fortunate enough to have homes in Colorado's magnificent
ski country understand full well your love for this area, and your desire to
spend as much time as the crushing duties of the Presidency will allow. We hope
that the suggestion we make by this letter will help you enjoy more time in the
Colorado ski areas than might not otherwise be possible.
Our company owns Silverheels Lodge, a 12-bedroom seminar facility built in 1970.
(The enclosed folder presents a good picture of the Lodge and its appointments.)
It is 64 miles from Denver near Lake Dillon and only 40 minutes by highway to
Vail. The Lodge is 12-25 minutes away from Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone,
Arapahoe Basin, and Loveland ski areas.
Its particular location in the Wildernest Subdivision, which itself is fully
surrounded by National Forest, is such that adjoining open space provides a
buffer between other Wildernest condominium projects and the Lodge, thus making
the security precautions that are so necessary quite feasible.
The availability of major new telephone facilities in the Dillon area, as well as
all underground utilities which are fully operational to serve this area, also
contribute to its potential as a "Winter White House."
We would be pleased to make the Lodge available for your exclusive use at any
time and for as long as you desire. To this end we would welcome visits by mem-
bers of your staff and others you would like to look over this mountain retreat
as our guests.
We hope they can schedule a visit soon so that appropriate arrangements can be
made for the Lodge to be available for the use of your family, staff and guests
as soon as the snow flies in November. We are anxious to be of service.
Respectfully yours,
Joe M.Lacy
FORD
President
LIBRARY
Enclosure
President
Home-
September 17, 1974
Vail Colo,
Dear Mr. Palmer:
Your very kind letter of September 4th to
the President vas referred to me for answer.
Thank you very such for suggesting your
home in Vail for the First Family. Unfortunately,
it is not possible for the President to accept
your generous offer. Nevever, your thought-
fulness is greatly appreciated.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Bud Palmer
Aven, Colorade
81620
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Palmer
17 philip Buchen
Avon, Colorado
81620
303-827-5777
September 4, 1974
President Gerald Ford
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President:
It was a great pleasure meeting you on Vail's
ski slopes last winter, and my entire family-wife Daisy and four
children-congratulate you on your ascendancy to the Presidency;
we all wish you every success in these difficult times.
There has been much publicity and conjecture
concerning your winter skiing plans, and rumors of security
problems with your Vail apartment. At the family dinner last
night, it was suggested that perhaps to alleviate the situation,
while you and your family are in Vail, we swap our house for
your apartment. I'm positive that by now, you have received
many similar offers.
As we are located some seven miles west of
Vail, you might enjoy the seclusion. Our house has three bed-
rooms and three baths; on the lower level, there is also a
playroom and bath that can easily sleep three more the
hangout for my son and his pals. We also have a pool constructed
for laps-36 feet by 10 feet, a sauna, and a steam room. Since
my wife and I designed the house, we feel that its most unique.
Having worked for seven and a half years as
former Mayor John Lindsay's protocol officer, I have some know-
ledge of security; I feel that Secret Service would be quite
satisfied with the location and construction of the house.
Should you and Mrs. Ford be interested, have
anyone of your choice come out and take a look.
Sincerely, Bud Palmer
FORD
LIBRARY
President
September 20, 1974
Home
Vail
Dear Ms. Frank:
Thank you very much for your letter of
September 3. 1974 to the President concerning
a possible location for a Colorado White House.
The President has asked me to respond to your
kind offer.
At this time President Ford has ao plans to
create a Colorado White House. Your offer
is very thoughtful, however, and should this
project be considered, please be assured that
it will be given appropriate attention.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Ms. Mary K. Frank
Abscus Ranch
Post Office Box 308
Snowmass, Colorado 81654
UKD
LIBRARY
ABACUS RANCH
September 3, 1974
President Gerald R. Ford
President of the United States of America
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing today to offer a possible location for your
Colorado White House. I am not a landlord by profession, rather
a rancher, and I have recently purchased a 510 acre ranch, which
adjoins my 320 acre Thoroughbred breeding farm, Abacus Ranch,
described in the enclosed magazine article. I intend to enlarge
my ranching operation with the new acreage.
In addition to hay fields, the new property includes a
housing complex that I would be very happy to lease to you for
your working and vacationing pleasure. The complex is not pre-
tentious, but very comfortable, very private, and very secure.
In fact, it is so unique, that I truly believe it is ideal for
your needs in the next two and one-half to six and one-half years!
The ranch is situated between Aspen and Glenwood Springs
within easy flying distance of your favorite resort, Vail. It
lies up the Capital Creek Valley on a dead end road, 4 miles from
the Village of Old Snowmass. The houses sit on a knoll above hay
fields, with views of the magnificent Elk Mountain Range and Snow-
mass Wilderness Area. There ,is flat ground available for a heli-
port. The Grand Junction jetport is only 30 minutes away by air.
I have enclosed a brochure which describes the new ranch
in detail; it was prepared when the property was for sale last
year. I have just completed a 2,500 foot extension of my spring
fed water supply onto it. The houses have just been completely
refurbished; including plumbing, wiring, and painting, with the
intention of renting. As this work has just been completed, it
has not yet been advertised. But the complex is vacant and ready
for immediate occupancy.
I would be happy to show you and Mrs. Ford, or your
representative the property. I would consider it a great pleasure
to share this beautiful valley with you and your family.
I give you Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower's name as a personal
reference, as President Eisenhower was my father's Adjutant in
Panama many years ago. I am sending Mrs. Eisenhower a copy of
this letter.
Mary Mary Sincerely, K. Frank
LIBRARY
MKF:js
encls.
Pres. Vail
Mrs. Russell S. Strickland
Box 1376
Pinehurst, North Carolina 28374
919 2955343
September 23, 1974
Mr. Philip Suchen
Office of the Legal Counsel
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Phill:
From me to thee the Class of 1939 LSA
sends congratulations and best wishes
for the exciting years ahead. I do hope
you Have received notices of our 35th Reunion
(October 25 and 26) and the special word from
Bob Canning representing The Tribe.
I would rather imagine your schedule will
preclude your presence but I do hope you
might find it possible to write a little
note which I could read at the banquet.
And if such a leter night include a 'Presidential
Postscript" you just KNOW how thrilled we
would be.
Russ and I had hoped to see Gerry when he
was here but just could not seem to get to
him. We had thought we would wend our way
to the Speakers Table after the banquet but
by
Answending
9/30
31
BERALD LIBRARY
FORD GERALD LIBRARY
Presidential protocol evidently calls for
departure in advance of the guests. I had
left a little note in his box at the Pinehurst
Hotel to welcome him for I falt quite sure he
would remember Russ from Republican affairs
in Detroit and ne--for having gotten me all those
great Yale dates the summer of 1939 in New York!
We have been in Pinehurst four years now and
love it. Early retirement WES a goal achieved.
Ue also have 3 condominium in Vail-and look
right across the road into the Ford's front
window. Us expect to have a family reunion at
Christmastime there, too, since OUT young people
have all ventured west Kent to IBM in San
Francisco, John to the First National Bank in
Chicago, and Sherry and Craig ( married daughter)
to Seattle. She, incidentally is a paralegal
having taken the course from the Institute in
Philadelphia following graduation and a Mastérs
from Michigen. Her husband is with the NLRB.
They are our pipeline to your profession and I
must say, the paralagel field is a most fas-
cinating career oportunity for a woman today.
But--enough of this chit chat for a busy man.
Bould love to hear from you before October 20
when I shall be leaving eerly for a visit with
my mother in Detroit.
Sincerely,
narces (Connell) Struchland
Presideno
Home
vail
September 23, 1974
Dear Mr. Schorsch:
Thank you very much for your letter of September 5th to the President
concerning the possibility of his purchasing a condominium apartment
in the Hilton Inn at Vall. As you know, the President already owns
a condominium at Vall. I do not believe he is looking for a new
condominum to purchase. However, please be assured that if he does
become interested in doing so, you will be contacted.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. James Schersch
Director of Sales
Hilton Inn
Post Office Drawer 1928
Vall, Colorado 81657
FORD is LIBRARY 07V830
H
HILTON INN
P.O. Drawer 1928
Vail, Colorado 81657
(303) 476-2180
September 5, 1974
Gerald R. Ford
President of the United States
Attention: Mr. Buchen
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
The HILTON INN at VAIL is pleased to announce that we have recently offered for
sale nineteen (19) condominium apartments, which are located on the sixth and
seventh floors of our new building. Currently, none of these apartments have
been purchased, affording a prospective buyer a variety of choices and views.
Our building is located in a green belt area between the Vail Village and Lionshead/
Vail Village. There is no other building immediately adjacent to our facilities. We
believe that we can offer superb privacy and security to the President's family and
guests.
We are a full-service hotel with an enclosed swimming pool, complete health facilities
and underground parking. Elevator service is available from the parking level to
the condominium apartments. Room service is also available from our coffee shop
menu or from the many selections offered in our gourmet dining room.
We would appreciate the opportunity of showing these unique apartments. Please
feel free to contact me for additional information.
Sincerely,
HILTON INN at VAIL
Schul
James Schorsch
Director of Sales
JS/sn
President
Home
Unit
September 30, 1974
Dear Mrs. Mundt:
Thank you for your letter of September twenty-fourth,
concerning a possible site for the summer White House.
I do appreciate the time you have taken to set forth in
detail the attractions of Burt Lake. Unfortunately, it
is premature at this time for the President to consider
purchasing any property for such a use.
Please be assured that your brochure will be kept on
record if the President should become interested.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Eleanora Mundt
Mundt Realty
2303 Mundt Read
Brutus, Michigan 49716
R.
FORD
MUNDT REALTY
STATEM
SUMMER
Appraisals = Real Estate
Telephone 529-6208
"OFFICE ON BURT LAKE"
BRUTUS RT. 1, MICHIGAN 49716
September 24, 1974
Phil Buchen, Esq.
The White House
Washington, D. C.
RE: POSSIBLE SITE FOR SUMMER WHITE HOUSE. REFERRED TO YOU BY SENATOR GRIFFIN.
Dear Mr Buchen;
Senator Griffin's office has advised that we should send to you the enclosed information
on a property that is available and very suitable, for consideration as a possible site
for a Summer White House. If you would like to check with Senator Griffin's office, this
referral came about through a telephone call from Mrs Marie Alm of Petoskey, Mich. to the
Senators office, informing him the former Reynolds Estate on Burt Lake is now For Sale,
and would make an excellent Summer White House, The Senator told Mrs Alm to have us send
full particulars on the property to you. The present owner recently moved to Florida and
our Mundt Realty is the exclusive agent for the property.
There is approximately 25 acres in the property, with 1124 feet of lake front on Burt
Lake. The property is beautifully wooded, is so deep that none of the buildings are visible
from the County Road, and 7 acres across the road are also included in the sale. The
President could have full and complete privacy. I am enclosing a plat, with the property
that is for sale outlined in red, and with location of the buildings drawn in.
The property is excellently located, it is the very tip of exclusive Indian Point (also
known as Colonial Point) 6 miles East of Brutus and U.S. Highway 31, just 10 miles from
Emmet County jet airport at Pellston, 14 miles from the major ski resorts of Nubs Nob and
Boyne Highlands, 20 miles from Petoskey with its well known summer shops and the famous
Burns Clinic and Hospital facility. There are 3 excellent golf courses within 20 miles,
(the course at Boyne Highlands is outstanding.) I am enclosing a map, locating the Estate
on the Point in Burt Lake, and marking for you the airport, Boyne Highlands, etc.
The main residence is a beautiful year round home, with approximately 5500 sq ft of
living area, and has 7 bedrooms, 5/2 baths and 3 fireplaces. A large guest house "The Oaks"
is a complete home with 5 bedrooms, 21/2 baths. Both houses are furnished. The grounds are
beautifully landscaped and there is a tennis court and a large marina. The enclosed
folder has photos of the main residence and detailed information on room sizes of both
houses. Also information on the other buildings that are on the premises.
The full price is $400,000. This includes all the personal property such as sho-mobiles,
boats, trail bikes, 4-wheel drive Scout, etc.
The property has an insured title.
If you, or some other representative of the President, would like to fly up and examine
the property, we would be glad to meet you at the airport at Pellston.
Foping to hear from you in the near future.
Sincerely
W
(heme) Pres- Vail
October 4, 1974
Dear Mrs. Faulkner:
Thank you for your recent letter inquiring
into the possibility of leasing the President's
condominium at Vail, Colorado.
Unfortunately, the President's condemisium
is not available for rent to the public and,
therefore, I am unable to assist you in this
matter.
Sincerely,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. T. O. Faulkner
1624 Baltimore Terrace
Manhattan, Kansas 66502
BERAIL R. FORD
LISTARY
Dear President ford-
I restize how.presumptions it
have a problem in but home- ONE
of me to write you, hit WE ac
mack Smaller than any of yours-
hit a large IRE tous-
placted to 5 tay in Valil had work
Our 20 year ala daughter has
this first college SENASTER and
my hus rand and I along 13 with
our 18 year ala son and year
old Son would like to spead
Christmas with 19R and Ski.
Condominiums are impossible to
find and where taeg and avail-
alle, comm and a prohibitite
frice. Hould yours, by some
strange chance, 12 available
to laase? What k
request 14 president I know.
my family all AAE. rolling with
laughter it my auddity, het
it doesn't hurt to at teast ask-
PLEASE prgive my MEAN for
l know you he he many impor-
that issues can fronting you, het
ore do So radly want to HE
8.
e.g.
together- fixerrely,
MAS, 2.Q faultner
LIBRARY
1624 Dar-
Mankattan, Kansas
Pres -
October 8, 1974
Home
summer -Val
Dear Mr. Colburn:
Thank you for your letter of August fifteenth,
concerning a possible site for a Presidential
home.
I do appreciate the time you have taken to set
forth in detail the attractions of this location
in Wayland. Unfortunately, it is premature at
this time for the President to consider purchas-
fng any property for such a use.
Please be assured that your letter will be kept
on record If the President should become
interested.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. John M. Colburn
Square Real Estate, Inc.
4270 Plainfield Avenue, N.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505
PWB:em
FORD is 037470 LIBRARY
Phone (616) 361-731
SQUARE REAL ESTATE, Inc
4270 PLAINFIELD AVENUE. N.E. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49505
R
REALTOR
(ACROSS FROM NORTH KENT MALL)
Founded 1940
August 15, 1974
Real Estate
Counselors
Commercial
Phil Developers Industrial Buchen
President Gerald Ford
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20013
Dear President Ford:
I would like to inform you of an excellent property that we have
for sale. This property is ideally located for a Presidential home.
It is secluded in the small community of Wayland on 40 acres of land
at the end of a dead end street.
The building has over 7,000 square feet of space (built as a single
family home). It has five bedrooms, an apartment which has one bedroom,
and a study that could be used as a bedroom. The home has two living
rooms (plus one in the apartment), a full formal dining room, a massive
kitchen on the main floor, and two kitchens on the first floor. The
home has a total of six and a half baths.
There are many other features which make this home adaptable as
an escape from the pressure of your high position. Some of these are:
18' X 36' heated swimming pool
Pantry
Sauna - indoors
Indoor charcoal grill
2 1/2 stall garage
Complete air makeup
Thermopane windows
Breakfast nook
Dishwasher
Tornado shelter
Disposal
Large closets
Ice Maker
Intercom and Hi-Fi system
Two Fireplaces
The well constructed home is built of brick and cedar with a porch
on three sides. The large living room overlooks 40 acres of land with
a view that extends over 12 miles. A 100 foot long sun porch makes this
view easy to enjoy.
I have a complete floor plan of this property which I would be
glad to show you. If you are interested please call or write.
Yours truly,
FORM
GERALD
John M. Colburn
LISTANY
cc: Walter Russell, Wm. Kessler
P.S. I'm enclosing a aerial view of the property.
Bass, Richard
Rita
Wednesday 12/5/74
3:10 The White House operator (Batty) called to ask if we
have a telephone number for Dick Bass in Texas
whose residence the President will stay in -- in Vail.
She said the Press Office had a call earlier from him
and had failed to get his phone number to call him back.
I checked Mildred Leonard and Dotty Cavanaugh; they
didn't know the name.
Checked Kardex and they list
Mrs. Rita Bass
(214) 522-9177
6905 Vassar Drive
Dallas, Texas 75205 (Indicate she is the Alternate Delegate
to the Republican National Committee.
Husband is Richard D. Bass. Called Angie Raisch and she indicates
they are divorced.
It is our understanding that Richard Bass' house is being
rented by the Fords.
Called Dorothy Downton to ask if she would have the phone
number. She apparently called James Brown in Trementon,
Utah, and got the following numbers for Richard Bass:
Home
(214) 368-0728
Office
(214) 741-3005
Resort hideaway in Utah
(801) 742-2100
Home in Vail
(303) 476-5921
Gave the numbers to Betty in the telephone office and she was
going to get them to the Press Office.
TOKO
GERALD
LIBRARY