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This file contains material on Operation Babylift, orphan airlift.
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40967361
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3/29/75-4/8/75 - West Coast (2)
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40967361
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3/29/75-4/8/75 - West Coast (2)
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This file contains material on Operation Babylift, orphan airlift.
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Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files (Ford Administration)
Sheila Weidenfeld's Trip Files
subjects
California
Vietnam (Republic)
President (1974-1977 : Ford). Office of the First Lady. 1974-1977
Children
Holidays
Refugees
Vietnamese Americans
Voyages and travels
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40967361
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1975-06-30
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6
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1975
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1975-03-01
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3
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1975
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The original documents are located in Box 13, folder 3/29/75-4/8/75 - West Coast (2)"
of the Sheila Weidenfeld 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 13 of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
WELCOME TO PALM SPRINGS
STAFF OFFICE
The Staff Office is located in a house at 71280 Mashie Drive, about 3
minutes from the Thunderbird Country Club.
The office is equipped with two IBM typewriters, a XEROX 4500,
and a DEX machine. Three White House telephones are installed
in the house.
WHCA
The White House Communications Agency is located in the Venture
Inn off Highway #111, Rancho Mirage.
PRESS
The International Hotel, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive (Highway #111)
is the Press Headquarters.
TRANSPORTATION
A limited number of cars are available between the hours of 7 am
to 10 pm. Because of the small number of cars available, judicious
use is recommended.
Several U Drive It cars are available after 7 pm daily. These cars
must be returned prior to 6 am the following morning.
The Dispatch Office is located in the Venture Inn and it can be reached
through the White House Switchboard.
RESTAURANTS
There are many fine restaurants in the Palm Springs area. Some of
the more popular are:
Don the Beachcomber, The Polynesian Experience --
1101 N. Palm Canyon Drive. 325-2061. Reservation required.
Expensive.
-2-
Pal Joey -- The "in" spot for celebrities and movie stars.
Expensive. Early afternoon reservations required. 325-7444.
After 10:00 pm, the main room turns into a Discoteque.
Mexican Food
Gene Autry Hotel.
4200 E. Palm Canyon
328-1171
Las Casuelas Nueva
70050 Highway #111
328-8844
Sunshine Meat, Fish & Liquor Co. -- Great salad, good food at
reasonable prices. Rustic atmosphere. 346-5641.
73986 Highway #111.
Cask & Cleaver -- Featuring Eastern corn-fed Black Angus
Beef. Highway #111 and
Desert Air Hotel. -- Old family recipe chicken and dumplings.
42078 Bob Hope Drive. 346-3234.
The Nest -- Italian food with a better than average sauce.
Closed Monday. 75188 Highway #111, Indian Wells.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Palm Springs Aerial Tranway -- A 14 minute cable car ride to the
top of San Jacinta. 10:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. Last car up the
mountain at 7:30 pm. Cost is $3.75. Location -- Tramway Drive
and Chino Canyon off Highway #111 (North). 325-1391.
Desert Museum -- Natural history of the desert, fine arts, primitive
art. Hours 10 am to 5 pm. Location; Tahquitz and McCallum Way.
325-2045.
TENNIS
Guest privileges have been arranged at the following clubs:
Thunderbird Country Club - Call Leoncio Collas for
reservations at 328-2161. $5.00 per day.
El Dorado Country Club -- Call Myrna McCormack for
reservations at 346-8081, ext. 211 or 215. $5.00 per hour.
-3-
Raquet Club -- 2743 North Indian Avenue, Palm Springs.
Call Mr. Bill Davis or Julie Copeland at 325-1281, for
reservations. The club is extremely crowded and
reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. $10 per
day.
Tennis Club -- 710 West Baristo Road, Palm Springs.
Call Marge Kolitase at 325-1441 for reservations.
Whites are required. You will be billed.
THUNDERBIRD COUNTRY CLUB
Guest privileges have been arranged for the staff:
BREAKFAST
7:30 am to 11:00 am
GRILL ROOM of the Club House.
(Casual Dress)
LUNCHEON
11:30 am to 3:00 pm
GRILL ROOM of the Club House
Lunch Buffet (Except Mondays)
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Specials served.
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sandwiches, salads, etc.
(Causal dress)
DINNER
6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
DINING ROOM OR GRILL ROOM
(reservations preferred)
(Coat and Tie required for men;
long dress, cocktail dress or nice
pants suit for women)
Kitchen closes 3:00 pm on Monday
Bar closed 4:00 pm on Monday
ROOM SERVICE
7:30 am to 8:30 pm
(Service ends at 4:00 pm
on Monday)
Note: a 15% tip is added to your bill for food and beverage.
LAUNDRY & VALET
Clothing received by 10:00 am will be returned same
day by 5:00 pm. Clothing received before 9:00 am on
Friday will be returned Friday at 4:30 pm or Saturday
morning before noon.
CHECK CASHING
Arrangements have been made to cash personal checks
up to $100. Ask for Barbara Cook in the Clubhouse Office.
GOLFING
Guest privileges have been arranged at the Thunderbird Country
Club. A guest card is attached. A Green Fee of $30.00 will be
billed to your account.
If you desire guest privileges at another Country Club, please contact
the Staff Office.
PROPOSED PRESS ARRANGEMENTS
THE PRESIDENT'S
TRIP TO
CALIFORNIA
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1975
Baggage may be dropped in Room 87 until
6:00 p.m.
DAY 1
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1975
7:00
a.m.
Press with baggage check into Andrews.
7:30
a. m.
Press without baggage check into Andrews
8:00
a. m.
Press Plane departs Andrews
9:00
a.m.
Air Force One departs Andrews
10:30 a.m.
Press Plane arrives Meadows Field, Bakersfield,
California.
Press Facilities:
Press Platform
10 long distance telephones
11:15 a.m.
Air Force One arrives Meadows Field, Bakersfield,
California.
CROWD SITUATION
OPEN COVERAGE
NOTE: Current plans are to raise a crowd at the
Bakersfield Airport. This will be the only public
appearance of the President in California and, therefore,
the entire Press Corps should remain at the airport to
cover the event. This will necessitate using choppers
to transport the Press Corps to Elk Hills.
-
11:30 a.m.
Army One departs Meadows Airport
Press choppers follow.
11:50 a.m.
Army One arrives Elk Hills.
NOTE: The President will tour and be briefed at: a
drilling rig, an oil production site, a gas processor site,
and a tank farm.
12:45 p.m.
Army One departs Elk Hills.
Press choppers follow.
1:05
p.m.
Army One arrives Meadow Field
Press remain to file.
1:10
p.m.
Air Force One departs enroute Palm Springs
Air Force One pool follows.
1:55
p.m.
Air Force One arrives Palm Springs.
CL OSED ARRIVAL
OPEN COVERAGE
2:05
p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Air Force One Pool follows.
2:20
p.m.
Motorcade arrives residence
Air Force One Pool remains in motorcade.
2:45
p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Air Force One pool follows.
3:05
p.m.
The President begins his golf game.
PRESS POOL COVERAGE
(1st tee, 9th green, 10th tee, 18th green)
NOTE: Air Force One Pool may file and remain in the clubhouse.
Air Force One Pool will return to the Press Center
-3-
6:30
p.m.
Afternoon Pool will arrive at the golf course.
7:05
p.m.
Motorcade departs
Pool follows.
7:20
p.m.
Motorcade arrives residence.
Afternoon Pool returns to the Press Center
LID
It appears that the Press Corps will number between 65-75. Families will
be in addition.
Because of the crowd at Bakersfield, I think we want to cover that event which
means we will have to chopper to Elk Hills.
Elk Hills has no phones and there is no chance of bringing any in. The Press
will, therefore, have to file on return to the Bakersfield airport. We will go
with 20 lds and 2 telex.
Choppers (H-53's) will come out of El Toro. Ferry time is one hour each way
and 1/2 hour total for the event -- a total of 2 1/2 hours at a cost of $4, 725. 00
per chopper. They seat 33.
A decision must be made whether we want to post a sign up sheet to limit the
number of Press so we will only use two choppers. Because of the short flight
time (20 minutes) it will be difficult to pass more than the two press choppers
in flight. There is also a problem on landing more than two choppers. A
third press chopper is possible but difficult.
Suggested Press staff on Chopper is 9:
Hushen
USSS
Rosenberger
WH Photographer
Noel
WH Film Camera
Zook
WH Film Sound
WHCA
There is a remote possibility that Press staff could ride on the regular staff
chopper. This should not be considered because last minute changes will
bump the Press staff.
-4-
There will be a total of 60 chopper seats on the two Press choppers. If
the staff takes 9, this leaves 57 seats for the Press.
The USSS will seal off Elk Hills during the visit. Local Press will, therefore,
be able to gain access only through special arrangement. Should local press
be given 5-6 seats on our chopper or be told to pre-position at Elk Hills,
driving time from the Bakersfield airport is one hour.
Elk Hills numbers:
WH Press
65-75
WH Press Staff
9
Local Press
6
Total Chopper Seats 66
Questions:
Do we want a third chopper for $4,725.00? No
Do we limit the Press going to Elk Hills? yes
How important is it for all the Press to be at the Bakersfield airport for Very
the arrival of Air Force One?
The networks will have to provide a chopper to carry film out of Elk Hills.
It will be in the air by 1:00 p.m. PST which will make the evening news. ye,
What should be done with families on the plane in Bakersfield during the
two hour visit?
R.
BERALD
LIBRARY FORD
-5-
DAY 2 (EASTER SUNDAY)
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 1975
9:45 a.m.
Morning Pool departs Press Center for residence.
10:45 a.m.
Motorcade - GF & BF enroute church.
*
Motorcade
pool to cheach
Pool follows.
& then to
Church-
10:55 a.m.
Motorcade arrives church.
11:00 a.m.
Service begins.
11:45 a.m.
Service concludes.
11:55 a.m.
Motorcade departs.
Pool follows.
X
NOTE: Reporters will be given access to the church.
Cameras and sound equipment will remain outside.
12:05 p.m.
Motorcade arrives residence.
NOTE: The afternoon pool will arrive at the church.
The morning pool will depart for the Press Center.
12:45 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Afternoon pool follows.
1:15 p.m.
Golf begins.
GOLF COVERAGE
6:05 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Pool follows.
6:20 p.m.
Motorcade arrives residence.
Afternoon pool returns to Press Center.
LID
GERALD R. FORD
LIBRARY
-6-
DAY 3
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 1975
8:45 a.m.
Morning Pool departs Press Center.
9:45 a.m.
Motorcade departs.
Morning pool follows.
9:55 a.m.
Motorcade arrives.
10:10 a.m.
Golf begins.
GOLF COVERAGE
12:00 noon
Afternoon golf pool arrives
Morning golf pool departs.
4:35 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Afternoon pool follows.
4:45 p.m.
Motorcade arrives
Afternoon pool departs for Press Center.
LID
-7-
DAY 4
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1975
7:30 a.m.
Morning pool departs Press Center.
8:20 a. m.
Motorcade departs residence.
Morning pool follows.
8:40 a.m.
Motorcade arrives.
9:00 a. m.
Golf begins.
GOLF COVERAGE
12:00 noon
Afternoon pool arrives
Morning pool departs.
1:50 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Afternoon pool follows.
2:00 p.m.
Motorcade arrives residence.
Afternoon pool returns to Press Center.
LID
-8-
DAY 5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1975
8:40 a.m.
Morning pool departs Press Center.
9:40 a.m.
Motorcade departs residence.
Morning pool follows.
10:15 a.m.
Golf begins.
GOLF COVERAGE
12:00 noon.
Afternoon pool arrives.
Morning pool departs.
3:05 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Afternoon pool follows.
3:20 p.m.
Motorcade arrives residence.
Afternoon pool returns to Press Center.
LID
NOTE: Mrs. Ford will be in Los Angeles making a
public appearance on Wednesday, April 2, 1975
-9-
DAY 6
THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1975
6:15 a.m.
Press buses depart Press Center
6:30 a.m.
Air Force One Pool departs Press Center enroute residence.
6:50 a.m.
Press Plane departs Palm Springs
7:15 am.
Motorcade departs
Air Force One Pool follows.
7:20 a.m.
Press Plane arrives Lindbergh Field, San Diego.
Press Facilities:
6 long distance telephones
7:35 a.m.
Air Force One departs Palm Springs.
8:05 a.m.
Air Force One arrives San Diego.
OPEN PRESS COVERAGE
CLOSED ARRIVAL
8:10 a.m.
Motorcade departs
Travel Pool and Press follow.
8:25 a.m.
Motorcade arrives Westgate Plaza Hotel.
OPEN PRESS COVERAGE
Press proceed to Press Center.
NOTE: Press Center is located in the Copper Room,
Room 227 and 228 of the San Diego Convention and
Performing Arts Center, adjacent to the Press Conference
site and across the street from the Westgate Plaza Hotel.
Press Facilities:
20 long distance telephones
3 telex
1 mult
-10-
8:30 a.m.
Media breakfast begins.
NO COVERAGE
10:05 a.m.
President arrives suite
11:30 a.m.
Pool departs Press Center enroute Westgate Plaza Hotel.
11:45 a.m.
The President departs Hotel enroute Press Conference.
He will walk across the street and a crowd is expected.
12:01 p.m.
Press Conference begins.
12:35 p.m.
Press Conference concludes.
The President returns to the Westgate Plaza Hotel.
Pool follows.
12:45 p.m.
The President greets Governors.
1:25 p.m.
Luncheon is served
PRESS POOL COVERAGE
Pool returns to Press Center.
3:35 p.m.
The President arrives suite.
4:00 p.m.
Press buses depart Press Center enroute El Cortez Hotel
Convention Center.
4:15 p.m.
Pool departs Press Center to board motorcade.
4:35 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Pool follows.
4:40 p.m.
Motorcade arrives El Cortez Hotel Convention Center, site of
the White House Conference.
5:00 p.m.
Announcement
5:30 p.m.
Motorcade departs enroute U.S. Naval Training Center, San Diego.
Pool follows.
Press buses depart enroute Press Center.
-11-
5:45 p.m.
Motorcade arrives.
President enters Mess Hall and joins enlisted recruits for dinner.
PRESS POOL COVERAGE
7:00 p.m.
Motorcade departs enroute Westgate Plaza Hotel.
Pool follows.
7:15 p.m.
Motorcade arrives Hotel.
PRESS POOL COVERAGE
The President will greet GOP guests in his suite.
NO COVERAGE
8:10 p.m.
Motorcade departs Hotel.
Pool follows.
Press buses follow.
NOTE: There is a possibility the President will drop by a
Mexican-American event enroute the airport. If so, the
pool should cover it and the buses would not be in the
motorcade.
8:25 p.m.
Motorcade arrives Lindbergh Field
8:30 p.m.
Air Force One departs.
Air Force One Pool follows.
8:35 p.m.
Press Plane departs.
9:00 p.m.
Air Force One arrives Palm Springs.
Motorcade departs.
Air Force One Pool follows.
9:05 p.m.
Press Plane arrives
Press buses depart for Press Center
9:20 p.m.
Motorcade arrives residence.
Air Force One Pool departs enroute Press Center.
LID
-12-
DAY 7
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1975
10:00 a.m.
Press buses depart Press Center enroute Palm Springs
Airport.
10:20 a.m.
Air Force One Pool departs Press Center.
10:55 a.m.
Press Plane departs Palm Springs.
11:20 a.m.
Motorcade departs.
Air Force One Pool follows.
11:40 a.m.
Air Force One departs Palm Springs enroute Hamilton Air
Force Base, Marin County, California.
Air Force One Pool follows.
12:00 noon
Press Plane arrives.
Press Facilities:
10 long distance telephones
12:45 p.m.
Air Force One arrives.
OPEN PRESS COVERAGE
CLOSED ARRIVAL
12:55 p.m.
Army One departs enroute the Geysers
Press Pool choppers follow.
NOTE: Press buses proceed to the St. Francis Hotel
Press Center in the Elizabethean Rooms A & B.
Press Facilities:
20 long distance telephones
3 telex
1 mult
-13-
1:30 p.m.
Army One arrives the Geysers.
The President will visit a geothermal drilling site, a geothermal
pump station and a geothermal power station. The President
will travel from one site to another via motorcade.
2:55 p.m.
Army One departs the Geysers.
Press Pool choppers follow.
3:40 p.m.
Army One arrives U.S. Naval Station, Treasure Island.
OPEN PRESS COVERAGE
CLOSED ARRIVAL
3:50 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
PRESS POOL FOLLOWS.
4:00 p.m.
Motorcade arrives St. Francis Hotel.
OPEN PRESS COVERAGE
Press Pool proceeds to Press Center
GOP Guests will meet with the President in his Suite.
6:40 p.m.
President departs suite enroute Bay Area Council general
reception and the head table reception.
7:40 p.m.
Announcement.
9:20 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS.
9:55 p.m.
Motorcade departs enroute Hamilton Air Force Base.
Press Pool follows.
10:35 p.m.
Air Force One departs.
:
Air Force One Pool follows.
11:00 p.m.
Press buses depart St. Francis Hotel.
11:35 p.m.
Air Force One arrives Palm Springs.
-14-
11:40 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Air Force One Pool follows.
11:45 p.m.
Press Plane departs.
11:55 p.m.
Motorcade arrives residence.
Air Force One Pool departs enroute Press Center.
12:45 a.m.
Press Plane arrives Palm Springs.
Press buses depart enroute Press Center.
LID
-14a-
THE GEYSERS
The geysers are located in a perfectly lovely mountain-valley setting that
is inaccessible by road. The California Highway Department has closed all
roads leading to the geysers due to rock and mud slides.
The Press must, therefore, be moved by choppers.
There are no available phone lines, no food, no bathrooms, the weather is
cold, the roads are narrow, steep, bumpy and quite primitive. There are no
chopper pads -- a low pasture will have to be used and it is small. There is
no substance -- just a picture show.
The current schedule calls for an 11:20 a.m. departure from the Palm Springs
residence. This will mean the 2:55 (5:55 p.m. EDT) departure of the President
will be too late for the event to make the evening news.
To make the evening news, the President would have to leave Palm Springs
residence at 8:50 a.m. which would mean a 12:25 (3:25p.m EDT) departure
from the geysers. The President would then have 2 1/2 hours of extra staff
time in San Francisco.
Should we try for the evening news or not?
Available choppers: H-53's from El Toro which seat 33 each.
Cost: 3 hour ferry time
1 1/2 hour mission time
71/2 hour total hours @ cost of $14,075 each.
H-H-3's from the USAF which seat 18 are also available. We have one now
and with some pressure can probably get a second one.
Cost: 3/4 hour ferry time
1 1/2 hour mission time
3 hour total @ cost of $2, 835 each.
This will have to be a pool movement. One chopper will handle our minimum
size pool of 18.
Suggested Staff:
Hushen
WHCA
Rosenberger
WH Still
Noel
WH Film Camera
USSS
WH Film Sound
FORD LIBRARY
-15-
DAY 8
SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1975
9:30 a.m.
Morning Pool departs Press Center.
10:30 a.m.
Motorcade departs residence.
Morning Pool follows.
10:45 a.m.
Motorcade arrives La Quinta Country Club.
11:00 a.m.
Golf begins.
GOLF COVERAGE
12:00 noon
Afternoon pool arrives.
Morning pool departs.
3:50 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Afternoon pool follows.
4:05 p.m.
Motorcade arrives.
Afternoon pool returns to Press Center.
LID
A
SALD
FORD
EIGRARY
-16-
DAY 9
SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1975
7:00 a.m.
Morning Pool departs Press Center.
8:00 a.m.
Motorcade departs residence
8:30 a.m.
Golf begins.
GOLF COVERAGE
11:00 a.m.
Afternoon Pool arrives.
Morning Pool departs.
1:20 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Afternoon pool follows.
1:35 p.m.
Motorcade arrives residence.
Afternoon pool returns to Press Center.
LID
SEAL FORD LIBRARY
-17-
DAY 10
MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1975
9:20 a.m.
Press buses depart Press Center.
9:40 a.m.
Air Force One Pool departs Press Center.
10:20 a.m.
Press Plane departs Palm Springs.
10:45 a.m.
Motorcade (GF & BF) departs.
Air Force One Pool follows.
11:00 a.m.
Press Plane arrives McCarron Field, Las Vegas.
Press Facilities:
10 long distance telephones
NOTE: One Press bus proceeds to Las Vegas Hilton.
Press Center located in Conference Rooms 1,2,3,4,5,
and 6, adjacent to the main ballroom.
Press Facilities:
20 long distance telephones
3 telex
1 mult
11:05 a.m.
Air Force One departs.
Air Force One Pool follows.
11:45 a.m.
Air Force One arrives Las Vegas.
OPEN PRESS COVERAGE
CLOSED ARRIVAL
11:50 a.m.
Motorcade departs.
Air Force One Pool follows.
One Press bus follows.
LIBRACY BERALE FORD
-18-
12:05 p.m.
Motorcade arrives Las Vegas Hilton.
OPEN PRESS COVERAGE
The President and Mrs. Ford attend NAB Reception.
12:30 p.m.
Announcement
1:35 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS.
2:05 p.m.
Motorcade departs.
Pool follows.
2:25 p.m.
Air Force One departs.
Air Force One Pool follows.
3:00 p.m.
Press buses depart Las Vegas Hilton.
3:30 p.m.
Press Plane departs.
9:15 p.m.
Air Force One arrives Andrews Air Force Base.
10:20 p.m.
Press Plane arrives Andrews Air Force Base.
BERMO R. FORD
-19-
QUESTIONS ON PALM SPRINGS
1. Type of coverage on the golf course.
2. How to handle the locals at the golf course
3. Timing of substance:
Saturday, March 29
Bakersfield & Elk Hills
Sunday, March 30
Easter Church
Monday, March 31
Tuesday, April 1
Wednesday, April 2
(Mrs. Ford in L.A.)
Thursday, April 3
San Diego
Friday, April 4
Geysers & San Francisco
Saturday, April 5
Sunday, April 6
Monday, April 7
Las Vegas
DEPARTMENT R. FORD LIBRARY
STAFF ROOM LIST
White House Staff
Thunderbird Country Club
Alan Greenspan
#7 South
Dr. Lukash
#1 C
Kightlinger/Kennerly #5 West
Venture Inn
Asst. Sec. Bowers
#134
Milton Friedman
#118
Dan Slane
#121
Nell Yates
#130
Lee Goodell
#108
Kathy Wooten
#120
Staff House
Terry O'Donnell
Red Cavaney
Eva Brentley
Jeannie Quinlan
Residences
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hartmann
40-365 Sand Dune Road
Donald Rumsfeld
Dick Cheney
70-662 Placerville Road
White House Communications Agency
Venture Inn
Gen. Larry Adams
#106
LtCol Don Ogden
#212
-2-
Military Office
Venture Inn
LtCol Blake
#122
Herb Oldenberg
Norm Stahl
#117
Eddie Serrano
#114
Leroy Borden
#136
Gene Autry Hotel
Bill Gulley
#273
Press Office
International Hotel
Ron Nessen
#331-320
Jack Hushen
#232
Larry Speakes
#309
John Carlson
#308
Shelia Weidenfeld
#311
Bob Mead
#312
Eric Rosenberger
#313
Thym Smith
#310
Connie Gerrard
#319
Patty Presock
#318
Judy O'Neil
#316
Judy Gagliardi
#317
Cathy Koob
#307
Bob Manning
#270
Ray Zook
#271
John Dreylinger
#274
Staff Office
Command Post
71280 Mashie Drive
70674 Boothill Road
Rancho Mirage
Thunderbird Estates
Dispatcher
Communications Center/WHCA
#126 Venture Inn
#204 Venture Inn
Military Office
#124 Venture Inn
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
PRESIDENTIAL SCHEDULE
Sunday, April 6, 1975
Palm Springs, California
9:00 a.m.
Depart Presidential Residence enroute
La Quinta Country Club
9:30 a.m.
Tee off with Messrs. Blaik, Capra, and Parma
2:30 p.m.
Golf game concludes
3:00 p.m.
Arrive Residence
PERSONAL TIME
5:30 p.m.
Reception for members of the White House
Press Corps
7:00 p.m.
Reception concludes
PERSONAL TIME
STATE R. FORD
LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
WELCOME SOUTH VIETNAMESE ORPHANS
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
SATURDAY - APRIL 5, 1975
DEPARTURE: 7:30 P.M.
From:
Terry O'Donnello
THE FLIGHT
The Pan American 747 (Call Sign: Clipper 1742) transporting 325
South Vietnamese orphans en route from Saigon via Yokota Air Force
Base (refueling stop) to San Francisco International Airport is scheduled
to arrive at 9:25 p.m. Information regarding the passengers has been
spotty and somewhat vague, but it appears the orphans range in age
from 8 months to 8 years and 13 are reported to have chicken pox.
Between 11 to 22 adult escorts, primarily American volunteers from
Saigon, are on board accompanying the orphans - this extremely low
ratio of escorts to children is due to the fact that this is a non-scheduled
flight that left on extremely short notice. Two of the escorts, Christine
Liverman and Miss Fornfifall are survivors of the C5A crash.
SPONSORING ORGANIZATION
The San Francisco host organization, Society for Protection of
Vietnamese Orphans, SPOVO, is a loosely knit volunteer network
consisting primarily of members of the medical community, the Army, Red
Cross and six national adoptive agencies. SPOVO accepts the orphans
at the port of entry, provides medical assistance, and transfers the
orphans to adoptive agencies or parents. Some 30 Bay Area hospitals
have pledged free medical services for up to 40 orphans each.
2.
SPOVO operates under the general guidelines of Friends For all
Children. A letter drafted by NSC thanking them for their efforts is
attached at TAB A.
MECHANICS OF THE TRANSFER
The basic element involved in unloading and processing the orphans
is the "bus team. 11 Each "bus team" consists of 1 doctor, 1 nurse,
1 registrar and 20 Red Cross volunteers. The"bus team boards the
aircraft; the doctor and nurse quickly check a group of 20 orphans;
the registrar documents the group; and the Red Cross volunteers each
escort or carry one orphan off the plane to the bus. The bus departs
for the Presidio where a thorough medical screening commences.
YOUR PARTICIPATION
You and Mrs. Ford are scheduled to arrive at San Francisco International
Airport approximately 15 minutes prior to the orphans' plane. While
awaiting the arrival you would mingle informally with some of the volunteers.
You would then accompany the first "bus team" on board and assist in the
process described above. After the first bus departs the airport, you
may depart or stay as long as you wish. In all, there will be 18 buses.
There will be no formal speaking opportunity; however, talking points
prepared by NSC are attached at TAB B, should you wish to speak
informally to the press or some of the volunteers.
REQUESTS BY THE HOST ORGANIZATION
There are two items that we expect will come up in your conversations
with the volunteer leaders. They will ask you to:
(1)
Request that FAA establish a special "inbound desk" to assist in
the coordination and distribution of information on the orphans
flights. (There has been much confusion and misinformation todate.)
(2)
Look into the rerouting of all inbound military aircraft transporting
orphans from Travis to San Francisco International and Oakland
Airports. These airports are closer to the hospitals and to the
source of volunteers.
SEQUENCE
7:30 p.m.
You and Mrs. Ford board motorcade and depart
Residence en route Palm Springs Municipal Airport.
(Driving Time: 20 minutes)
7:50 p.m.
Arrive Palm Springs Municipal Airport. Board
Air Force One.
7:55 p.m.
Depart Palm Springs Municipal Airport en route
San Francisco International Airport.
(Flying Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes)
(No Time Change)
9:05 p.m.
Arrive San Francisco International Airport.
OPEN PRESS COVERAGE
CLOSED ARRIVAL
You and Mrs. Ford will be met by:
Dr. Alex Stalcup, SPOVO Pediatrics Manager
and Director
Dr. Mark Oscherwitz, SPOVO Internal Medicine
Manager and Director
NOTE:
Dr. Stalcup will provide you and
Mrs. Ford with a Red Cross Badge
and a SPOVO Badge, which you should
wear to identify you as volunteers.
9:10 p.m.
You and Mrs. Ford board bus in the caravan and
await the arrival of the Pan Am "Clipper 1742".
NOTE:
While on board, a briefing on the
evacuation procedures will be provided.
2.
9:25 p. m.
Pan Am "Clipper 1742" arrives San
Francisco International Airport.
Medical inspection team proceeds on
board.
NOTE:
You and Mrs. Ford will be
escorted to a special viewing
area.
9:30 p.m.
You and other members of Bus Team # 1 proceed
on board "Clipper 1742" and carry the orphans from
the plane to their awaiting bus # 1.
PRESS POOL COVERAGE
NOTE:
You may continue assisting
local bus teams as they arrive
at plane side. In all, 18 buses
will be utilized; however, you
may depart at any time.
10:30 p.m.
You and Mrs. Ford thank your hosts and board
Air Force One.
10:35 p.m.
Air Force One departs San Francisco International
Airport en route Palm Springs Municipal Airport.
(Flying Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes)
11:40 p.m.
Air Force One arrives Palm Springs Municipal
Airport.
OPEN PRESS COVERAGE
CLOSED ARRIVAL
11:45 p.m.
You and Mrs. Ford board motorcade and depart
Palm Springs Municipal Airport en route Residence.
12:00 midnight
Arrive Residence.
######
Mrs. Wende Grant
Executive Director
Friends For All Children
445 South 68th Street
Boulder, Colorado 80303
Dear Mrs. Grant:
Mrs. Ford and I want to thank you personally for the splendid
effort you and your staff, both in Vietnam and in the United States,
have made to process and find homes for so many homeless, help-
less orphans during this trying emergency.
On behalf of millions of people throughout the United States who are
moved by compassion for the future of these little ones, I also want
to express appreciation and encouragement for your interest and
concern in caring for those less fortunate than ourselves.
Your work is in the finest tradition of the American spirit of com-
passion and freedom. You should be proud of what you have accom-
plished under such difficult circumstances.
Sincerely,
Gerald Ford
B
Suggested Remarks for the President upon the
Arrival of Vietnamese Children for Adoption
in the United States by Friends For All Children
9:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 5, 1975
San Francisco International Airport
Mrs. Ford and I take great pleasure in welcoming all 325
children who arrived on this flight to become members of
American families. We also congratulate Mrs. Wende Grant
and the staff of Friends For All Children who accompanied the
children on the flight as well as all the others who assisted
with this very worthwhile endeavor.
I cannot let this moment pass without expressing once more
our deep sadness at the tragic loss of so many of the children
destined for the U.S. on your earlier flight, as well as the adult
victims who were escorting them.
The arrival of these children today is in the great American
tradition of welcoming the homeless. I want on this occasion
to convey my heart-felt thanks and good wishes to the other
agencies bringing these children to their new American homes.
These include Catholic Relief Services, Friends of Children of
Vietnam, Holt International Children's Programs, Pearl Buck
Foundation, Travelers Aid-International Social Service of
America and World Vision Relief Organization.
- 2 -
This happy occasion is the culmination of the outstanding
performance of the personnel of all of these agencies
working under extremely difficult conditions especially
over recent months in South Vietnam.
Ford Dinner - April I
Mr. & Ners. lean me
her. & am. Frank Capra
Mer. & den.
Bos Hope-Delous
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Fred Wilsiam-
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Frank Jawiern m
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Ams. .. 11 Walter Annensers Isadelle
Ner. & ders.
Howard Adams
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16
Jack Westlend
(Passe Bas,
1.
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16
heating
Mrs. Marion Cornelius Stewetee
Cold friend of has. Ford's G.R. Mich)
Alaw Greenspan - Economic Adviser
Mrs. Red Blaik
Mr. & Nus.
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Mr. EL Mrs.
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FORD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 6, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
SHEILA WEIDENFELD
FROM:
RED CAVANEY
JOOL
SUBJECT:
THE PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA AND.
RETURN TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
Monday, April 7, 1975
You are manifested on Air Force One and are requested to
proceed to the Presidential Thunderbird Estates Residence,
via your own transportation, no later than 10:30 am. The
motorcade will depart at 10:40 am en route Palm Springs
Municipal Airport. Air Force One will depart at 11:05 am
stopping in Las Vegas, Nevada for the President's attendance
at the Annual NAB Luncheon. The estimated time of arrival
in Las Vegas is 11:45 am. Air Force One will depart Las
Vegas at 2:35 pm en route Andrews AFB with an estimated
time of arrival of 9:25 pm. Luncheon will be served en route
Las Vegas and dinner will be served en route Andrews AFB.
BAGGAGE CALL & ATTIRE:
All baggage should be left
unlocked outside your residence quarters no later than 8:00 am,
Carry-on baggage should be taken with you to Air Force One.
All carry-on baggage is subject to inspection by the Secret Service.
Attire for the NAB Luncheon is Business Suit.
WEATHER REPORT: LAS VEGAS: Mostly cloudy, high in
low 50s with winds of 15-25 knots; 15%chance of precipitation.
WASHINGTON: Temperatures in the mid-40s, clear and breezy,
0% chance of precipitation.
WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES)
FORM OF
CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
DOCUMENT
Doc.
Motorcade assignment
6pAges 6
3/29/75-4/8/75
B
File Location:
Shelia Weidenfeld Files, Box 13, Daily Events File. Folder: 3/29/75-4/8/75 - West Coast (2)
RESTRICTION CODES
jjo 10/31/16
(A) Closed by applicable Executive order governing access to national security information.
(B) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NA FORM 1429 (1-98)
File
Vietnamese
orphous
in
San
Krancisc
VIRGINIA FIBRE CORPORATION 51 LOCUST AVENUE NEW CANAAN. CONNECTICUT 06840
203 966-4521
April 9, 1975
ROBERT C. MACAULEY
President
Honorable Gerald R. Ford
The White House
Washington, D. C.
My dear Mr. President:
During our chat in the bus at the airport in San Francisco
on Saturday evening, I observed to Mrs. Ford that it must be
discouraging, to say the least, to reflect upon awakening in
the morning, that everything you might do during that day (or
any day) would inevitably be misinterpreted or misconstrued in
and by the press. The last three days have, unfortunately,
corroborated that observation.
I returned to New Canaan from San Francisco on the morning
following our meeting there. Since then there have been ap-
proximately a dozen taped interviews concerning my personal
role in bringing the Vietnamese orphans to San Francisco. In
each and every one of these taped interviews, I made a very
forceful statement concerning your presence at the scene, to
the effect that I was and am still convinced beyond the shadow
of a doubt that the presence of you and Mrs. Ford in San
Francisco to greet the orphans was in no way politically mo-
tivated, that it was simply an act of deep humanitarian concern
on both of your parts. It is interesting (and appalling) to
note that in each and every one of these interviews, the por-
tion relating to my statement about your presence was edited
out. And then yesterday, the NEW YORK TIMES formally editori-
alized on the "exaggerated importance assigned by President
Ford to the orphans' airlift". All this under the aegis and
heading of "All the News That's Fit to Print".
During our discussion regarding Vietnam, you observed that
it might take historians one hundred years to interpret events
and determine just who was right. I would only observe on
that score that the advocates of abject surrender with their
fanatical obeisance to prophecies of gloom and doom will ulti-
Honorable Gerald R. Ford
April 9, 1975
Page Two
mately be judged in the proper perspective of history. Most
important of all to me is the fact that yours will be a legacy
of honor.
Our faith is in you and our prayers are with you.
Sincerely yours,
RCM:cwb
P.S. Mrs. Ford and Sheila seemed interested in the quotation
from Albert Schweitzer to which I alluded during my
conversation. For their ready reference, since it seems
so pertinent today, I quote it here in full:
"Just do what you can. It's not enough merely to exist.
It's not enough to say, 'I'm earning enough to live and
to support my family. I do my work well. I'm a good
father. I'm a good husband.' That's all very well.
But you must do something more. Seek always to do some
good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way
to make his own self more noble and to realize his own
true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man.
Even if it's a little thing, do something for those who
have need of help, something for which you get no pay
but the privilege of doing it. For remember, you don't
live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here,
too."
CC: Mrs. Gerald R. Ford
Mrs. Sheila Weisenfeld
NEW
CANA
U.S. POSTAGE
APR 14'75
E0.13
CONN.
REMSTER
1205841
VIRGINIA FIBRE CORRORATION- 51 LOCUST AVENUE
NEW CANAAN, CONNECTICUT 06840
Mrs. Sheila Weisenfeld
Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
FORD 8 QTY
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
LIBRA
VF
Air Mail
THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington
The President and Mrs. Ford
wish to invite you
to an informal patio reception
at their residence
41001 Thunderbird Road
Thunderbird Ranch Estates
Rancho Mirage
Sunday, April 6, 1975
5:30 to 7:00 pm
mr and Mrs. Ed Wei denfild
Room 311
procuss
REQUIRT 1.00
embrake
Vben
loAd
2001
great
to
Daylor
object
April 167
INC vey A--' will
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 6, 1975
MRS. FORD:
I thought you might like to have a
copy of the attached list of invitees
to the press reception this evening.
Ron Nessen
REWALD
R.
AGE
INVITEES TO THE PRESS RECEPTION TO BE GIVEN
BY THE PRESIDENT AND MRS. FORD
Sunday, April 6
Richard Growald
United Press International
Frank Cormier
Associated Press
Howard Benedict (Mrs. Joy)
Associated Press
Ralph Harris (Mrs. Ena)
Reuters
Louis Foy
Agence France Presse
Lou Cannon
Washington Post
Jack Germond
Washington Star-News
John Herbers (Mrs. Betty)
New York Times
Paul Healy
New York Daily News
Arlen Large
Wall Street Journal
Martin Schram
Newsday
Bruce Winters
Baltimore Sun
Aldo Beckman
Chicago Tribune
Peter Lisagor
Chicago Daily News
James Deakin
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Rudy Abramson (Mrs. Joyce)
Los Angeles Times
Al Sullivan
USIA
Saul Kohler
Newhouse
William Theis
Hearst
Roy MacCartney (Mrs. Betty)
The Melbourne (Australia) Age
Richard Beeston
London Daily Telegraph
Thomas DeFrank (Mrs. Mary Jane)
Newsweek
John Mashek (Mrs. Sarah)
U.S. News & World Report
Dean Fischer
Time
John Osborne (Mrs. Trudy)
New Republic
John Weisman
TV Guide
John Buckley
Western Union
Thomas Capra
ABC Productions
Tom Jarriel
ABC
Ann Compton
ABC
Walt Rodgers
AP Radio
Lucien Millet
Radio Canada
Charles Thompson
CBS Productions
Bob Schieffer
CBS
Phil Jones
CBS
Page 2
Jeff Skov (Mrs. Paula)
Golden West Broadcasters
Forrest Boyd
Mutual
Lloyd Siegel (Mrs. Joan)
NBC Productions
John Cochran
NBC
Russ Ward
NBC Radio
Hatsuhisa Takashima
NHK Broadcasting
Don Fulsom
UPI Audio
Philomena Jurey
Voice of America
Thomas Girard
Westinghouse Broadcasting
Charles Tasnadi
AP Photos
Ron Bennett
UPI Photos
Dennis Brack
Time - Black Star Photos
Wally McNamee (Mrs. Nikka)
Newsweek Photos
Gordon Hoover (Mrs. Susan)
ABC-TV cameraman
Lew Maddox
ABC-TV soundman
Mike Belli
ABC Radio Engineer
Cal Marlin
CBS-TV cameraman
Tom Novak
CBS-TV soundman
Dave Peredia
CBS-TV electrician
Gerald Conklin
CBS Radio Engineer
Frank Gibson
NBC-TV cameraman
Al Hoagland
NBC-TV soundman
Ernest Hauser (Mrs. Mary Jane)
NBC-TV electrician
Aldo Argentieri (Mrs. Helen)
NBC Radio Engineer
Cleveland Ryan
Lighting Technician
Meg Greenfield
Washington Post Editorial Page
Lloyd Shearer
Parade Magazine
Ted Koppel
ABC-State Department
Correspondent
WHITE HOUSE STAFF
INVITED TO THE PRESS RECEPTION - (APRIL 6)
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Nessen
Mr. and Mrs. Don Rumsfeld
Sheila Weidenfeld (Mr. Ed)
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hartmann
Larry Speakes
Mr. Alan Greenspan
John Carlson
Mr. Milt Friedman
Thym Smith
Mr. Bob Orbin
Les Janka
Kay Pullen
File - California Trip
June 16, 1975
Dear Miss Chaplin:
Many thanks for your letter
of June 3 and for sending me a reprint o
of the Architectural Digest. I
thoroughly enjoyed reading it and
know that Mrs. Ford will.
Mrs. Ford loved her stay at
the Beverly Whilshire and was impressed
with all the staff. She is still talking
about her beautiful suite.
Thank you so much for your warm
hospitality and for helping make our
Los Angeles trip a memorable one.
Sincerely,
Sheila Rabb Weidenfeld
Press Secretary to Mrs. Ford
Miss Helen V. Chaplin
Executive Assistant Manager
Beverly Wilshire Hotel
9500 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90212
BERRED
R.
LIBRARY
Telephone
(213) 275-4282
Beverly Wilshire Hotel
9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90212
June 3, 1975
Mrs. Sheila R. Weidenfeld
Press Secretary to Mrs. Gerald Ford
THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mrs. Weidenfeld:
From all the reports I've read and heard Mrs. Ford and
you are really enjoying your trip to Europe.
Am enclosing Architectural Digest reprint which shows
the Bufalini Suite occupied by Mrs. Ford as well as a
second floor room such as you occupied.
Not only was it an honor to have Mrs. Ford with us, but
it was a true pleasure as well. We all hope that before
too long she will pay us a return visit.
With kindest regards from all of us at the Beverly Wilshire.
Sincerely,
Thlen VChaplen
Helen V. Chaplin
Executive Assistant Manager
hvc/ss
encl.
P.S. Dont forget you an corney you R. FORD LIBRA:
a muh f reat !!
LOS ANGELES' PREFERRED HOTEL
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
LIBRARY
REPRINTED FROM
JULY / AUGUST, 1972
AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM COMES TRUE
The Beverly
Wilshire
T
years ago, two dreamers told
Gigantic mission arches of Car-
Photographed by Alexandre Georges
their friends they were setting
rara marble, carved in Italy. A
By Robert Hardy Andrews
out to build a fascinating place for
soaring glass-domed porte-cochère
travelers who are not at ease in
has the strength-with-grace of a
identical cells, into and out of
Roman bridge in Spain. A marble
which they are pushed with neither
mural inlaid in multicolored mosa-
welcome nor "Please come again."
ics, work of a Courtright family
Who want to be treated as guests,
friend, the internationally noted
not room numbers on computer
artist Millard Sheets, brings early
cards. In short, who are weary of
California to life along the wall of
jet-age make-do, and would, if
the Wilshire Wing on your right.
they could, break their journeys
A noble caballero and his lady
where elegance, ambience and spe-
seem to say "Mi casa es su casa,"
cial thoughtfulness will soothe the
my home is your home.
body and refresh the mind.
And so says Hernando Court-
Their friends said it couldn't be
right, who began as a bright young
done, but like the "Man of La
banker, stepped in to salvage a
Mancha," they clung to their im-
mortgaged and moribund hotel in
possible dream. And after a decade
1942, sold it in 1958 and became
of disappointments, delays and
first president of Century City, but
innumerable obstacles, the dream
returned to his first love when he
has come true. It stands for all to
purchased the Beverly Wilshire
see, in the heart of Los Angeles,
in the early 1960s. He greets you
California; the new Beverly Wing
in the Beverly Wing's Grand Hall,
of the Beverly Wilshire-first in
a spectacle setting of varicolored
America on which Hotel Represen-
marble, monumental mirrors and
tative Inc. has conferred the Grand
gilded chandeliers, with a curving
Luxe hallmark, until now granted
red-carpeted marble staircase ris-
only to Europe's finest palace-inns,
ing to a gallery with hand-wrought
not only for its beauty and com-
bronze and iron railings. For all the
fort, but also for the excellence of
splendor, there is warmth, in the
its cuisine and personalized serv-
most remarkable hotel these much-
ice. And how this came to pass is
used eyes have ever seen.
a story that would call for telling
Famed architect Charles Luck-
even if the teller did not belong to
man said, "No one builds palaces
EL CAMINO REAL (Cover Page)
the always growing legion of
like this any more, much less
A view of the Beverly Wing, from El Camino
Real, a unique private street. This wing, with
friends and admirers of Hernando
hotels; I deeply admire the courage
its facade of giant Mission arches of white
and Marcelle Courtright.
it took to attain such extraordinary
Carrara marble, is joined to the Wilshire
Proof that dreamers can also be
results." Carleton Alsop, the wit
Wing by a domed porte-cochère. At night
builders begins when your car
and bon vivant, said once at a gath-
thirty-eight gaslight lanterns from Edinburgh
turns in through impressive Louis
ering of the Chevaliers du Taste-
castle illuminate street of handset porphyry
granite pavers. The massive wrought-iron
XV bronze and iron gates that are
vin: "Hernando reminds me of a
and bronze gates were conceived from a
never closed, onto the only private
man who walks like a hotel, and a
design by Pierre Scapula, specified in France
street in Beverly Hills: "El Camino
hotel who walks like a man." His
and custom made in Mexico by native artists.
Real," the Royal Road. Above its
personality is present wherever
hand-cut, hand-set granite pave-
you turn, and there is a second pal-
ment rise eight floors of guest
pable presence, sharing Hernando's
rooms, townhouses petite suites,
dream: Marcelle Courtright of
plus four stories of penthouse
Mexican-Spanish-French ancestry,
apartments. On either side are gas-
with the taste, resilience and imag-
lights from Edinburgh Castle.
ination of her forebears. Notably,
continued
VIVA
she not only created the captivat-
the Grand Ballroom and Winter
and won a convert to her convic-
ing décor, but took a strong active
Garden arrangement. He thought
tion that only the very best would
part in the architectural design and
of including a quaint pub, and two-
do for the Beverly Wing.
construction as well as in most
story townhouses with interior
Pierre introduced her to Monique
phases of this extraordinary proj-
staircases, which I distinctly re-
Silverman, president of the famous
ect. Neither guessed how much this
member we were told could not be
French fabric firm of Boussac.
would demand of both time, crea-
done in the space we had; there-
There, after first looking at hun-
tive ingenuity and faith.
fore the two of us had an find the
dreds of different materials, she
The Beverly Wilshire has been a
answer to the enigma."
chose fabrics in special designs for
landmark since 1928, facing Wil-
They reminded each other of the
the Mexican, French and California
shire Boulevard, within walking
curved balconies seen in Paris.
floors. In one grand sweep, certain
distance of all major shops, bou-
Hernando decided the new wing
fabrics would cover walls, draper-
tiques, doctors' offices and restau-
must have bay windows, glassed
ies, lampshades and beds in all
rants; it is surrounded by a garden
from floor to ceiling, framed by
rooms on several floors. Even
community of homes owned by
wrought-iron balcony railings.
though it is often heard that
film stars, business executives and
Marcelle conceived and carried out
"nobody does that in a hotel,"
social leaders. But when Hernando
a plan to follow California history
thousands of yards of most exclu-
Courtright became the owner, the
by designing in authentic styles,
sive 18th-century paisleys, floral
Beverly Wilshire was an island, no
the first floor and guest rooms in
chintzes, brocatelles and liserés
longer an accessible oasis. Wil-
Spanish décor, the next in Mexi-
protected by Zepel were selected
shire Boulevard traffic was a con-
can, the third in California Today,
for the Italian, French and Cham-
stantly rising flood past the Beverly
the fourth Italian, the fifth French,
pagne floors, covering walls up to
Wilshire's doors. Parking was an
and the sixth Avant Garde Mod-
24 feet high. Her creative drive
insoluble problem. "My husband,"
ern, "but not in a fashion that may
won converts everywhere.
Marcelle says, "knew exactly how
soon pass." The Wilshire Wing
Discovering that a childhood
the Beverly Wilshire could be
was not neglected: Los Angeles has
acquaintance, Pablo Portilla, owned
saved."
honored Hernando by naming him
Fundiciones Artisticas in Mexico
Solution: turn the hotel around,
El Padrino, the city's Godfather;
City, Marcelle went to him with
with entrance from an uncrowded
Marcelle designed an "El Padrino"
Pierre Scapula's drawings for the
private street. This called for zon-
bar-rotisserie, Western in theme,
Louis XV gates and interior rail-
ing changes. For seven years, Her-
and meanwhile traveled overseas
ings for the Beverly Wing. Initial
nando jostled with city planners,
collecting custom-made replicas of
construction plans had called for
bankers, construction specialists.
Old World museum treasures.
travertine on façade arches and
Meanwhile, unable to find a de-
Complementary items sometimes
interior columns, factory-made
signer who could carry out the ver-
made to her designs by Old World
tiles in all bathrooms. Not good
satile and complex master plan, he
artisans, such as luggage racks and
enough for Marcelle, she turned to
turned to Marcelle: "We're pressed
television stands, were added to
another good family friend, Mauri-
for time, I rely on you to insure the
the Beverly Wing across the Royal
zio Buffalini of Italy, world-known
harmony of design, outstanding
Road.
as "Mr. Marble."
elegance, and above all, the com-
Decided: from the most elabo-
Hand-carved selected slabs from
fort the Beverly Wing must have."
rate townhouse suites to the small-
his Carrara quarries cover all mis-
"Knowing his Irish-Basque de-
est single rooms (and none are
sion arches facing El Camino Real.
termination, I reluctantly agreed to
small), all must have full marble
Enormous columns, elevator arches
comply with his wishes, fully real-
bathrooms with custom-made fit-
and stringers of Tinos vert marble,
izing the monumental task ahead
tings, the same fine furniture, car-
white Carrara inlaid marble floors,
of me. It became clear that I had to
pets, fabrics, wallcoverings, beds,
and marble in different colors for
create unity without uniformity
lamps, even embroidered mono-
bathrooms throughout the Beverly
and diversity without division."
grammed Royal Velvet towels from
Wing, were selected in Italy. Mean-
The chosen architect, Welton
Fieldcrest. Concurrently, never
while, Italian stonecutters were
Becket, a close Courtright friend,
compromising, everything must be
imported, there being none in the
died before ground could be
authentic, practical, durable, and
United States who had ever done
broken. An architect, the diction-
most important, comfortable.
the work, to cut and shape blocks
ary says, is "one whose profession
There was also the budget, which
of porphyry granite, paving the pri-
is to design buildings and super-
could not be exceeded. Solution:
vate street with which the dream
vise their construction." But there
Go to the top. Owners and presi-
began. Los Angeles County was
is a second definition: "also, the
dents of mills, manufacturers, art-
explored by Marcelle until she
devisor, constructor, maker or cre-
ists, were sources from which
found six perfect old pear trees,
ator of anything."
Marcelle made purchases on an
and selected all flowering plants, to
Now there were two devisors
unusually preferential basis. A
landscape a setting romantically lit
and creators. "Hernando," Mar-
stranger does not tell Pierre Scap-
at night not only by 38 gas lamps
celle recalls, "envisioned the mis-
ula in Paris, "I would like you to
from Edinburgh Castle but also by
sion arches, the concept of a canopy
design our new ballroom." Scapula
15,000 mini-bulbs.
tying the Wilshire and Beverly
does palace residences, converts
Another family friend, John P.
Wings together, and the "sidewalk
noble old chateaux into exclusive
Maguire, arranged for Marcelle to
café." He evolved the gallery plan
inns for the select, and refuses
present her case directly to Walter
that gives practical versatility to
more commissions than he accepts.
Guinan, president of Karastan.
all the banquet rooms. He planned
Marcelle went to him as a friend,
Only Karastan, she said, could pro-
duce the 3,000 yards of custom car-
Lanterns and appliques for Bev-
of Royal Velvet. Until then, Field-
peting, made from pure virgin
erly Wing corridors according to
crest had left that personalized
wool, in a design inspired by an
the different floor styles, were cus-
touch to outside companies. On
antique Savonnerie carpet in the
tom made like everything else, fol-
completion of the Beverly Wilshire
Courtrights' home, which was what
lowing Marcelle's specifications
order, Fieldcrest opened its own
she must have for the most beauti-
and designs. In Olinala, a Mexican
monogramming department! Their
ful ballroom known today. She
village reachable only by helicop-
luscious-looking wonder blankets
offered a challenge, and a show-
ter, she found artisans who, for
with the velvety touch never cease
place. Karastan accepted both. Car-
generations, had made small boxes
to receive praise from discerning
peting in sixteen colors and eight-
and simple trays, but succeeded in
guests.
een different floral patterns took
inducing them to make tables in
Because of Hernando's belief
almost a year to complete. Walter
different patterns, hand carved and
that the resting period of a guest
Guinan calls it "the most magnifi-
lacquered in brilliant colors. So
must be of extreme comfort,
cent carpet we ever made."
doing, she launched a new indus-
"Beauty Rest," by Simmons, has
From this beginning, Karastan
try. President Echeverría of Mex-
always been the answer. All beds
went on to supply the Beverly
ico, hearing of this, offered a gold
were custom-made, extra-long,
Wing's entire floorcovering instal-
medal to the outstanding crafts-
over-wide and fireproofed. For
lation, delivering thousands of
man.
double occupancy, a couple can
yards of high-pile "Coquille" made
Another "first," Fieldcrest, fa-
choose between a semi-large bed-
from the miracle fiber of Antron.
mous creators of luxurious towels,
room with either twin or king-size
"This noble and practical carpet is
expertly produced embroidered,
beds with one and a half baths, or
one of my greatest discoveries."
monogrammed, extra-large towels
a much more spacious bedroom
continued
GRAND HALL
BALLROOM LOGGIA
Regal marble pilasters in Rouge-Incarnat and Tinos Vert marble
Eight-foot palms adorn antique-mirrored arches of the Loggia of
create Versailles effect. Karastan carpet with sixteen different
the Grand Ballroom. Louis XVI bronze doré and cut crystal lan-
floral motifs in sixteen different colors is designed from a classic
terns extend French theme. Entrance to the Loggia is through
Savonnerie, a cherished heirloom of the Hernando Courtrights.
Mission arches draped with yellow silk by Stroheim and Romann.
GRAND HALL
Previous page, view of Grand Hall and Staircase shows lavish use
iron railing designed by Pierre Scapula and made in Mexico can be
of Carrara marble that adds luxury to the Beverly Wing. Wrought
seen to best effect at upper left. Persian red carpet is by Karastan.
AVANT-GARDE
Futuristic effect of Hallway is created by dramatic
contrast of gleaming copper Mylar walls and
expresso brown carpet by Karastan with stark
white of doors. Appliques are sculptures in metal.
MEXICAN HALLWAY
Flowers, birds and folkloric motifs of Mexico are
subject of multifaceted decorative mural on hand-
finished adobe walls.
"CARINA"
One hundred and twenty yards of richly colored Paisley print from
Clarence House upholstery walls in the Carina Suite. Mrs. Courtright
selected this exotic 18th century pattern for the suite dedicated to
her daughter. Karastan carpet of Antron was made in custom colors
throughout. In one grand sweep fabric was used for walls, draperies
and lampshades to create a harmonious effect permitting also to
camouflage functional architecture. The second floor has a separate
entrance on the upper level to ensure convenience and privacy.
Upstairs bedroom in authentic Louis V decor is complemented by an
exquisite fabric from Boussac. As in all bedrooms, three sets of
curtains adjust intensity of daylight.
"JEAN PIERRE VASARELY" (YVARAL)
The original graphics of Jean Pierre Vasarely
(Yvaral) are the focal point of this exciting Avant-
Garde Townhouse Suite. Michele Vasarely was the
invaluable liaison who masterminded all the color
schemes which in turn were custom made by Kara-
stan. Kidglove leather sofas from Moreddi comple-
ment the special white vinyl wall covering from
Lee & Jofa matching draperies and furniture. Unu-
sual and comfortable tub chairs were executed by
Knoll-France. Custom made steel railing was
designed by Carina, Mrs. Courtright's daughter.
White marble stringers came from famous Carrara
quarries of Maurizio Bufalini.
"DOLORES DEL RIO"
Royalties were paid to the New York Metropolitan
Museum for every yard of fabric used in the Living
Room of this Mexican-style Suite. The flame stitch
pattern was duplicated in a heavy woven fabric by
Brunschwig & Fils. Furniture and artifacts are all
made in Mexico by native artisans. Desk lamp is
one of thirty reproductions of a Pre-Colombian
piece. Wall hangings are the work of Huichole
Indians. Boussac fabric in upstairs Bedroom con-
veys primitive Aztec heritage of Mexico. Fabric
finish is Zepel by Du Pont. Carpets are by Karastan.
"MADRID"
Leather dominates spacious Spanish-style Madrid Suite. Sofa is
suede covered and easy chairs are in maroon hide. Leather head-
board is painted in three layers of gold and hand decorated in
sixteenth-century design. Material for draperies and bedspread
is handloomed with velvet hand-appliqued stripes edged with
cording. Fabric finish is Zepel by Du Pont. Carpet is Karastan.
The custom designed lantern
adds to Old World ambience.
"MAURIZIO BUFALINI"
On the opposite page is shown the Town-
house Suite named for the Italian marble
executive. All furnishings are in the
Venetian mode. The Roman stripe fabric
in the Bedroom by Stroheim and Romann
is used for wallcovering and decorative
applique on bedspread. All fabric is
treated with protective coating of Zepel
by Du Pont. Carpets are by Karastan. The
suite has bay windows and a terrace over-
looking the Don Quixote patio and pool
and the residential section of Beverly
Hills, Western Los Angeles, and environs.
"JIMMY STEWART"
This Townhouse Suite reflects an interpretation of California design-a garden theme
with modern and Oriental accents. Handsome furniture is casual and contemporary.
Lacquer desk chair is inspired by Chinese Chippendale. The fabric from a design in
the New York Metropolitan Museum was executed by Brunschwig & Fils and finished
with Zepel by Du Pont. Cafe Expresso Karastan carpet creates "masculine" atmosphere.
"HERNANDO
COURTRIGHT"
Handcarved furniture and
hand-embroidered chair
upholstery are highlights
of the Spanish-style rooms
and suites. At the desk is
a Frailero, or monk's chair,
a faithfully reproduced
museum piece from the
era of Philip II. The seats
are covered in fabric hand
appliqued with small pieces
of multicolored suede. One
yard of this fabric took
four months to make. Ship
is exact replica of vessel
which brought Conquista-
dor Hernando Cortés to the
New World. Carpets are by
Karastan. Fabric finish is
Du Pont's Zepel.
"CHRISTIAN DIOR"
Savonnerie-inspired floral motif in
Christian
bas relief on vinyl outlines doorway
of Christian Dior Suite. Memorabilia
Dioᵣ
of the famous couturier adorn en-
trance foyer (not seen). A paisley
pattern from Clarence House was
selected for this important suite. All
fabric is Du Pont Zepel finished.
The Antron are by Karastan.
the
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with sofa-sitting arrange-
ment plus two separate
baths, or a suite with two
baths. No such amenities
have ever been offered else-
where.
Nothing whatever was
ordered from catalogues.
Marcelle selected all custom-
made pieces and when not
available, they were de-
signed by her, down to uni-
forms and matches. Revers-
ing jet-age practice, at-
tractive young ladies were
trained to operate elevators
which are very much like
jewel boxes. Extras were
added that a guest might
never miss had they been
continued
"PRINCIPES DE BORBON"
The Prince and Princess of Bor-
bón were the first couple to stay
in the Honeymoon Suite, oppo-
site page, which was inspired by
the Hindu god of love and his
earthy mate, who symbolize
eternal devotion. Two themes,
"The Exotic East" and "Matri-
monial Joy," are carried through-
out by accessories and fabrics. A
striking paisley print from Bous-
sac is used in the Sitting Room
and a rich complementary pais-
ley design from Clarence House
enhances the Bedroom. Both fab-
rics are treated with Zepel by
Du Pont. The Antron carpet is by
Karastan. Unusual features of the
suite are festive canopies hung
from the ceiling; both are intri-
cately decorated by hand.
GRAND BALLROOM
Boiseries in Trianon white with
blue and gold leaf niches flank
stage in Grand Ballroom. Ca-
nova-style statues in Carrara
marble and crystal and bronze
doré chandeliers evoke epoch of
Le Roi Soleil. Karastan created
3,000 square yards of custom car-
peting for the room which seats a
thousand for dinner and dancing.
ZINDABAD PUB
The Zindabad Pub is divided into
three intimate rooms. The love
seats heaped with pillows in
authentic Indian fabric are by
McGuire and covered with
striped orange and turquoise silk
from Clarence House. Clarence
House wallcovering fabric is
laminated to one-quarter inch
polyurethane foam for sound
absorption and coated with Du
Pont's Zepel. The same fabric is
employed in a tent effect for the
ceiling. Custom-made screen
against rear wall depicts a
romantic scene in strings of
multicolored Indian glass beads.
DON QUIXOTE
PATIO AND POOL
Baroque Patio and Pool Area is
gaily decorated with murals by
Luis Medina and tiles and
ceramics from Talavera, Spain.
Fragrant lemon and orange trees
are placed about the patio. The
pool is a copy of Sophia Loren's.
lacking: bidets and hand-showers
seldom been pictured in his maga-
designed by Marcelle, beautifully
in all suites, Jacuzzi jets in some
zine. He talked with the Court-
executed by Flair, Inc., of North
bathtubs!
rights, went from floor to floor in
Carolina. Others are more firmly
Another Courtright friend,
the Beverly Wing, and returned
masculine. All bathroom floors
Dalton O'Connor, of Magnavox,
accompanied by the internationally
and walls are in Rosa Aurora,
produced custom cabinets and ped-
famed photographer, Alexandre
Brèche Nouvelle or Rouge Royal
estal designs, as well as hand-
Georges. Result: Architectural
marble.
carved turntables, to harmonize
Digest published nine pages of
Now splurge, and take a two-
with the different styles, for their
color photographs, taking its read-
story townhouse suite. Each of
famous color television sets whose
ers from El Camino Real on a tour
these is different from the rest,
"Total Automatic Color" provides
of the Beverly Wing. Each picture
decorated to chime with the artis-
true color and perfectly tuned pic-
tells a part of the story, while all
tic creator to whom it is dedicated:
tures on every channel. There are
combine to show why, through the
Andrés Segovia, José Ferrer and
custom-made consoles with extra-
gates and along the Royal Road,
Hernando Courtright, for Spain;
large screens in the sitting rooms
come diplomats, merchants,
Dolores del Rio and Rufino
and in adjoining bedrooms, exem-
princes, celebrities of films and
Tamayo, for Mexico; Bob Hope,
plifying Magnavox's excellent
arts, aristocrats, politicians busi-
James Stewart, Millard Sheets,
craftsmanship.
ness executives, athletes, social
Irene Dunne, for California; Chris-
For the Grand Ballroom and
"names" as varied as President
tian Dior, Marc Bohan, Pierre Scap-
Winter Garden, Marcelle designed
Echeverría, David Rockefeller,
ula, Omar Sharif, and Roger Vivier
graceful stacking chairs in ano-
Spiro Agnew, Prince and Princess
for France. And, as avant-garde
dized aluminum simulating bam-
de Borbon, Barbara Hutton, Frank
archetypes, Jean Pierre and Michele
boo. These revolutionary chairs
Stanton, Omar Sharif, Rex Harri-
Vasarely, Yves St.-Laurent, Yves
were produced by Tri-Par, who
son, Mark Spitz, the Kennedys,
Vidal, and four famed architects,
realized they would be in an inter-
Jacques Cousteau, Sidney Poitier,
Edward Stone, William Pereira,
nationally famous "showcase."
Jack Lord, Stanley Marcus, Art
MacDonald Becket and Charles
Concurrently, 10,000 miles away
Buchwald, and a stream of others
Luckman.
in India, artists of the Naika Thea-
who want the best. That is what
It may be that, like Hernando
tre Trust, directed by one of India's
they get. So do less publicized trav-
Courtright, you have an affection
most famous women, Kamaladevi
elers, equally welcome and made
for champagne and for its famous
Chattopadhay, made to order sev-
to feel at home.
labels. In that case, on the eighth
eral decorative items for what has
"Mi casa es su casa." Join a thou-
floor of the Beverly Wing there are
since become the most talked-of
sand guests at a function in The
suites that do justice to their name-
rendezvous in Los Angeles, the
Grand Ballroom designed by Pierre
sakes: Moët and Chandon, Taittin-
Zindabad Pub, from the Urdu toast
Scapula, where you dine amidst
ger, Louis Roederer, Laurent
meaning "live happy." It features
boiserie in Trianon white, blue and
Pérrier, Bollinger, Lanson, Veuve
an Indian love scene, one of its
gold leaf; gigantic niches flanking
Cliquot, Krug, Charles Heidsick,
kind: a larger-than-life portrait of
the stage, framing Carrara statues
Pol Roger, Mercier. Or, possibly, if
a maharaja and his maharini, made
in the style ascribed to Canova;
you are on your honeymoon, a spe-
of literally thousands of multicol-
mission arches covered in white
cial anniversary or are still fortu-
ored beads.
Carrara marble draped in yellow
nate enough to be a little sentimen-
silk; antique mirrors reflecting light
tal, ask to see the suite named
Desks and beds on the Avant
from bronze doré chandeliers with
Garde floor could not be banal.
Principes de Borbon in honor of
hand-cut crystal lanterns; marble
When they could not be found,
the royal couple, its first occupants.
pilasters matched by hand-sculp-
Marcelle set herself to design them.
Candlelit, subtly perfumed by
tured balustrades of the same
incense, exotic, romantic, with an
Thonet provided chrome chairs up-
holstered in black rawhide. Walter
Rouge-Incarnat marble used at
authentic flair of the Far East, it
Versailles.
Guinan's Karastan supplied made-
brings Royal India to Beverly Hills!
Or come as a weary traveler
"The greatness of a city," Her-
to-order carpeting.
wanting only rest and comfort and
nando Courtright says, "is meas-
Fascinating Italian white enam-
a sense of being a valued guest. On
ured by the standards of its hotels.
eled bed lamps with molded curves,
the Spanish floor, you will enjoy
The more superior, the more re-
large opaline mushrooms softly
headboards upholstered in hand-
spect the city will command. To
illuminating the kid-glove leath-
painted calf leather, arm-chairs
visitors, it is the way in which they
ered sofas were added. All this and
covered with hand-embroidered
are received, the warmth of their
more, such as black and white Car-
fabric typical of glorious 16th-
welcome, the comfort and beauty
rara marble bathrooms, was keyed
century workmanship. It took two
they find during even the briefest
in the Avant Garde floor, to a stun-
years to complete sixty yards of
stay, that make the strongest im-
ning focal display of "graphisms"
this precious stuff! Or try the Cali-
pression, a measure of the heart-
by the award-winning artist of
fornia floor, corridor walls are in
beat of a city." Which offers reason
eight Biennales Grand Prix, Jean
sky-blue vinyl fancifully lit by
enough, though there is more, for
Pierre Vararely, who signs his
white Oriental-style sconces and
you, too, to drive through the pala-
work "Yavaral."
lanterns edged with little bells.
tial gates that never close, along
Hearing what was happening,
Some rooms have walls covered
the Royal Road, and see for your-
Cleon Knapp, editor, publisher and
with sun-drenched flowered fab-
self how "the impossible dream"
deus ex machina of the prestigious
rics from Boussac, Chippendale
of Hernando and Marcelle Court-
Architectural Digest, came to see
chairs, easy chairs upholstered in
right has come true, in the heart of
for himself. Hotel interiors have
yellow high-grade leather or suede,
Los Angeles, California.