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Ford, Betty - Marriage & Divorce
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1489775
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Ford, Betty - Marriage & Divorce
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Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files (Ford Administration)
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The original documents are located in Box 39, folder "Ford, Betty - Marriage &
Divorce" 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 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
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.
Digitized from Box 39 of the Sheila Weidenfeld Files at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
FRITILY
The new Vice-President and his wife talk
file copy
frankly about their 25-year marriage, their children
and the difficult period they weathered
that helped to strengthen them all
BY TRUDE B. FELDMAN
Elizabeth and Gerald Ford have been happily married
gathering of Congressional leaders. and proposed that
for more than 25 years, but there has been one prob-
Gerald R. Ford be confirmed as the 40th Vice-President
lem. "Jerry keeps telling me," Betty Ford says, "that if
of the United States. Less than two months later, on De-
he ever gets a heart attack, it won't be because of long
cember sixth, he was sworn into that office.
hours or hard work but because I'm always late."
Gerald Ford's sudden elevation to a position one step
A close friend of the Vice-President's for more than 20
away from the Presidency has the makings of a personal
years, William Whyte, recalls an incident when the two
drama unparalleled in American history. He is the first
families were on a vacation together: "Betty was late for
Vice-President to enter office without the months of prep-
dinner. We were all sitting in the dining ròom, waiting for
aration that normally intervene between the time of a
her, wondering where she was. After a time a long ciga-
national convention and the eventual inauguration of a
rette holder appeared in the doorway, one leg emerged
new administration. In addition, coming as it does at a
from around the door, then we saw an eye winking at us
time of great debate about the possible resignation or
from under a big artificial eyelash. Betty, wearing a wig
impeachment of President Nixon, the appointment puts
and decked out like Mata Hari, made her entrance sing-
him under heavy pressure to maintain his own indepen-
ing, in a deep throaty voice, 'Whatever Lola Wants, Lola
dence and integrity while rendering the loyalty that is
Gets: Now can you picture that?"
traditionally expected of a Vice-President toward the man
If Betty Ford's stratagem for disarming her husband's
in the White House. It was a tribute to Gerald Ford's per-
annoyance sounds like something out of an old "Father
sonal qualities that both President Nixon and an over-
Knows Best" episode, the impression is not far off the
whelming majority of both houses of Congress felt that he
mark. The Fords do have a marked resemblance to those
was the best man to undertake those responsibilities.
happy, wholesome families that populate the television
Betty Ford has no doubt that her husband will be able
series. To trick his wife into being on time, Gerald Ford
to support the President and still be his own man. "Jerry
has resorted to such situation-comedy devices as telling
wouldn't hesitate," she says, "to make an appointment
her that an eight-o'clock dinner appointment was sched-
with the President and walk right in and say, 1 think you're
uled for seven o'clock.
off the beam' on this or that. I think that's why the Presi-
"I don't know why he complains so much," Betty Ford
dent wanted him. He wanted someone with whom- he
says, defending her chronic lateness with mock innocence.
agreed philosophically, yet someone he knew well enough
"After all, heaven knows he was late for our own wedding.
so that he could sit down and talk to him and say, 'Well,
As a matter of fact, he was so late that I'd just about de-
maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it should be done a different way.
cided that if he didn't show up
"Jerry and the President
soon, I might as well go down
haven't always agreed. Jerry
and marry the best man. When
voted against bills the Presi-
Jerry did appear, he apolo-
dent wanted put through. Be-
gized profusely-he had been
cause he's always been his
out campaigning for Congress
own man." Betty is certain that
in a farming area. We finally
no amount of pressure will
bowed our heads to take the
cause her husband to change:
vows, and it was then I noticed
"He's a very humble person-
that with his neat gray-flannel
none of this can possibly go
suit he was wearing dusty
to his head."
LIBRARY
brown shoes. He had been in
At the start of his Vice-Pres-
such a hurry to change his suit
idency, Ford has certainly tried
that he had simply forgotten
to resist changes in his home-
to change his shoes."
life. After a family vote, in
That was on October 15,
which their four children were
1948. Last year, only a few
unanimous, the Fords elected
days before the Fords were to
to remain in the four-bedroom
celebrate their 25th anniver-
house they built 20 years ago
sary, Richard Nixon appeared
in Alexandria, Virginia. When
FRED J. MAROON
on television at a White House
Mrs. Ford with Steven, 17, and Susan, 16.
the Secret / turn to page 138
94
mcCalls may 1974
& TERMS
and # YOUR 1 $ is
3 ¥
NSP080901-8/9/74- GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.: (FILE) : Two big events
took place in the life of Gerald R. Ford in the autumn of 1948.
He got married and he got elected to Congress. Here President
Ford leaves Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids October 15,
1948 with his new wife, the former Elizabeth (Betty) Bloomer.
UPI FILE
dk/FILE
prominent American men and women who have been
at 44 per 100 marriages, second highest in the world.
Dash Post
10/26/75
The Divorce Boom
Keeps Booming
by Charles Peterson
NSP080901-8/9/74- GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.: (FILE) : Two big events
took place in the life of Gerald R. Ford in the autumn of 1948.
He got married and he got elected to Congress. Here President
Ford leaves Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids October 15,
1948 with his new wife, the former Elizabeth (Betty) Bloomer.
UPI FILE
dk/FILE
pl-worrost
bf- - marriage
ABI LITE 9F\LIFE
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Borg JG9AGB effce CUSICU TU GIOUQ gubree Occoper T2'
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GHVMD KV6IDE' NICH (ЫГЕ): IMO pTa GAGUÇA
16
Thursday, August 22, 1974 THE EVANSVILLE PRESS
Divorces make history
Happy' endured gossip for 'man she loves'
First Lady's First
By Wauhillau La Hay
years, partly the result of his
-UPI Telephoto
byterian minister who mar-
ed their time among their huge
at Seal Harbor, which is where
Scripps-Howard Stoff Writer
presidential aspirations.
ried them was officially re-
double duplex apartment on
Husband Still Friend
"Happy" met her future hus-
The first Mrs. Nelson A.
buked by his superiors and
Fifth Avenue; their estate at
WASHINGTON - For the
band. The Murphys were of-
Rockefeller was Philadelphia
the divorce dogged - many
Pocantico Hills; a big modern
fered land at Pocantico for a
Of The First_Family
first time in U.S. history, the
socialite Mary Todhunter
believed denied - Rockefel-
house at Seal Harbor, Maine,
summer home. They built the
first and second ladies of the
SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) -
land will be women who were
Clark. They were married for
ler's presidential ambitions.
where other members of the
home and thereafter the
The new First Lady's first
some 31 years. About the mid-
The public also reacted
family have summer homes;
Murphys and Rockefellers
husband says he still is a good
FORMER GOVERNOR AND MRS. NELSON ROCKER ELLER
Daily News- 9/15/74
Betty San Ford's 1st Mate Talks
Happy' Rockefeller Exudes
celebrity perous He lamp salesman
furniture Prancisco, and Aug. 14 (UPI)-William her C. Warren, a pros-
tant
Enthusiasm For Her 'Rocky'
ady,
loes
By WAHUILLAU LA HAY
THEN IT became known
children went back to New
8 a
Scripps-Howard Staff
that he was deeply in love
York City while Melinda,
WASHINGTON - For the
with "Happy" Murphy, wife
then 3, remained with her
in
of Dr Lames Slater "Robin"
ord
to
s."
on
ck
in
le,
he
in
y.
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a
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10
Q. Once and for all, can you tell us how much Sen.
York, N.Y. 10017. Your full name will be us
Want the facts? Want to learn the truth about
Parade 12/1/74
10
J
ns
B'
P
6
PORTFOLIC
The San Juan Star - Friday 8/23/74.
Ford, Rockefeller Wives Are Both Divorcees
By WAUHILLAU La HAY
result of his presidential
children. The four Rockefeller
afterward the three older
Observatory are ready for the home and thereafter the
Scripps-Howard Staff Writer
aspirations.
children were fully grown.
children went back to New
them.
Murphys and Rockefellers
WASHINGTON - For the
The first Mrs. Nelson A.
One, Michael, died in 1961 on
York City while Melinda, then
were together frequently.
first time in U.S. history, the
Rockefeller was Philadelphia
an expedition to New Guinea
3, remained with her mother
"Happy" is a member of
first and second ladies of the
socialite Mary Todhunter
to collect art.
and stepfather.
an old, rich and socially im-
"Happy" threw herself into
land will be women who were
Clark. They were married for
The wedding of Margareta
The suit eventually was
peccable Phildadelphia Main
the Rockefeller Presidential
WALTER SCOTT'S
Personality Parade
Want the facts? Want to learn the truth about prominent personalities? Want informed opinion? Write Wal
York, N.Y. 10017. Your full name will be used unless otherwise requested. Volume of mail received I
Q. Can you tell us anything about Joe Albritton who
A. They were
has bought into The Washington Star-News?-Peter
"long after" 1
Lord, Arlington, Va.
Ford as a cour
A. Joe Lewis Albritton, 49, is a Texas lawyer and
asked the Seci
banker who runs the Houston Citizens Trust Com-
for a few days
Q
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Q.Isn't l
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Denise Ri
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A. The f
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In 1886
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the most
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stupidly b
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immoral,
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two wors
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parade
chairman of the board, ARTHUR H. MOTLEY president, DANIEL D. KINLEY editor, JESS GORKIN publ
editor at large, LLOYD SHEARER senior editors, HERBERT KUPFERBERG, DAVID PALEY, DAVID SENDLER
art director, ANTHONY LA ROTONDA
THE SUNDAY
associate editors, JONATHAN BRAUN, MARY ANN CAVLIN, LINDA GUTSTEIN, NOEL HUMPHREYS, PAM PROC
NEWSPAPER MAGAZINE
assistant art director, ROBERT L PETERSON art associates, RUDDY HAVILL, AL TROIANI
assistant to the editor, MARION LONG editorial assistants, DORIS SCHORTMAN, BEBE WILLOUGHBY
home economics, DEMETRIA TAYLOR tashion, VIRGINIA POPE cartoon editor, LAWRENCE LARIAR
washington, bureau chief, JACK ANDERSON; FRED BLUMENTHAL, OPAL GINN
west coast bureau, CHARLES PETERSON europe, CONNECTICUT WALKER australia, PATRICIA ANGLY
SEPTEMBER 22, 1974.
C
1974, Parade Publications, Inc., 733 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017. All rights reserved under International and Pan
Copyright Conventions. Reproduction in whole or in part of any article without permission is prohibited. PARADE: N
Please address editorial contributions to: Articles, Parade, 733 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017. Although reasonable care will be taken, Parade is
GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
The item described below has been transferred from this file to:
8 Audiovisual Unit
Book Collection
Ford Museum in Grand Rapids
Item: 8"x10" BW photo of BF and GRF leaving
Grace Episcopal Church after Their wedding on 10/15/48.
UPI Photo hedit
The item was transferred from: Weidenteld Bux 39 BF-Manign
and Divoru
Initials/Date let 5/86
Divorce is no burden to Betty and Happy
By WAUHILLAU LA HAY
ended in divorce on the grounds of men-
some 31 years. About the middle of his
Scripps-Howard Writer
tal cruelty and incompatibility. Mrs.
first term of governor it became appar-
Ford received a total settlement of $1.
ent to their friends, and then rather gen-
A
SHINCTON
For
the
first
time
in
knowledge in the New Vork area,
U.
La
n in
ed
were
W of
e re-
coi
Ge
rnor
vi
er in
ma
th
was
pr
'itler
Ra
later
"N
The marriage to William C. Warren
hunter Clark. They were married for
Turn to Page C 1.
Clear RPI:
was
siting
d the
gain.
are
thers,
rn in
itler,
ERS
mong
uplex
enue;
Hills;
Seal
other
have
rking
in the
and a
ne at
d in
appy"
at the
il the
arters
y are
of an
im-
grand-
rope
still a
nother
Gen.
who
forces
Bryn
luated
ere in
of a
il her
hy in
II she
or the
unteer
dation
en had
it with
Ils and
where
future
were
M
g.
0 for a
ilt the
r the
fellers
at Pocantico Hills while the
Murphys honeymooned and
afterward the three older
children went back to New
York City while Melinda, then
3 remained with her mother
"Happy" threw herself into
the Rockefeller Presidential
camapign in 1960. She has said
often that she enjoys politics
Edited By Marjorie Walker
rs. Rockefeller
Open, Friendly
;y WAUHILLAU LA HAY
Scripps-Howard Staff Writer
or the first time in U.S.
ory, the First and Second
ies of the land will be
curtion 10 New Guinea LU were together frequently.
he wedding of Margaretta
er Murphy and Nelson
kefeller took place on May
1963 the home of his
ect art.
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*1
Husbands First Nonelective Team
Knoy
First, Second Ladies Will Be Divorcees
By Wauhillau La Hay
to Republican gatherings, con-
Scripps-Howard Staff Writer
ventions and state affairs.
WASHINGTON - For the
"Happy"
Rockefeller's
first time in U.S. history, the
sparkling -brown eyes, her
first and second ladies of the
shining chestnut hair which
land will be women who were
she wears long and casually,
divorced before marrying
her impeccable taste in
their husbands, who also will
clothes and her erect carriage
Jach stand
Fair
Wide World
PRESIDENT FORD
"A late bloomer"
Why did Gerald Ford wait until he
was 35 to marry? "I was always so
busy, I never really had enough time to
o
get involved, and I was concentrating
se.
on my career. And second, I had only
th
one serious romance, other .than the
fe
one I had with Betty, with this girl
no
from Connecticut College
very su-
tc
perior girl-but it didn't work out. So I
a'
just forgot being too much interested
tl
in marriage. Then I met Betty, and she
A
was very attractive. She added a sense
i
of stability and serenity. By the time I
I
was 35, I was pretty well on course and
wasn't preoccupied. I knew where I
was going-at least where I wanted to
try to go. And so our lives sort of fitted
,
at that stage. She has done a super job.
Thursday, August 29, 1974
DIVORCES SURPRISEAUG
TO MANY IN CAPITAL
2
8.3374
Betty Ford's first marriage to William Warren
came as a surprise to many in Washington after
Ford's nomination as vice president. None of
Ford's biographical records ever mentioned it -
nor the fact that his mother had been divorced
when he was an infant. It was not a secret among
their Grand Rapids friends, many of whom attend-
ed both weddings.
Betty Ford obtained a divorce from Warren on
Sept. 22, 1947, on grounds of incompatibility. She
and Warren had no children. She was given a token
settlement of $1 and the furnishings of their Grand
Rapids apartment. The couple had been separated
for about a year at the time of the divorce.
Warren later married the daughter of a former
Mexican diplomat and moved to San Francisco.
The Warrens and the Fords in 1974 termed their
relationship as "amicable." Mrs. Ford said "Jerry
and I recently ran into my former husband at the
airport in Dallas. There's never been any ill feeling
or anything like that.'
Warren has been quoted as saying that they "still
have many mutual friends" in Grand Rapids.
Daily News - 8/15/74
Betty Ford's 1st Mate Talks
San Francisco, Aug. 14 (UPI)-William C. Warren, a pros-
perous furniture and lamp salesman, has become an instant
celebrity. He is the first husband of the nation's new first lady,
Betty Ford.
But Warren, hardly enthusiastic about his new status, does
not say much more about Mrs. Ford other than that "she's a
nice person."
Warren and the former Betty Bloomer were married in
matriage
Grand Rapids, Mich., for five years and divorced when Mrs. Ford
was 29. She married Ford when she was 30.
Warren was a bit irritated at a recent quote attributed to
Mrs. Ford that she had no idea where he was.
"I know Jerry Ford," he said. "We're still good friends."
Warren, who represents some Grand Rapids firms, lives on
Russian Hill with his wife of 20 years, Mayo, in a plush block
of Lombard St., known to tourists as "the crookedest street in
the world."
The couple moves with locally socially prominent people,
and jets frequently to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where the
Warrens also are active on the social scene. Mrs. Warren, an
interior designer, is half Mexican and speaks Spanish fluently.
FORD
By Betty Beale
Star-News Staff Writer
Nobody
The item in Time maga-
zine revealing that Betty
Ford was a divorcee when
she married Gerald Ford
MAY 08 1974
Ever
years ago was news to
many in Washington, but
certainly raised no eye-
brows.
"No one had ever both-
Asked
ered to ask if I had been
married previously," Bet-
ty explained. "All our
friends knew about it
(some attended both wed-
Her
dings) and there was no
reason to advertise it
"I suppose the Secret
Service found out when