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President - Medals Medal of Freedom - Calder, Alexander
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4520794
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President - Medals Medal of Freedom - Calder, Alexander
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Philip W. Buchen Files
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Grand Rapids (Mich.)
Arts
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The original documents are located in Box 46, folder "President - Medals Medal of
Freedom - Calder, Alexander" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Sculpture Off the
PIDS GRAND RAPIDS Pedestal
Dimension
festival Calder
CIVIC THEATRE SYMPHONY
Unexpected
Grand Rapids'
THE ARTS
Digitized from Box 46 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Grand Rapids. Home town of the 38th Pres-
ident of the United States, Gerald R. Ford.
The Arts represent a regenerating presence
city of furniture factories, and old-country
in Grand Rapids. Participation in one or
craftsmen. And a high degree of conserva-
more aspects is nearly 100%. Contrary to the
tive, pragmatic, "typical mid-America"
perspective allocated to most mid-western
thinking.
communities, the Arts have become a stimu-
lating force here. Not just a sustaining,
this all there is to Grand Rapids? No!
subtle alternative to the work-a-day world.
There is another aspect: a dynamic, little-
Even City Hall, with its somber exterior of
known force, It has become what many be-
black marble and glass, is alive inside with
ieve to be the most influential factor in the
paintings, sculpture and prints.
urge of civic interest, pride, and cultural ap-
Calder's 42-ton fiery-red stabile was the
preciation now enveloping the community.
catalyst of an explosion of artistic energy
That force is the Arts. Not only the tradi-
that has graced and motivated the City in
tional arts of gallery paintings, public square
the most unexpected places. Where it is ob-
tatues, auditorium concerts and legitimate
vious. Where it is influential. Where it is
tage productions. But other visible and in-
sensed, felt, used. And where it can be ap-
olving arts. Such as the focal point of the
preciated and experienced by everyone. Not
City's fifty-million dollar urban renewal proj-
just the social elite, the intellectuals or the
Alexander Calder's stabile, "La Grande
artisans. But everyone. In much of what
Vitesse." Standing immediately in front of
they do.
City Hall, set on a broad expanse of plaza, it
To know the real Grand Rapids, you need
lready is a traditional gathering place for
to know its arts. Their significance and their
ouples and crowds and causes.
influence are Grand Rapids' unexpected
There is an annual Arts Festival on the Cal-
dimension.
ler Plaza that attracts more people than
ne-third of the population of the City and
uburbs. A bigger-than-life series of "Sculp-
ure Off The Pedestal" recently occupied
ignificant plots in the downtown govern-
nental/financial district.
There is a unique earth sculpture in a mid-
ity park. The marvel of a fish ladder on the
Grand River is both architecture and sculp-
ure. A new Civic Theatre and new Music
Hall also will rise from the flanks of the rap-
Is. And myriad performing groups, art asso-
iations and crafts workshops are in unusual
City of
Grand Rapids
Michigan
49502
November, 1974
THE ARTS IN GRAND RAPIDS
STABILE by ALEXANDER CALDER
The stabile, LA GRANDE VITESSE, that Alexander Calder
created for Grand Rapids, is the first work of art in
American history to be jointly commissioned and financed
by federal ($45,000) and private funds ($85,000).
No local tax monies were used.
The premier grant for monumental civic sculpture awarded
by the National Endowment for the Arts came to Grand Rapids
through the intervention of our Congressman, Gerald R. Ford.
Dedicated June 14, 1969, the Calder has become the unique
symbol of the City as well as the focal point of the
central City's urban renewal.
Ford, addressing the House of Representatives, once stated,
"I can assure the members that a Calder in the center of
the City, in an urban renewal area, has really helped to
regenerate Grand Rapids."
LA GRANDE VITESSE can be translated to mean "The Great
Swiftness" or "The Grand Rapids." It is 55 feet long,
43 feet high and weighs 42 tons. It is painted a vibrant
"Calder red."
The "CALDER-ON-THE-ROOF!""
GERALD GERALD R 1002
The rooftop of the three-story Kent County Administration
Building, which is adjacent to City Hall and the stabile,
is brightly embellished with the world's largest painting
by Alexander Calder.
The painting, which is 127' X 127', was designed especially
for the rooftop and was given to the County by Calder.
The "Calder-on-the-Roof!" was completed on June 7, 1974,
in time for Festival '74 and to celebrate the fifth
anniversary of the Grand Rapids Calder stabile.
MAYOR: LYMAN S. PARKS CITY COMMISSION: ABE L. DRASIN / HAROLD DEKKER / c. BLAIR MOHNEY
M. HOWARD RIENSTRA / RICHARD C. SCHWAIGER / JOSEPH V. SYPNIEWSKI / CITY MANAGER: JOSEPH R. GRASSIE
-2-
Grand Rapids Arts
November, 1974
The red, white and black roof can be seen from at least ten
buildings surrounding Vandenberg Center and Calder Plaza.
The rooftop paint was specially formulated by Guardsman
Chemical Coatings, Inc. and applied by Kooi Industrial
Painting, both firms from Grand Rapids.
The ARTS FESTIVALS
Every spring since 1970, during the first weekend in June,
the people of Grand Rapids celebrate the arts. The open-
air, free festivals were begun and continue to be sponsored
by the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids.
The Festivals are held in Vandenberg Center where the Calder
stabile is located. They continue for three full days, and
every arts organization in the community participates.
Volunteers organize and run the Festivals. This year,
Festival '74 attracted well over 100,000 people, which
represents one-third the metropolitan population.
The KINNEBREW FISH LADDER-SCULPTURE
An innovative combination of art and the environment has
resulted in the design of a unique fish ladder-sculpture
for the Grand River, which runs through the City.
The fish ladder-sculpture is the creation of Grand Rapids
sculptor Joe Kinnebrew, who has designed an artistic
solution to a necessary river element which will allow
the Coho and Chinook salmon to return upstream in the
Grand River every year to spawn.
The functional sculpture, which affords people a place to
walk across the ladder and watch the salmon leap over the
rapids, is a pre-fabricated mortar platform bolted to the
top of the concrete, box-shaped fish ladder.
The fish ladder-sculpture, which will be completed by
November, 1974, has been financed by the Michigan Depart-
ment of Natural Resources, the National Endowment for the
Arts and local gifts. Total cost of the project is $240,000.
The fish ladder-sculpture has received the strong
endorsement of President Gerald R. Ford.
-3-
Grand Rapids Arts
November, 1974
The GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will be the first arts
organization in the City to build a new facility in
nearly a century.
$1,250,000 has been contributed by the community to build
the $2,000,000 building. The new Civic Theatre, on the
west bank of the Grand River downtown, will initiate the
final stage of Grand Rapids urban renewal, and it is the
key to the improvement of the west bank itself.
The Civic Theatre is the oldest community theatre in
Michigan and the tenth oldest in the United States. It has
mounted 326 productions in 48 consecutive seasons.
Civic Theatre's season ticket holders number 5,000 and live
in 53 West Michigan communities. The Theatre entertains an
annual audience of more than 50,000 adults and children.
Paul Dreher, Civic Theatre's artistic director for 15
seasons, is credited with the high standard of theatre
production and the Theatre's commitment to community out-
reach. Dreher and the full-time, professional staff of 5
work with over 1,500 actors and production volunteers to
present the season of six adult plays, two plays for
children and two in-school touring troupes.
The new Civic Theatre will open during the 1976 season
which will be the Theatre's 50th anniversary, the City's
Sesquicentennial, and the Nation's Bicentennial.
The GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
The Grand Rapids Art Museum began in 1910. Housed in an
architectural historic landmark, the Museum boasts a perma-
nent collection noted for its fine prints and German Expres-
sionist paintings. The Museum also sponsors an extensive
in-school art enrichment program for elementary school
children.
The Museum sponsors about 25 exhibitions a year. Notable
in the last several years are: "Twentieth Century American
Painting"-1967; environments built in the Museum's galleries
by local college art instructors and their students-1970;
and "Sculpture Off The Pedestal"-1974.
-4-
Grand Rapids Arts
November, 1974
"SCULPTURE OFF THE PEDESTAL"
This unusual exhibit was sparked by the Women's Committee
of the Grand Rapids Art Museum and was partially funded
by a grant of $8,900 from the National Endowment. Local
and state contributions brought the total to $50,000.
The outdoor display brought statewide and national
recognition because of its pioneering liaison between
artist, industry, the community and the Museum. Designed
by internationally known sculptors, seven works were
fabricated in Grand Rapids, five were brought in from
outside.
The MORRIS "EARTH SCULPTURE"
The 13th work from "Sculpture Off The Pedestal" is a
monumental earthwork by Robert Morris for Belknap Park,
north of downtown Grand Rapids. Consisting of a hugh
"X" formed by footpaths on a steep hillside, the earthwork
is the first Morris design constructed in the United States,
and it is the first earthwork anywhere in an urban setting.
The VISUAL ARTS CENTER
Serious study is now being given by the Grand Rapids Art
Museum, the Grand Rapids Junior College, and the
Grand Valley State Colleges, to converting the 65 year
old Federal Building into a new home for the Art Museum
and a Visual Arts Center. This Center would provide a
downtown focus for the coordinated art programs of the
Museum and the Colleges. The necessary architectural and
financial studies are being conducted with a $50,000
grant funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and
the Grand Rapids Foundation.
The DI SUVERO SCULPTURE
Because of the initiative of a local couple, a giant
sculpture by Mark DiSuvero has been commissioned by the
General Services Administration for the recently completed
Federal Building in Grand Rapids. It is scheduled for
installation by Fall, 1975.
-5-
Grand Rapids Arts
November, 1974
The GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Grand Rapids Symphony is embarking on its 46th conse-
cutive season. The 88-piece orchestra will perform eight
concerts in its winter season, four cabaret pops concerts,
three concerts for young people and two free concerts for
9,000 fifth grade students.
Maestro Theo Alcantara is the resident music director and
conductor. Alcantara has received the "Dimitri Mitropoulis
International Conducting Competition" award, the conductor-
ship of the Mozarteum Orchestra and Camerata Academica, and
the "Lilli Lehman Medal." Since 1967, Mr. Alcantara has
been a regular guest conductor of the National Orchestras
of Spain, Paris and Barcelona. In 1968, he was resident
conductor of the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra and is
guest conductor of orchestras at the University of Michigan.
He is the principal guest conductor of the Detroit Symphony
and the Madrid RVT Symphony.
In April, 1975, the Grand Rapids Symphony will initiate a
Mozart festival and workshop. The ten day event will be
held in Grand Rapids. Daily concerts by international
artists will be presented as well as concerts by the local
artists-in-residence from the Grand Rapids Symphony.
Plans for a new concert hall are central to the completion
of Grand Rapids' urban renewal.
The ST. CECILIA MUSIC SOCIETY
Celebrating its 90th birthday in 1974, the St. Cecilia
building is the only structure in the world built by
women solely for the performance of music. It is now
registered as a city, state and national historic site.
"The Saints" boasts a great heritage. It helped to found
the National Federation of Music Clubs, and many musical
organizations in the community have had their inception
through sponsorship of St. Cecilia.
St. Cecilia provides trained and talented members of the
society an opportunity to perform on a regular basis
through its members' programs -- presented in its 700-seat
auditorium, which is noted as one of the accoustically
outstanding performance halls in America.
-6-
Grand Rapids Arts
November, 1974
St. Cecilia has a history of continuing excellence through
its artist series, having presented such notable greats
as Mm. Schumann-Heinck, Lauritz Melchior, Myra Hess,
Gregor Piatigorsky, Lily Pons and many others.
The OPERA ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN MICHIGAN
Now in its seventh year, the Opera Association is the only
non-college-affiliated opera company in Michigan outside
the Detroit area offering full-scale productions on a
continuing basis.
Twelve operas, including LA BOHEME, LA TRAVIATA, and
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, have been presented, providing
talented and trained members of the community an
opportunity to perform under the guidance and direction
of a professional staff.
The Opera Association's children's productions have
delighted thousands of area youngsters and exposed them
to an art form rarely available in most communities.
Other Art Groups:
Arts Council of
GRAMES - Art Museum
Greater Grand Rapids
Civic Theatre Guild
Community Circle Theatre
Civic Theatre Masqueraders
Council of the
GVSC Friends of the Arts
Performing Arts for Children
Reeds Lake Arts Festivals
Dance Council of Grand Rapids
Stage 3
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Thornapple Community
Grand Rapids Civic Ballet
Theatre
Emerging Arts Forum
Black Free-Form Theatre
Dutch Immigrant Society
Grand Valley Artists
Polish Heritage Society
Urban Concern, Inc.
Latin-American Council
Grand Rapids Youth
Grand Valley American
Symphony
Indian Lodge
Symphonic Choir
Women's Committee
DeVos String Quartet
Art Museum
Grand Rapids Pipe Band
and many others
#
#
#
-7-
Grand Rapids Arts
November, 1974
Contacts:
1. City of Grand Rapids
Joseph R. Grassie, Manager
City Hall, GR 49502
(616) 456-3166
2. Calder stabile
Nancy Mulnix
"Calder-on-the-Roof!"
127 Mercer Dr. SE GR 49506
(616) 458-6249
3. Arts Festivals
Buck Matthews
Grand Rapids Arts Council
120 College SE GR 49503
(616) 459-4125
4. Fish Ladder-Sculpture
Joe Kinnebrew
13300 Beckwith Dr NE
Lowell, Michigan 49331
(616) 897-5527
5. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
Paul Dreher, Director
737 Leonard NW GR 49504
(616) 456-8886
6. Grand Rapids Art Museum
Fred Myers, Director
"Sculpture Off The Pedestal"
230 E. Fulton GR 49503
Robert Morris earthwork
(616) 459-4676
7. Visual Arts Center
Robert I. Blaich
Herman Miller, Inc.
Zeeland, Michigan 49464
(616) 772-2161
8. DiSuvero Sculpture
Mary Ann Keeler
2525 Indian Trail SE GR 49506
(616) 949-4263
9. Grand Rapids Symphony
Robert Wepman, Manager
Exhibitors Bldg. GR 49502
(616) 454-9451
10. St. Cecilia Society
Margaret Houseman
Opera Association
211 Greenbrier SE GR 49506
of West Michigan
(616) 949-4018
11. Chamber of Commerce
Donald F. Norris, Ph. D.
Federal Square Bldg. GR 49502
(616) 459-7221
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
U.S. Now Major Art Patron
Monday Aug. 19, 1973
Thanks to Calder,
Ford Changed Endowment Tune
By Mel Gussow
on the Endowment, "but I can assure the
ministration of the 1930s.
members that a Calder in the center of the
1973 NY Times News Service
It is not only the size of the budget but also
city, in an urban-redevelopment area, has
its influence on the arts that assure the
NEW YORK - When the National
really helped to regenerate a city."
Endowment a significant place in
Endowment for the Arts began in 1965, Rep.
Ford's initial indifference to the arts was
America's cultural history.
Gerald R. Ford was one of many conserva-
reflected in the attitude of the U.S.
From the Metropolitan 1 Opera to the
S
The
Grand Rapids
78 ART IN AMERICA
Challenge
Founded, it often seems, on somewhat shaky premises, public art
offers more challenges than resounding successes. Indispensible
to that success is the setting of the work in an appropriate context,
12
which includes not just the physical determinants, but the commu-
nity which is the ultimate guarantor of a project's success or failure.
THE SATURDAY EVENING POST
ART TO THE PEOPLE
Our great country deserves a great culture.
A motivating force behind present and future
cultural planning is the National Endowment
For The Arts, federal support for creative growth.
By Nancy Hanks
April '74
Six years ago the grand old man of American
sculpture, Alexander Calder, was commissioned
by Grand Rapids, Michigan, to do a giant stabile
in the new city plaza. It sits there now like a
great crimson plant. And the people love it. Vice-
President Gerald Ford said, "I didn't care for it
at first, but now I wouldn't be without it."
That's how a lot of people felt at first. New art
offers a challenge. Most people accept it. Than
they find themselves liking it. Like the story they
tell in Grand Rapids now. Two waitresses in the
File
U S.POSTAGE
THIRD - CLASS
GRAND
111 24
:
City of
MICH
Grand Rapids
PB.315930
Michigan 49502
MR PHILIP w BUCHEN
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON DC 20500
BERALD R. FORD
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - A fish ladder - Sculpture, created by a local sculptor, will
allow people to walk over a terraced section of the Grand River where salmon leap up the
rapids as they return upstream to spawn.
/
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.-As seen from the air, Alexander Calder's works dominate the
plaza located in the heart of the city's urban renewal area. Calder's 127' X 127' painting
&
covers the roof of the County Building, while his 43'-high stabile casts shadows in front of
FUND
City Hall.
BERACD
is
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.-Annual Arts Festival, in Calder Plaza and adjacent areas, at-
tracts over 100,000 persons to open air performances, exhibits and demonstrations of
painting, sculpture, music, dance, theatre, cinema, etc.
September 30, 1974
Dear Nancy:
Thank you so very much for your letter about Alexander Calder's
nomination for the Medal of Freedom, I talked with the office
that handles matters of this nature and they tell me that Mr.
Calder's file is quite extensive. I am sending your letter to
them and asking that consideration be given his nomination in
light of the President's feelings, when he was in the Congress.
I will personally follow this matter and keep you informed. If
the decision is made to make this presentation, then we can
discuss the best locale.
I do appreciate your kind letter.
Warmest regards.
Sincerely,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Nancy Mulnix
127 Mercer Drive, S. E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
GERALD R. LIBRARY FORD
bcc: Ann Morgan w/enclosures
John Ratchfored
Rx. Cleudr
2594
am Morgan
6295 114E0B
LIBRATY GERALD 10ng
—
September 30, 1974
For:
Ann Morgan
Enclosed are the papers about
Alexander Calder. I have
acknowledged letter. Will
you keep me advised.
Philip Buchen
FORD is 07V830 LIBRARY
Saturday
September 21.
Dear Phil-
I am again trying to arrange that
alexander Calder be given the Prendential
medal of Freedom. Gerry very
Kindly helped get the bace halling 2½
years ago as this corresp ondince will
show!
2 have had no reply what sorever from
either the Presidents office or Bill Reidman-
but 2 am being pressured. believe it n not,
by the GSA - because they want the medal
awarded to Calder while he is in Chicago!
I truly believe that Jerry will want
to present the medal of Freedom to Sandy -
but, please- not in Chicago. Either is
Srand Rapido (which I know is impossible )- or
at the white House.
Please help me. Phil. I love Sandy
Calder 80 much.
always.
FORDO is LIBRARY
naney.
September 2, 1974
President Gerald R. Ford
The White House
Washington, D.6.
Dear Mr. President:
The entire Mulnix family sends you our heartfelt
congratulations and hopes and prayers for the months
and years ahead. With you as our president, we are
again what America was meant to be. I have not felt
so secure about our country and its future since Ike
was in the Oval Office. Thank God you are there now!
Two years ago you helped me nominate Alexander
Calder for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. At the
last moment, the consideration of its presentation
was withdrawn by the White House.
Alexander Calder is 76 years old now - and I want
more than anything in the world to have you award him
his country's highest civilian honor. Please, Mr.
President, he is worthy beyond a doubt, and it would
be so timely.
Sandy and Louise will be in New York during the
entire month of October. His only definite plans
include the opening of his show at the Perls Gallery
on Oct. 9th and the dedication of two new pieces in
Chicago on Oct. 25th. One of the Chicago pieces is a
large stabile for the new Federal Building.
I know October is short notice, but it is the only
time the Calders will be home. If you were to present
the award to this man, who many consider the greatest
American artist of this century, I know he would
accept it with great pride and humility.
:
FORD
Again, Lee and I and our children send you our
very best wishes!
GERALD
Sincerely,
LIBRARY
Namey
Mrs. LeVant Mulnix, III
127 Mercer Drive SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
(616) 458-6249
September 2, 1974
Dear Bill:
It is fantastic to see your face and read your
name in all the accounts of what is right about the
Ford Administration! Seems to me he could not have found
anyone more uniquely suited to the challenges that
he and the country face. I'm glad you are there!
I have written to the President about presenting
the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Alexander Calder.
I know you join me in the knowledge that he has earned
it and deserves it without reservation.
The Calders will be in New York for the month of
October, and your personal intervention in this
matter may well be necessary to get everything arranged
in time. Sandy was denied the Medal by Nixon. He
just cannot have that happen again. Please do what-
ever you can. Wouldn't it be fun to bring the Calder
gang from Grand Rapids together for the party!!
I will do whatever you think I can to help in
any way I can. Mrs. Seidman has promimed to come to
the White House if all goes well for Sandy!!
Take care the you know how much I love Sandy Calder!
As ever,
127 Mercer Dr. SE
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
(616) 458=6249
GERALD R. FORD
MICHIGAN OFFICE:
FIFTH DISTRICT, MICHIGAN
425 CHERRY STREET SE.
GRAND RAPIDS
ZIP 49502
Congress of the United States
Office of the Alinority Leader
house of Representatives
Mashington, D.C. 20515
January 25, 1972
Mrs. Nancy Mulnix
127 Mercer Drive, S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
Dear Mrs. Mulnix:
I am pleased to comply with your request to nominate Alexander
Calder as the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He certainly does deserve the honor, and I am pleased to join
those who are suggesting that he be given this specific recognition.
Warmest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald Jany R. Ford,M.C.
GRF:md
E.
GERALD
LIDRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 28, 1972
Dear Jerry:
Thank you for your letter of January 25
recommending Mr. Alexander Calder for
consideration as a recipient of the
Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Although the selection of individuals to
receive the Medal of Freedom is made
solely by the President, I will be pleased
to bring your letter to the attention of
those who prepare a background review of
recommended candidates. You may be assured
Mr. Calder will receive careful consideration.
With warm regards,
Sincerely,
Bill
William E. Timmons
Assistant to the President
Honorable Gerald R. Ford
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Written for the Chamber of Commerce
magazine, special issue on Jury
On May 10, 1967, I sat down at my kitchen table and wrote a letter
to my Congressman. Nothing unusual about that. But the letter
concerned making a request for a federal grant to be used to
commission a giant piece of sculpture for Grand Rapids, and the
Congressman was Gerald R. Ford.
It was common knowledge that Jerry Ford always responded promptly
to requests from his constituents, but I was a little unprepared
for the subsequent lightening-fast action! Within the week Jerry
replied that he had phoned Roger Stevens, then chairman of the
National Endowment for the Arts, and had formally requested his
personal attention and assistance for our embryonic idea. Less
than five days later, Mr Stevens himself called to tell me that
he was convinced that Grand Rapids should be the first city in the
country to receive a federal grant to be used for commissioning a.
monumental piece of sculpture by an American artist for a specific
civic site.
Two years and much agony and ecstacy later, we dedicated the Grand
Rapids Calder, IA GRANDE VITESSE, in Vandenberg Center. Gerald Ford
shared the platform with the sculpture committee, Roger Stevens,
and Alexander and Louisa Calder. Even through my heady euphoria,
I remember what Jerry said; art gives quality to life. And
so it is that this sculpture dedicated here today raises the quality
of life in our community. It speaks to us in the fundamental truth
of human existence: that man is a being with noble aspirations and
high ideals. For in creating this stabile which now graces Vandenberg
Center, Alexander Calder has imparted to us and to all who may gaze
upon his work, the best and highest feelings of which man is capable.
This is the work that proceeded from a beautiful incentive, that of
bringing forth the spirit of a city, to take metal and to shape it
into a form that speaks from one man's soul to the soul of others.
The dedication of this sculpture today brings a new dimension to our
lives here in this part of Michigan. I think it leaves with us a
deep sense that everything passes, that art alone is eternal."
Jerry eventually spoke from the floor of the House in support of an
increased appropriation for the arts endowment. He was quoted as
saying, "At the time I didn't know what a Calder was, but I can
assure the members that a Calder in the center of the city in an
urban renewal area, has really helped to regenerate Grand Rapids."
In retrospect Grand Rapids probably received that premier grant
because Gerald Ford, the Minority Leader of the House, was our repre-
sentative. The National Endowment undoubtedly wanted his powerful
support and endorsement. But because all the circumstances and
ingredients were there, we created an enormously successful project
FORD
had been dealt a royal flush, and Grand Rapids had not failed
and literally wrote the book on art in public places. Roger Stevens BER
our Congressman's faith in us.
The Calder brought the arts festivals to the plaza which soon became
known as "Calder Plaza." We have had one on or about the anniversary
of the stabile's dedication every year since 1970, and the stabile
has presided over them all with the friendliness of a giant elephant.
The Civic Theatre took heart from the Calder's triumph and, gathering
steam, determined late in 1969 to build a badly needed new facility
on the west riverbank. The theatre applied to the National
Endowment for two grants: one for architectural planning and one
for partial salary of a new children's theatre director. Jerry
set up a meeting in his office with four of us and Nancy Hanks, the
new chairman of the Endowment. We spent a solid hour with him,
and it was soon obvious that Miss Hanks was there not to find a
way to help Civic Theatre but to use that precious time to lobby
her appropriations cause with the Minority Leader. The best she
could manage for Grand Rapids was $4000 for our children's director,
but we were very grateful for Jerry's intercession on our behalf.
At this point in time, there is not a federal nickel anywhere for
bricks and mortar in the arts. Maybe Jerry will be able to change
that - and perhaps he may even see fit to appoint someone from
Michigan to the National Council on the Arts! Michigan has never
Mas Wharton had a representative.
changes
this
statement.rry Ford has been buying patron tickets to the Civic Theatre for
the past two years and thoughtfully sends them to om and Janet Ford
to use. The theatre's only dilemma was how to identify Jerry in the
program (we always list patrons) while he was vice-president designate.
I believe he told us he preferred "Honorable Gerald R. Ford, M.C." -
which was modest to say the least.
Jerry has made a generous^gift personal to the building fund for the new
theatre and admonished us to "come back" if we found we still needed
money at the end of the fund raising. We wish he could help us persuade
the Gershwin family to allow Civic Theatre to present "Porgy and Bess"
during the Bicentennial season, but that is alot to hope for.
While he was vice-president, Jerry wrote a strong and effective
endorsement of Joe Kinnebrew's innovative and unique fish ladder
sculpture. And I know he will assist the development of the music
hall and the relocation of the art museum in any way ha can.
It is rather ironic that some of the best rebuttal points to an Earl
Butz mentality can be made vis-a-vis the arts in Grand Rapids. And
Jerry Ford has been there whenever we have needed him to help us do
all we have done. We couldn't have done it without him.
A man who understands the basic and yet subtle communication of
conscience, truth, beauty and delight in life that came from the
soul of an artist, Alexander Calder, and fused with the soul of a
community, Grand Rapids, is a man who will be a great and honored
statesman and leader of men. The arts in Grand Rabids salute
President GeraldR. Ford!
is
FORD
Nancy Mulnix
LIBRAD
August. 1974
Remarks by Gerald R. Ford at the dedication of the Grand Rapids
Calder, LA GRANDE VITESSE, on June 14, 1969.
"Naturally I am delighted to be home and to participate in a very
small way in this very auspicious occasion for our community.
This is a great occasion for Grand Rapids, Kent County, and this
part of our state. It is a great occasion not only because the
stabile by Alexander Calder is truly monumental, as I understand
it, the largest Calder in the western hemisphere. It is a dramatic
and significant moment for out community because it illuminates
our city in the eyes of each and every one of us even though some
of us are not as knowledgable as many others in this particular
field. But it is not only an illumination in our eyes, but in the
eyes of the people in the state and the nation.
I think we treasure this moment because this gigantic work comes
to us as a flowering of an exaulted mind. Art gives quality to
life. And so it is that this sculpture dedicated here today raises
the quality of life in our community. It speaks to us in the
fundamental truth of human existance: that man is a being with
noble aspirations and high ideals. For in creating this stabile
which now graces Vandenberg Center, Alexander Calder has imparted
to us and to all who may gaze upon his work, the best and highest
feelings of which man is capable.
This is the work that proceeded from a beautiful incentive, that
of bringing forth the spirit of a city, to make metal and to shape
it into a form that speaks from one man's soul to the soul of others.
As the novelist Joseph Conrad expressed it, "The artist speaks to
our capacity for delight and wonder, to the sense of mystery
surrounding our lives, to our sensitivity to beauty and pain."
The dedication of this sculpture today brings a new dimension to
our lives here in this part of Michigan. I think It leaves with
us a deep sense that everything passes; that art alone is eternal.
Thank you."
October 16, 1974
Dear Mancy:
Thank you for your recent letter of October ninth, concerning the
Medal of Freedom for Alexander Calder, which you have discussed
with Jay French and Marba Perrott.
I want to caution you that It is promature to contact Hr. Calder
until a decision is made 1n this matter by the President's office.
As Jay and Marba have explained, no one has been designated to
review such matters as yet, for President Ford's Administration.
You should know that I will try and learn if such a person is
being chosen at the earliest possible moment. I realize how
very interested you are in this nomination but, everyone has been
so very busy that this will have to take a little while.
My very best wishes,
Sincerely,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Nancy Mulnix
127 Mercer Drive, S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
PWB:JF:em
FORD LIBRARY
Neanesday
October 9. 1974
Dear Phil,
Thank you for your Kind reply to
my letter and four your personal
intervention on behalf of alexander
Calder and The Medal of Freedom.
If it is required n would in
any way he helpful. I will
gladly phone Sandy to ask for a
firm and heartfelt "yes" on
accepting The medal. It hardly seems
necessary to ask - but perhaps
protocol indicates that it must
be done.
my warmest regards and lone
FORD is Q7vy LIBRARY
to you.
nancy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 29, 1974
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
(Grand Rapids, Michigan)
THE WHITE HOUSE
REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT
AT
CALDER PLAZA
5:35 P.M. EST
Thank you very, very much, Governor Milliken,
Mayor Parks, Jack Root, every one of you for being here.
Nobody can accuse any of you of being fair weather
friends. Thank you very much.
But let me say somewhat inadequately, there is
no way in which I can personally express my gratitude,
my appreciation, my indebtedness to all of you who are
here in this difficult weather to say hello, to warmly
welcome; me. I am just overwhelmed and words are
inadequate to express everything that I feel deep down
in my heart. Thank you very, very much.
There was a wonderful crowd at the airport, and
we stopped at one of the crowds on the way in. I just
cannot believe so many are here in these circumstances,
and as I shook hands, either at the airport or on the
way in or with those that I have had the privilege of
saying hello to here tonight, I saw friends that I went
to Madison School with, friends that I went to South
High with, friends that I worked with in many, many
scientific projects--Democrats, Independents, Republicans
young and old--there is nothing I can say except thank
you, every one of you, for being here.
And may I thank Althea Bennett here for the box
of cookies which she has given me. As was indicated,
I used to stop in at Petersen's Drug Store for an early
breakfast, and she was there to help prepare it, and I
used to enjoy those cookies very much then, and I am
sure I will now.
But I must tell Althea, I have a big appetite.
It is a long trip back to Washington. They may all be
gone before Betty sees a single one. (Laughter)
MORE
Page 2
Now, let me talk about why I am here. I
came back to Grand Rapids because on 13 different
occasions in the past over a period of 26 years, I
campaigned in the Fifth Congressional District--which
originally was Ottawa and Kent counties and is now
Kent and Ionia and four other counties -- because I
love the communities and whether it was Ottawa, Kent,
Ionia, Clinton, Montcalm, et cetera. I love the
communities and the people.
And as many of you know, I have taken Jerry
Ford's Main Street office to Byron Center, Standale,
Caledonia, Alto, Rockford, Kent City, Sand Lake, Ionia,
Belding, Wells, Portland and every place else, and it
was a great privilege for me to talk with you in the
trailer.
It was a great privilege to go to your service
club, to your farm bureau community meeting, to go to your
churches, to your city hall, to meet you on the street,
to go to the Lowell Showboat, rodeo, the Red Flannel
celebration -- well, you name, wherever you had five
people, I went there because I like you and I am back
here today because I just could not stay away from
this area one more time. I thank you again for the
opportunities of the past.
As I have seen so many of you here today and
as I said a moment ago, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Ionia,
Ottawa County and the others, you are a good cross-
section of America. You represent all segments of our
society.
We have some wonderful farms, we have some
excellent businesses, we have some tremendously productive
working people in this community. I am prejudiced, but
I think we have the best here, and all of you who are
here represent the best in America.
As I have said to our good friend, Mayor Lyman
Parks, Grand Rapids is big enough to have many of the
problems of some of the major metropolitan areas. We
have enough diversification in agriculture, so that I
learned from firsthand experience the problems of the
dairymen, the cattlemen, the apple grower, and other
people that produce so all of us can eat.
MORE
Page 3
But the main thing that I loved about this
area was we had some big city problems, but we were
small enough SO that you got to know people. You have
got to love them. You have got to enjoy working for
whatever the problem was. I do not know how many times
I walked down Cedar Springs behind about five bands
in that Cedar Springs Red Flannel Parade, or how many
times I have had the privilege of visiting one community
or another.
It is the warmth, it is the friendliness, it
is the look in the eye of people that makes you velcome.
And the most important thing is that people in this area
seem to want to work out the problems that they have,
whether they are labor and management on the one hand, or
consumer and producer on the other.
I cannot help but make a comment, Lyman, about
that Calder that you gave me. I was in Chicago a couple
of days age, and some of my friends over there were
kidding me about Grand Rapids being a small town. And
some of the commentators and writers were kidding me about
perhaps the lack of culture in Grand Rapids.
Well, I happen to think -- if my memory is
correct -- we had a Calder in Grand Rapids before
Chicago thought of it.
And then I have had some friends from various
parts of the country tell me that, well, Grand Rapids was
a little on the conservative side. Well, I cannot help
but ask them in good conscience what they mean. Do
they mean the people here have a healthy skepticism of
quick and easy solutions? If that is a definition of
conservatism, yes, we are skeptical. We are a little
conservative about some of the superficial answers
that some people try to sell us.
But if they mean that Grand Rapids and its
environs are skeptical about new ideas, the answer is no.
We are broad minded. We have a good outlook. And when
a new idea comes along that is constructive, that is
fair to everybody, we, in Grand Rapids, embrace it and
make it work. And that is what we have done all my life-
time.
Let me reminisce a moment, if I might. Some
of us in the audience here can remember when the old B. F.
Keith Theater was down here on Lyon Street, and some
of us can remember when the Regent Theater was right
over there, just where the Federal Building was, I guess,
and some of the other old broken-down business places
that needed to be removed -- and this wonderful
Vandenberg Center constructed.
MORE
Page 4
And in honor of one of Grand Rapids' outstanding
citizens, in my judgment, probably the outstanding
Senator that I have known in Washington, we built this
Vandenberg Center in honor and in tribute to Senator
Arthur H. Vandenberg.
And you know that Federal Building -- I used
to have an office right up there in the corner. I
used to look down here, and I could see at various
times of the day there would be periodic meetings
and wonderful luncheon gatherings. Occasionally we had
a demonstration or two, and sometimes in the moonlight,
I could look down and see a few friendly people holding
hands. And what is wrong with that?
But the point is that this great Vandenberg
Center with the Calder Stabile is, in my opinion, a tribute
to a great Senator, a tribute to a great people. It is
a product of a community that has the vision and the fore-
sight to do something for themselves in conjunction or
a partnership with the Federal Government.
And that is the way Arthur Vandenberg believed.
He was receptive to new ideas. He was a senior Senator
in Washington when Betty and I first went to the Nation's
capital. He and his wonderful wife, Hazel, could not have
been kinder, could not have been more receptive to two
newcomers to the Nation's capital.
He gave me, in all honesty, the inspiration
to take a look at the world as a whole. Arthur Vandenberg,
some of you may recall, was former -- with former President
Harry Truman -- was the architect of a bipartisan foreign
policy following World War II.
The two of them -- a great Democratic President,
Harry Truman, and a great Republican Senator, Senator
Arthur Vandenberg -- worked together, hand-in-glove,
following World War II when the world was in devastation,
when a good share of the world was on its back, and other
nations -- like our own -- had serious problems.
But from those ashes, Harry Truman and Arthur
Vandenberg put together a foreign policy that brought
allies together, presented a common front against potential
adversaries, helped under-developed nations grow, and
become a vital part of our world society.
MORE
Page 5
And that bipartisan foreign policy, which I
learned and fortunately learned from one of the masters,
I think is the future of the world.
And we in Washington today, representing all
of you -- Democrats, Republicans, Independents -- should
march shoulder to shoulder to make sure that our country,
our great United States of America, gives the leadership
in consolidating friends, and gives leadership in trying
to make new contacts, broader contacts, with potential
adversaries.
What we want to build is a world of peace so that
your children and my children and their children can
live in safety and security and a better world wherever
they might live -- Grand Rapids or elsewhere.
And I pledge to you, as President of the United
States -- believe me, folks, my friends at home -- I
never thought for one minute, when Betty and I left here
in December of 1949, that I would be coming home to
all of you as your President.
But as President, I will pledge to you, as I have
pledged to you in 13 previous elections, that I will do
my best, I will be fair, I will be open, I will work, and
I will continue the love and affection and the dedication
that I have, that all of you have, for your community,
for your friends, for your State, and for your Nation.
This is what you can give and what I can give, and on
behalf of Betty and myself, I pledge you nothing but all
I can do for all of you and many like you.
Thank you very, very much.
END
(5:50 P.M.
EST)
ENTERTAINMENT/THE ARTS
10/29/74
Art Works for
Federal Buildings
=========================
!!!!!!
By Sarah Booth Conroy
The first product of a sions for art works for pub-
newly vitalized federal pro-
lic buildings, at a cost of
gram to provide art for pub-
lic buildings, a $250,000 sta-
$2.5 million, will be com-
bilk
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Eva - I made a
copy of everything
20ml received from
Sen. Percy's office.
Want to add it
the "medol of
to our chapters of
for A. Calder "story". Edua
FORDO is GERALD LIBRARY
November 21, 1974
FOR:
Tom Korologos
FROM:
Jay T. French
SUBJECT:
Medal of Freedom for Alexander Calder
I have handled this correspondence for Mr. Buchen and also personally
talked with Mrs. Mulnix on the phone on three occasions. The facts of
the case are, that Ann Morgan, who is now leaving the staff, was
responsible for collecting material on nominees for the Medal. She
reported in turn to Pat Buchanan who presumably coordinated this
material and also the selection of recipients. Because of Mr. Buchanan's
departure, there is no one presently designated to perform this function
to my knowledge. It will take a few months before someone, perhaps
Paul Theis, is given this responsibility.
I would simply urge Senator Percy to acknowledge the letter and say
that he has contacted several different sources in the Administration
and learned that Mrs. Mulnix has already contacted the right people.
That it will take a little time to appoint someone to begin screening
nominees, but that certainly Mr. Calder's name will be one of those
considered at that time. He might also assist us in explaining that it
does take a while for an Administration to get organized and perform
these kinds of functions in the midst of all else that we face.
If this is not enough to assist you in replying to Irish McRae, please
let me know. Sorry this came to you.
GREATS R.FORD. LIBRARY
JF:em
59B
11/2
17-74
November 9, 1974
Dear Irish:
Thank you for your November 5 letter for
assistance in replying to the letter the
Senator has received from Mrs. LeVant
Muinix III.
I will discuss the correspondence with
Phil Buchen and we will be back in touch
with you as soon as possible with information
that will be helpful to the Senator in
responding.
With warm regard,
Sincerely,
Tom C. Korologes
Deputy Assistant
to the President
Mr. Irish McRae
Special Assistant to
The Honorable Charles H. Percy
GERALD ? FORD
United States Senate
Washington, D. C. 20510
bcc: w/incoming to Phil Buchen. Will you please provide me
with language I may pass along to Senator Percy for replying
to Mrs. Mulnix. Many thanks.
TCK:EF:VO:jlc
CHARLES H. PERCY
United States Senate
ILLINOIS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
IRISH MCRAE
SPECIAL ASSISTANT
November 5, 1974
Mr. Thomas Korologos
Special Assistant to
the President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Tom:
I would appreciate your reviewing and giving me advice as to how I
can make a meaningful reply for Senator Percy to the enclosed corres-
pondence. The writer obviously knows the President and Philip W.
Buchen. The replies to Mrs. Mulnix seem to me straightforward and
helpful. I am not sure what Senator Percy promised her verbally.
While I know the Senator has great regard for Alexander Calder, I
am sure he would be hesitant to take this up personally with the
President, especially since this matter has been explored thoroughly
before.
Have you any suggestions of how I may best respond to the writer?
Thanks, Tom.
Sincerely,
Irish Jrish McRae
IM:1g
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
DH to IM A M
October 26.
10/29
Dear Denator Percy.
it was delightful meeting you yesterday- -
and your willingness to help me alert
the President about Sandy Calders medal of
3necdom gave me great hope!
Enclosed is all the Corresp orderse of
which I have capies. Unfortunately many
of my letters to Phil Bucher were hand written
and no copies exist. Leso, many phone
connersations have taken place between
Jay French from Phili office and myself.
But all to no anail.
This business about there being "no one
in charge 8 medical 8 Freedom yet - so
no decision can he made" " is rediculous!
French himself told me that all the
"rescarch" on Sandy has been dose-
at our indigation in 1972!
FORD & LIBRARY
2 am convinced that no one has asked
\
the Prindent directly! and this is
what I am sincerely pleading with
you to do! The President. if he were
to remember the suggestion about the
medal for Dandy, and if he were reminded
that Calder is 76, and if he knew
how Chicagoans greeted him yecterday-
would obliterate all this bureaucratic,
red-tape Crap - parden me. but 2 really
disgusted at this perint - and have Mr.
Rumfeld get things rolling!
Sundy will be in either new your or
Roxbury. Connecticut until The middle
of november because he is scheduled
for his annual physical. let least this
will give Jerrip people a little more
time to make arrangements. and please
tell them they can count on me to help
in any way! ! Klaus Perlo too 472 (Sandy's
dealer)- his phone (ny) is (212) 779-3200.
Our phone is (616) 458-6249.
Sandy has Known since '72 that I've
been trying to get This thing done. Please
help me make this dream corne there.
alexander Calder is a great Cemerican-
and he accerves the highest award his
country can beetow.
Please let me know as things progress
FREE : GERALD LIBRARY
Very gratefully.
Nancy.Mulaix
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1974
Dear Mrs. Mulnix:
Although this is a delayed response, I would like to acknowledge
your letter of September 2 to the President.
As you know, he shares your high esteem of Alexander Calder.
Although it will take some time, the President hopes to revitalize
the Medal of Freedom award and personally select outstanding
Americans to receive our nation's highest civilian honor. Your
suggestion will receive every consideration at that time.
Sincerely,
Warren Sherstand
Warren S. Rustand
Appointments Secretary
to the President
Mrs. LeVant Mulnix, III
127 Mercer Drive S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 16, 1974
Dear Nancy:
Thank you for your recent letter of October ninth, concerning the
Medal of Freedom for Alexander Calder, which you have discussed
with Jay French and Marba Perrott.
I want to caution you that it is premature to contact Mr. Calder
until a decision is made in this matter by the President's office.
As Jay and Marba have explained, no one has been designated to
review such matters as yet, for President Ford's Administration.
You should know that I will try and learn if such a person is
being chosen at the earliest possible moment. I realize how
very interested you are in this nomination but, everyone has been
so very busy that this will have to take a little while.
My very best wishes,
Sincerely,
This
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Nancy Mulnix
127 Mercer Drive, S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
FORD
CHALD
LIBR
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 30, 1974
Dear Nancy:
Thank you so very much for your letter about Alexander Calder's
nomination for the Medal of Freedom. I talked with the office
that handles matters of this nature and they tell me that Mr.
Calder's file is quite extensive. I am sending. your letter to
them and asking that consideration be given his nomination in
light of the President's feelings, when he was in the Congress.
I will personally follow this matter and keep you informed. If
the decision is made to make this presentation, then we can
discuss the best locale.
I do appreciate your kind letter.
Warmest regards.
Sincerely,
Thil
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Nancy Mulnix
127 Mercer Drive, S. E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
September 2, 1974
President Gerald R. Ford
The White House
Washington, D.O.
Dear Mr. President:
The entire Mulnix family sends you our heartfelt
congratulations and hopes and/prayers for the months
and years ahead. With you as our president, we are
again what America was meant to bc. I have not felt
so secure about our country and its future since Ike
was in the Oval Office. Thank God you are there now!
Two years ago you helped me nominate Alexander
Calder for the Presidential Medal of Precdom. At the
last monent, the consideration of its presintation
wee withdrawn by the White House.
Alexander Calder is 76 years 077 now - and I want
more than anything in the world to have you award him
his country's highest civilien honor. Please, Mr.
President, he is worthy beyond a doubt, and it would
be 30 timely.
Sandy and Louise will be in New York during the
cntire month of October. His only definite plans
include the opening of his show at the, Perls Collery
on Oct. 9th and the dedication of two-now pieces in
Chicago on Oct. 25th. One of the Chicago pieces is a
large stabile for the new Federal Building.
I know October is short notice, but it is the only
time the Colders will be.home. If you were to present
the award to this man, who meny consider the greatest
American artist of this century, I know hc would
eccept it with great pride and humility.
=
Again, Lee and I and our children send you our
(
very best wishes!
GERALD
FOR
Sincerely,
Namey
Mrs. LeVant Mulnix, III
127 Mercer Drive SE
Grand Revide, Michigan 49506
(615) 453-6249
IRS Refused to Audit 12-21- 73
575 New Nixon Enemies
WASHINGTON (AP) -The White House
for favorable tax treatment include actor
asked the Internal Revenue Service. to
John Wayne and evangelist Billy Graham,
subject political enemies to tax audits or
who has denied trying to use his influence
other special attention, congressional
with the chief executive to get out of tax
investigators have concluded.
troubles.
However, the IRS apparently did nothing
Among the prominent people on the
with the list, the Joint Committee on
enemy list were:
Internal Revenue Taxation said Thursday.
Jean Westweed and T avence O'Prien
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
GERALD R. FORD
November 5, 1973
MINORITY LEADER
Dear Nancy and Lee,
I truly appreciate your warm letter of congratulations on
my nomination to be Vice President of the United States.
This is a great honor that has come to me; and I am
extremely grateful and terribly humble to be so nominated
by President Nixon.
If confirmed, I will do my utmost to merit the confidence
and faith expressed in me be dear friends at home, like
you. I hope that I have some assets that may be helpful
in bringing about a united America.
With warmest personal regards and my deep appreciation
for your continuing support.
Sincerely
Gerald Juny R. Ford M.C.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Mulnix
127 Mercer Drive SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 28, 1972
Dear Jerry:
Thank you for your letter of January 25
recommending Mr. Alexander Calder for
consideration as a recipient of the
Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Although the selection of individuals to
receive the Medal of Freedom is made
solely by the President, I will be pleased
to bring your letter to the attention of
those who prepare a background review of
recommended candidates. You may be assured
Mr. Calder will receive careful consideration.
With warm regards,
Sincerely,
Bill
William E. Timmons
Assistant to the President
Honorable Gerald R. Ford
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
was called by my friend
Starke meyer, who worked
for hen Garment in WH
that pixm hated Calder."
ERALD
GERALD R. FORD
MICHIGAN OFFICE:
FIFTH DISTRICT, MICHIGAN
425 CHERRY STREET SE.
GRAND RAPIDS
ZIP 49502
Congress of the United States
Office of the Minority Leader
house of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
January 25, 1972
Mrs. Nancy Mulnix
127 Marcer Drive, S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
Dear Mrs. Mulnix:
I am pleased to comply with your request to nominate Alexander
Calder as the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He certainly does deserve the honor, and I am pleased to join
those who are suggesting that he be given this specific recognition.
Warmest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald Jany Ford, M.C.
GRF:md
PONDLIBRARY is
PHIL A. HART
COMMITTEES:
COMMERCE
MICHIGAN
JUDICIARY
Mnited States Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
July 1, 1969
Mrs. LaVant Mulnix III
127 Mercer Drive, S. E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dear Mrs. Mulnix:
Thank you for taking time to write and send the memento.
Meeting the Calders was certainly my pleasure and I
would agree as to his qualifications as a great sculptor.
One of his recent pieces is now in place in a Smithsonian
court yard much to the delight of Washingtonians and visitors.
Grand Rapids, is indeed fortunate to have such a fine sample
of his work.
To suggest a recipient for the Presidential Medal of
Freedom you should write to the Distinguished Civilian Service
Awards Board, c/o Mr. Robert Hampton, Chairman, Civil Service
Commission, 19th and E Streets, N. W., Washington, D. C.
I am told the Board submits several names annually to the
President who has the final choice. And I would also agree
that Mr. Calder would make an excellent nominee.
With every best wish,
Sincerely,
Phisipart
Denatn Hart received an
Lonnary doctuate with
Calder, here in 1569.
LIBRARY GERALD TO FORD
December 2, 1974
Dear Nancy:
Thank you very much for your letter.
The President is planning to be in Colorado
at Christmas time, but if you want to let me
know another appropriate time for a call to
be placed to the Calders let me know. An
appropriate time might be when they return
to the U.S.A. permanently.
Sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Nancy Mulnix
127 Mercer Drive SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
DERALD R. FORD , LIBRAN
November 25, 1974
Dear Phil:
It is a beautiful morning in Grand Rapids; we can
hope that Thanksgiving Day will be as lovely.
I received a letter from Klaus Perls last week
in response to a letter from me regarding the
status, if that's the proper word, of the Medal
of Freedom situation. Klaus's letter held much
good news - all of which will have some bearing on
the "situation".
It seems likely that Sandy and Louisa will be in
New York and Connecticut for Christmas! In fact
they may indeed move back to the United States
permanently! I remember that you once told me
that you had known Jo Davidson. Well, Willy
Davidson, the child of Jo's son Jean, and Sandy's
daughter, Sandra, is now living with his aunt
Mary Calder Rower in New York. He must be 18 or
so.
Now Sandra and Jean and daughter Andrea want to
move here. Klaus says that his guess is "that
Sandy and Louisa will come back here with Sandra
and Jean, especially as Louisa seems to be lonely
at Sache and has a better time here now. That
last statement is particularly revealing because
I think it relates directly to the Ford Presidency
and the warmth and love that have come to Sandy
in this country since - and begun by - the Grand
Rapids experience!
Klaus also said that while in New York, the White
House Social Secretary had phoned to invite the
GERALD = FORD
Calders to dinner at the White House. He said
the Louisa could not accept because she had a
dental appointment on that date. What I don't
believe she told the person who called was that it
was not an ordinary dental appointment! Louisa
underwent a prolonged gingivectomy while here, and
the dentist would give her general anesthetic for
her two hour treatments. When I saw her, her face
was quite bruised. I don't know how sensitive
the White House is to refusals, but surely the
people should be compassionate about this one!
May I suggest that Mary Rower, 84 MacDougal St.,
New York (212-982-3620) would have up-to-the-minute
information about the Christmas plans. And so
will Klaus, but he is in Europe for the next two
weeks. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Jerry could
honor Sandy - who looks a little like Santa - at
Christmastime!
I so deeply believe that honoring Calder would
show the country and the world that this country
still cares very much about the individual and his
special and unique gifts. It would demonstrate
that Gerald Ford places in high priority the qualities
that have distinguished the life and art of Alex-
ander Calder. And now, more than ever, this nation
must believe that creativity and hard work and a
genuine delight in life and living are among our
most precious national resources. Sandy Calder
is the personification of all of those things -
and he is the greatest sculptor of this century.
It was nice of the President to write me and make
a fine gesture to the Civic Theatre by buying a
patron's ticket. He has done that for the past
two years, but I did not expect that he would ever
see my letter this year.
I rest assured that you will indeed personally
follow this matter and keep me informed, as you
promised.
My fondest best wishes to you and to Bunny.
Love,
nancy.
LIBRARY GERALD = FORD