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President - Personal Home - Boyhood
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4520825
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President - Personal Home - Boyhood
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Philip W. Buchen Files
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The original documents are located in Box 50, folder "President - Personal Home -
Boyhood" of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 50 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Dr. Mars
John Marsh's staff
8/12/74
Old home place in Grand Rapids being sold
Richard Roudebush
O.K. to deal with him
----
stop has been put on the VA sale until tomorrow
Roudebush can speak for Don Johnson (Administrator) ----
Roudebush is proposed to be the new Administrator.
LAW, BUCHEN, WEATHERS, RICHARDSON & DUTCHER
MEMORANDUM
To: PW B
FROM:
RE:
DATE: 7/16/74 TIME:
for your information . I just
veid This from Tarankforter
Rufo
GERALD Bodene R. sear
ART & MUSEUM COMMISSION
John H. Uhl, President
M
William C. Gallmeyer, Vice President
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM 54 JEFFERSON S.E.
Mrs. G. M. Braseth, Secretary
George Jackoboice, Sr.
Michigan
Mrs. Fred C. Brace
49502
Raleigh R. Stotz
Alfred W. Hewitt
PHONE 456-5494
MUSEUM DIRECTOR
W. D. Frankforter
MEMO RE PRESIDENT FORD'S FORMER RESIDENCE at 649 Union Ave., S.E.
A former residence of President Gerald R. Ford's is located at 649 Union Ave.,
S. E., Grand Rapids, Michigan. This house is in the hands of the Veteran's Admin-
istration and is presently unoccupied. It was acquired two years ago by the VA when
the purchaser defaulted on payments. It was listed with Westdale Realty but was taken
off the market on August 12. The Grand Rapids Press for Thursday, August 15, has a
complete story on all the homes known to have been occupied by President Ford's family
here in Grand Rapids.
There is great local interest in preserving and possibly refurbishing the 649
Union Ave. home. It is located within less than a block of the south boundary of the
Heritage Hill Historic District which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
In talking with Mrs. Linda DeJong, Director of the Heritage Hill Association, she
stated that her organization would like to have the District extended to include the
home. At the present time, Mr. John Cary, Chairman of the Grand Rapids Historic Pre-
servation Commission, has been asked to begin action on having the house declared a
National Historic Place which would give the property some protection. Having the
District extended will take more time.
At a meeting of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission (not the Historic Preser-
vation Commission) on August 14, I proposed that a letter be written to the Grand
Rapids City Commission urging City acquisition of this property and, if possible, the
refurbishing and refurnishing of the home with original furniture which may still be
with members of the family, as well as with items similar to what was there. I would
imagine that the memories of those years are vivid enough for the family to recall
how the home was furnished.
I am quite upset with the realty company which keeps running down the neighbor-
hood and proposed that the house be moved. The designation of this home as a historic
site would tend to upgrade the neighborhood and help stabilize it, an action which is
beginning to become evident in the Historic District, itself, because of the efforts
of the Heritage Hill Association in developing pride of ownership in that area. To
remove a building from a neighborhood because of the risk of vandalism is a slap in
the face to the residents which could only produce resentment and increase the po-
tential for vandalism.
The house is not extraordinary but, at the same time, it is not without archi-
tectural merit. It is a substantial home with certain architectural features and
trim, such as fluted pillars on the front porch, key brackets under the eaves, and
other details which place it above the common run. Moreover, it is a good example
of the home (and neighborhood) occupied by the middle class businessman at the time
and has solid, homespun, honest qualities which are an integral part of Mr. Ford's
personality and which have helped bring him to his present high post.
FORD
W.D. Jrankforter Frankforter,
August 16, 1974
Accredited by the American Association of Museums
8/19/74
To:
Jack Marsh
From: Phil Buchen
FORD is LIBRARY 07V838
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Eva:
Please make photocopy
of this of deliver the
copy to Jack Marsh
scross the hall.
Also, make file
for me on this subject,
with all materal we
have included.
P.
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
8/13/74
RWR:nlr
MEMORANDUM RE 649 UNION STREET
In response to PWB's concern over this property, I have
done the following.
1. I talked with John Bierce of the Westdale Company and
am advised by him that the property was formerly for sale on an open
listing available to all real estate brokers in Michigan. The Westdale
Company has been acting as property manager for VA. Mr. Bierce tells
me that yesterday as a result of the newspaper publicity, the VA was
flooded with offers but that all offers were rejected and that the
property was taken off the market yesterday. The Westdale Company is
acting as property manager and has been instructed to clean up the
yard and make preliminary repairs both to the inside and to the
outside of the property. Mr. Bierce advised me that the man to contact
with regard to this property is William C. Anderson who is the Section
Chief of the Property Management Section of VA in Detroit, telephone
313-874-2340, Extension 263.
2. I talked with Mr. Anderson, and he advises me that the
property has been taken off the market and that they are now waiting
for instructions from the VA Central Office in Washington. The
decision as to what is to be done with the property will come from the
central office in Washington. The people to contact there are the
Loan Guaranty Officer, a Mr. Echols, and the Deputy Director of Property
Management, a Mr. Craig.
Mr. Anderson advised me that there is no limitation as
to how long the property can be kept off of the market and that he
understands that the property is just a few yards out of the Heritage
Hill District and that it is possible that the property could be
placed in the Heritage Hill District or otherwise be established in a
historical area.
Mr. Anderson also advised me that the former owner of
the property has long since ceased to have any rights of any sort in
the property. In the event of the sale of the property for something
FORD
RWR:nlr 8/13/74
in excess of what was owed on the mortgage, etc. at the time of
foreclosure, the prior owner would have no right to any portion of
the excess. All receipts would go to the Veterans Administration as
the present owner.
3. I called Mr. Frankfurter, the Director of the Grand
Rapids Public Museum, who advised me that he had been contacted by the
newspapers regarding this property. He confirmed the fact that it is
slightly south of the Heritage Hill Area but that it is possible to
get the boundaries of the Heritage Hill Area changed to include other
historic property. He will prepare a memorandum to me setting forth
his preliminary idea as to how this property could be handled. In the
event that it is to be incorporated into the Heritage Hill Area,
apparently a recommendation would come from the Grand Rapids Historical
Preservation Commission of which John Cary is chairman. The recommendation
would then be processed through a State Board and end up with The
National Park Service. His memorandum in this regard will be forth-
coming.
4. I also called Grand Rapids City Hall and left word for
the City Manager or the Mayor to call me so that I will be informed
as to what they may be thinking or planning to do in connection with
this matter.
I asked all persons to whom I have talked, including
Mr. Bierce, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Frankfurter, to be certain to advise me
of any developments that come to their attention so that I in turn can
keep Mr. Buchen informed. I impressed on them the necessity of seeing
that all decisions have been cleared with The White House before anyone
makes a precipitous decision. All of these persons indicated that they
would advise me of any developments which come to their attention.
RWR
FORD
-2-
BRALD
0
D
d
On this,
smily mel agg hm
may owam) om Ally
1 Jut with my
Eva:
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
I'm sure
you saw
these
LAW, BUCHEN, weathers, RICHARDSON & DUTCHER
740 OLD KENT BUILDING
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49502
GR RAPIOS
U.S.PUSTAGE
AUG13'74
7.1 3
MICH
DOMETER
T.D.545199
VIA AIR MAIL
MR. PHILIP W. BUCHEN
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON, D. C.
Washington Star-News
Tuesday, August 13, 1974
-United Press International
President Ford's childhood home in Grand Rapids.
VA Moves to Protect
Ford's Boyhood Home
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.
taxes and insurance. But
story, four bedroom home
(UPI) - Until Monday
even that drew no takers.
- "and taking advantage
morning, you could have
An agent for the VA said
of the situation."
bought President Ford's
the only offer it received
A spokesman said the VA
boyhood home for $9,000,
was $100.
would like to turn the home
and that might have been
over to a historical society
around $8,900 too much.
THE FORDS occupied
or any other interested
The house at 649 Union
the home from 1923 until
similar group.
St., which Ford occupied
about 1930 when the neigh-
"From a real estate
for some seven years after
borhood was white and
standpoint," a property
his mother came here, and
upper middle class. During
manager for the VA's local
married Gerald R. Ford
part of that period the fu-
agent said, "it's not a sala-
Sr., came off the sales lists
ture president was an all-
ble neighborhood."
yesterday at the orders of
star athlete at nearby South
By that, he meant partly
the Veterans Administra-
High School.
that the area has a high
tion.
Now its windows are
crime rate.
The VA owns the house,
smashed, its porch screen
The home's last owner,
which has stood vacant for
ripped and rotting, and its
Mrs. Ethel Henderson, said
five years in a poor, mostly
tiny, weed covered lawn
she sold the house five
black neighborhood in the
cluttered with debris.
years ago because she
city's southeast side. The
Most of the old Ford
feared burglary.
VA took over the property
neighbors have long gone.
Mrs. Henderson said she
when the last owner de-
But the VA said it was
paid $13,000 for the old Ford
faulted on his mortgage.
taking the house off its sale
home in the early 1950s. She
The selling price was
list to prevent any specula-
said she was the first black
$9,000 plus about $500 for
tors from buying the three-
to live in the neighborhood.
Ford home: Not for sale
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.
(AP) - A vacant, battered
home where Gerald R. Ford
once lived for seven years has
been taken off the real estate
market by the Veterans Ad-
ministration to prevent
speculation.
Since Ford became President
last Friday, real estate brokers
showing the home have been
deluged with offers.
Ford's family lived in the
house from 1923 to 1930. It is
now in a state of disrepair, with
weeds growing in the walkway,
windows broken and screens
rusted. Broken bottles litter the
lawn.
The VA took over the three-
story frame house two years
ago when its owner defaulted on
the mortgage.
The house was for sale for
$500 down and a $9,000 mor-
tgage. A broker said Saturday
the best bid had been $100, but
after word of the home spread
on Monday higher offers began.
John Bierce of the Westdale
Co., which is handling the
mortgage for the VA, said he
thinks the house. should be
restored and moved.
"If I had the whole say, I
think the Grand Rapids Public
Museum still has some vacant
land right downtown where it
AP Wirephote
could be watched over more
THIS HOUSE, where Gerald Ford lived from 1923 through 1930, was on the market for $9,-
easily," Bierce said.
000 - and wasn't moving. Now the VA is afraid it might move too fast.
Monday 10/21/74
12:45 Steve Vieregg of the Grand Rapids Press needs to talk (616) 459-1472
with you on the matter of one of the old Ford homes.
Wants to know what the status is.
Both the local people and the VA in Washington told
him they are waiting for a decision from the White House.
He would like to know what house he wants to have
designated as the President's home for historical purposes.
(He said the VA has sent a memo to the President asking
which of the historical groups he would want to handle it --
Grand Rapids Historical Commission, Heritage Hill Association,
State Historical Society).
you said you'd like
to call Bob Richardsm
on Tuesday.
FORD i LIBRARY 078870
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
To:
Mr. Buchen
From: Eva
I thought they were
going to preserve
"boyhood home".
??????
No, Pres. said he
had no interest
doing so
GERALE GERAL H. FORD VIBRARY
P.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date Nor.12,1974
TO:
M. Buchen
FROM: DR. THEODORE C. MARRS
For your signature
For your coordination
For your information
Per our conversation
Other:
November 11, 1974
Dear Rowdy:
The President appreciated your interest in the Union
Street home in Grand Rapids. Your thoughtful action
was most appropriate.
However, the President does not have an interest in
having that property memorialized in any way. You
are free to handle it in accord with VA policy. I
shall be glad to discuss this with you if you like.
Sincerely,
Theodore c. Marrs
Special Assistant to the President
The Honorable Richard L. Roudebush
Administrator
Veterans Administration
810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. c. 20420
Enclosure
FORD a LIBRARY
CC: Mr. Buchen
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
10/31/74
To:
Dr. Marrs
From: Eva Daughtrey
Mr. Buchen would like you
to prepare a reply to this
and please send us a copy.
Thanks so much.
FORDO & 07WN30 LEGRARY
INSURANCE ADMINISTI
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20420
1930
September 16, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
The Honorable
Theodore C. Marrs
Special Assistant
To the President
The White House
Subject: Disposition of Gerald R. Ford, Jr.
Boyhood Home, 649 Union Street,
Grand Rapids, Michigan
In November 1972, the VA acquired the subject prop-
erty by deed in lieu of foreclosure on a defaulted Veterans
Administration guaranteed home loan. The VA was not aware
this property was the President's former home until it was
featured in a Michigan newspaper story. On the same day the
VA withdrew the property from the market to assure the proper
handling of a property which has become historically signi-
ficant.
The Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and Execu-
tive Order 11593 require that Federal agencies assure the
proper preservation of historic properties under their
jurisdiction. The Veterans Administration has the following
options:
a. To maintain the property at pro-
fessional levels as established by
the Secretary of Interior.
b. To dispose of the property through
sale, transfer, or donation in such a
manner as to assure the proper historic
preservation of the property.
It has been the policy of the VA, in the case of
historic properties not needed in support of the agency
mission, to dispose of the properties in accordance with
historic preservation guidelines.
The Honorable
Theodore C. Marrs
We would like to give first consideration to any
society or group the White House might propose to designate.
If there is such a group, please advise us so that we may
invite them to submit a proposal for acquisition and preser-
vation of the Ford Boyhood Home.
Alternatively we propose to invite the Michigan
State Historical Society and the Grand Rapids Historical
Society to submit their preservation proposals.
RICHARD L. ROUDEBUSH
Acting Administrator
FORD
2
Friday 2/7/75
2:00 What we have is background on his "boyhood" home
in Grand Rapids.
This is the first of anything I have on his birthplace.
LIBRARY GERALD B. FORD
is
President EXECUTIVE
Boyhood 3/5722 Itome
April 18, 1975
GI2
(ree also
Pan Collins
Dear Paul:
I want to tell you that we now think we have
just the right place for the unique painting
you presented when I visited Grand Rapids
last fall. As you may know, Betty has been
helping me decorate, and we decided that this
example of your talent would be perfect for
my private working office. It is a poignant
blending of the past with the present and will
serve as a constant reminder of your friend-
ship. Many, many thanks!
With warmest personal regards.
Sincerely,
JERRY FORD
Iream
Mr. Paul Collins
709 Legan Street, SE.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Cuff Links sent under separate cover (Lniship-time)
GRF/mfw/mh/mw
GIFT
FORD : LIBRARY 07VN30
3.0 painting
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
4/18/75
Dear Mrs. Ford,
I appreciated your guidance on this
one
Just to be sure I have it
right, would you please look it over
before I send to the President's office
for signature
Many thanks!
Thankyou
Merge
Marge Wicklein
FORD is LIBRARY
EXECUTIVE
TR3/ST22
GI2
December 20, 1974
PERSONAL
Dear Mr. Collins:
Thank you for the framed painting of the
President's beyhood home and the White
House received during his recent visit to
Grand Rapids. He indeed appreciates the
effort reflected in this example of your
work, and is most grateful for the good-
will that prompted your thoughtful gift.
President Ford is always pleased to be
remembered by residents of Michigan,
and this note comes to you with his best
wishes.
Sincerely yours,
(Miss) Mildred Leonard
Personal Assistant
Mr. Paul Collins
709 Logan Street, SE.
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503
ML/mfw/cf/cf
gift
FORD & LIBRARY OFRALD
BIOGRAPHY OF PAUL COLLINS
Paul Collins, born in Muskegon, Michigan, moved to
Grand Rapids at an early age. He is a graduate of
Ottawa Hills High School and author of a large mural
in South Middle School depicting the Black Struggle.
He spent two years in Africa completing at
collection, "Black Journey from Africa".
BIOGRAPHY OF PAUL COLLINS - Card 2
Portraits by Paul Collins include that of
Roger Miller, Steve McQueen and Martin Luther King.
Spending time in Wounded Knee during the
uprising, he has just completed a collection of
30 paintings on the American Indian.
###
QURALO R. FORD LIBRARY
Gift FOR: PRESidENt Ford
RECEIVED By:BAEside
DATE :29 Oct
DONOR: MR PAUl Collins, Antist
AddRESS: GRANd Rapids, Mich.
Gift: FRAMEd PAiNtiNg
GERALD
?
Disposition FPR# RECEIVED At CAlviN College FiEld HOUSE, GRANd RApids, Mich.
ANd RETURNEd to MAil Room, Wash., D.C.
Heibeit r. Oldenburg
HERbERt G. OLdENbURg
President
NIEL A. WEATHERS
LAW, WEATHERS, RICHARDSON & DUTCHER Boyhood
ROBERT W. RICHARDSON
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS 740 OLD KENT BUILDING
DAVID E. DUTCHER
home
ROGER LAW
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49502
JOHN R. NICHOLS
TELEPHONE (616) 459-1171
W. FRED HUNTING. JR.
WILLIAM R. HINELINE
PATRICK M. MULDOON
GARY P. SCHENK
ALAN C. BENNETT
JAMES E. CHRISTENSON
FREDERICK J. BONCHER
May 2, 1975
JAMES L.WERNSTROM
JOHN P. SCHNEIDER
Philip W. Buchen, Esq.
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Phil:
Mayor Parks called me Wednesday to discuss the future
of the old Ford house on Union, S.E. He indicated that the City
has had some contact with the Veterans Administration and that
there is an opportunity for the City to acquire the property
from the VA under certain terms and conditions. He further
indicated that the City of course does not want to do anything
which is contrary to Jerry's desires.
I told Mayor Parks that I would get in touch with you
and that either you would contact him directly or get back to
him through me. All other things being equal, I think it would
be best if you would talk to Mayor Parks directly. If I can be
of any help, let me know.
Very truly yours,
Robert W. Richardson
RWR: fb
5
Bob:
2 called the Mayor on
LIBRARY GERALD ? FORD
5/8/75 and advised him
of the Cresident's best news.
Thanks and regards
P.
President
Monday 6/16/75
BrandRapid Grand Rapids
home
2:30 Steve Vierregg called from the Grand Rapids Press and
(616) 459-1472
wanted to talk with you about the Ford home in
Grand Rapids. Has just talked with Mayor Parks, who
said he had talked with you a couple of weeks ago --
and Mr. Vierregg wanted to verify some information for
a story they are doing.
They
talked 6/16 175
FORD & 076830 LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 9, 1975
Dear Lyman:
Enclosed is a copy of a letter written to
me from Mrs. Dorothy J. Webb in Tampa,
Florida who expresses an interest in
renting or buying the boyhood home of the
President in Grand Rapids. Inasmuch as
I talked to you about finding a suitable
purchaser who would restore the property
and make use of it as a family home, I
thought I had better pass the inquiry on
to you for referral to whomever is working
on the matter in Grand Rapids.
Best personal regards.
Sincerely,
Thil
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The Honorable Lyman S. Parks
Mayor of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502
R. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
nyme
July 9, 1975
Dear Mrs. Webb:
In reply to your letter of June 29, I can advise
that I sent a copy on to Mayor Lyman Parks in
Grand Rapids with a request that he advise you
of the availability for purchase of the
President's boyhood home in Grand Rapids.
I am quite sure he will have the proper parties
get in touch with you.
Sincerely,
They W. Bucher Philip W. W.Buchen Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Dorothy J. Webb
4708 Leila Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33616
GERALD ? FORD
hite house Legal Covel,
mr Phillips W. Brichen
June 29 1975
Dear Sir.
l Read in the Tompa trubine news
Papper about the Presiden to Boy Hood home
in grand Rapeds michigan and that
noone Cares w hat Happens to the home.
el Sure Care Kerry much about a house
that Big and old Standuy Empty
2l would like to know Some facts
about this old home the Pappen Stated
it was with the Veterns Administration
is the the Michigan ra administration
atlere-
the Bilsion Im Wintering. Im from
VORD
Born and Raised there
We moded to Floridu feire Jeans ago
our oldect son was in the air forces
here and our Grand Children but for
me things Rove Changed my husband
Passed away february 17th l took him
Bock home to mich for Burial and all
my people are in michigan also his
& want to yo Back home for yood
il W unlel like to know of this home Could
be Ben Ted or is it for sell, el have a Small
hans hore alm Ruting up for Sell
& have no life here implan in now
Den only 49 years old and have ce
son in his Last year of School
We Could but a but of hard Work and
lave in in to this home.
Sir we wont have Kerry much Money
after the Seld of one home here we are
on Social Scenity as of now. but
after the Sell of am home here all
Come out with about 12,000 To 16,000
mr Webb Worked here for General telephone
thousand Dollors Clease of Debts.
Company but dident have five years of Service
to get to Pension time Company.
Be also Worked in Michig as for US PostalService
on Veteran. 10 years and was in was 11 he was a
In formation on this home
if your Could your me eny
a Reply if your or Staff Could find the
time to answer - yours trucky
Just a lonly american
4708 Leila are Tompa Clorida
Mrs Dorathy I Webb
Phone 813-837-2976
33616
GOLECT
ITEM WITHDRAWAL SHEET
WITHDRAWAL ID 01341
Collection/Series/Folder ID
: 001900507
Reason for Withdrawal
:
DR, Donor restriction
Type of Material
:
COR, Correspondence
Creator's Name
: Buchen, Philip
Receiver's Name
:
Parks, Lyman
Description
:
Personal matter concerning Sarah
Ball.
Creation Date
: 07/23/1975
Date Withdrawn
: 07/06/1988
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 22, 1975
Dear Ms. Kennedy:
In behalf of the President, I thank you very much for your letter
of August 13 in which you discuss the matter of preserving as a
public monument the home in the city of Grand Rapids where the
President lived as a boy.
Your letter appears to indicate that the President must nec-
essarily be involved in deciding what steps, if any, should be
taken in regard to this house. However, that has not been his
position, and he believes it would be inappropriate for him to
become involved. Thus, when inquiries have been made, I have
indicated that the President has no interest in encouraging efforts
to deal in any particular way with the house in question. This
does not mean that persons concerned with the fate or disposition
of the house cannot take whatever steps have popular appeal and
will gain spontaneous support from the community. Therefore,
whatever suggestions you might have may be pursued in whatever
way you see fit.
I trust that you will understand that the views here expressed do
not reflect indifference on the part of the President, but only his
reluctance to become personally identified with, or supportive of,
a project intended to honor him.
Sincerely,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The Honorable Bela E. Kennedy
State Representative
45th District
House of Representatives
P. O. Box 119
Lansing, Michigan 48901
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO: Mr. Buchen
FROM: MILDRED LEONARD
FOR: Information
Appropriate Handling
I seem to remember reading in the paper that
you were the spokesman who "took the stand"
for the President on this question of making
his home into a museum for tourists. Will
you please note "how strong" a stand the
President took and reply to Maria Downs.
Thank you.
DATE: 8/19/75
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 18, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: MILDRED LEONARD
FROM:
MARIA DOWNS
m
Did the President take a stand on this?
If so, how strong? Any suggestions you
can offer would be appreciated.
Thanks.
AUG 15 1975
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
LANSING. MICHIGAN
45TH DISTRICT
MEMBER OF COMMITTEES ON:
BELA E. KENNEDY
EDUCATION
F. D. BOX 1:9
ELECTIONS
LANSING, MICHIGAN 48901
PUBLIC HEALTH
PHONE:
RETIREMENT, VICE CHAIRMAN
LANSING 517/373-0839
BANGOR 616/427-7786
August 13, 1975
TM/5D
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
President of the United States
White House
Washington, D. C. 20501
Dear President Ford:
Although, we do not wish to counter your wishes that you have no
desire for your home to be preserved, our Michigan Republican
Bicentennial Committee are in hopes that you haven't taken a firm
stand on it and that you might reconsider.
If you would have a change of mind, we believe your former home
would be more readily accessible to the public and interested
tourists if it were moved to the Grand Rapids Museum area, where they
have already set up a similar exhibit. We feel that if your home
were displayed in a public area, people would be reminded that our
'President Ford' was a Michigander. If this home were your birthplace,
it should, by all means, be kept at its present site, but since it is
only one of several homes in which you' ve resided and, since it is
the only one of your homes still standing in which you've lived for
any length of time, we feel it should be preserved as a momento to
our first President from Michigan.
It would be difficult for us to designate the several sites where you've
formerly lived as historical areas, as they would be so diffused that
the general public might become disinterested and not visit them. Thus,
we came up with the "Home Monument" idea.
I hope you will reconsider your earlier thoughts on this matter, as it
would be deeply appreciated by our Committee, as well as the citizens of
Michigan.
I will be waiting for your reply.
Most respectfully yours,
BELA E. KENNEDY,
State Representative
45th District
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 3, 1975
Dear Ms. Barr:
Thank you for calling to the President's attention
the article which appeared in your local newspaper
concerning President Ford's boyhood home in Grand
Rapids, Michigan.
The comment under the photograph of the home is mis-
leading. It has been the position of the President
that it is inappropriate for him to suggest or support
spending by the community of Grand Rapids to restore
or maintain this home. Inasmuch as any action in
that regard would be intended to honor the President,
it is not a step in which the President would want to
express an interest.
Sincerely,
Thily W. Buchen PhilipU
Counsel to the President
Ms. Janice K. Barr
P. O. Box 571
Middletown, Ohio 45042
FORD
LIDRA
President Ford's boyhood home in
Grand Rapids, Mich., is vacant and is
Old Ford home
falling into disrepair. The house is
owned by the Veterans Administration.
Ford has said he has no interest
whatever in seeing the house
Wed., n June 25, 1975 preserved. (AP)
M
Janice K. Barr
P.O. Box 571
Middletown, Ohio 45042
June 28, 1975
l
5-2
President Gerald R. Fard
The White Hanse
Washington, D.C.
Dear mr. President:
The enclosed article appeared
in our local питрари last week.
Why don't you care to have your
boyhood home restared?
Thank you for your time.
with warm wish, I am
Sincerely,
Jamies K Barra
FORD is LIBRARY
Enclosure
Boncher,
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 3, 1975
Dear Fred:
Enclosed is a copy of a letter sent to Fred Olert
on September 5. If by any chance he did not
receive the original, please supply him with this
copy.
If you have any further questions, please let me
know, but I hope you will emphasize to the
Jaycees' Board of Directors that there is no
thought of discouraging whatever plans their
organization may want to develop.
I enjoyed hearing from you again and wish you and
the firm continued success.
Sincerely,
Philip W. Buchen Buchen
Counsed to the President
Mr. Frederick J. Boncher
740 Old Kent Building
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Enclosure
&
10.70
ALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 5, 1975
Dear Mr. Olert:
In behalf of the President, thank you very much for your
letter of August 25 in which you propose establishment of
the Gerald Ford Day Care Center in his boyhood home in
Grand Rapids.
Your letter appears to indicate that the President must
necessarily be involved in deciding what steps, if any,
should be taken in regard to this house. However, that
has not been his position, and he believes it would be
inappropriate for him to become involved. Thus, when
inquiries have been made, I have indicated that the
President has no interest in encouraging efforts to deal
in any particular way with the house in question. This
does not mean that persons concerned with the fate or
disposition of the house cannot take whatever steps have
popular appeal and will gain spontaneous support from the
community. Therefore, whatever suggestions you might have
may he pursued in whatever way you see fit.
I trust that you vill understand that the views here expressed
do not reflect indifference on the part of the President,
but only his relustance to become personally identified with,
or supportive of, a project intended to honor him.
Sincerely,
Thelip
Philip W.
Counsel to the President
Mr. Frederick H. Olert, Jr.
External Vice President
The Grand Rapids Junior Chamber
of Commerce
Post Office Box 1573
Grand Rapids, Michigan
FORDO & GERALD LIBRARY
FREDERICK J. BONCHER
740 Old Kent Bldg.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Mr. Philip W. Buchen
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Phil:
Enclosed is a letter to President Ford from Frederick H.
Olert, Jr. outlining a proposal of the Grand Rapids Jaycees to convert
the President's former home at 649 Union Avenue, S. E. into a community
day care center.
While some of us serving on the Jaycee Board of Directors
feel that such a use for this property would provide living, viable
service to the community, if the President has any personal preferences
as to the disposition of this property, we would not want to take any
actions contrary to said preferences. We would thus hope that the
President could take a moment of his valuable time to respond to
Fred's letter. Thank you for your attention.
The firm is keeping busier than ever, but we all miss a
distinguished white haired gentlemen who was always seen puffing on
his pipe.
Sincerely yours,
fud
Frederick J. Boncher
GRAND
RAPIDS
JAYCEES"Young Men of Action"
chartered 1929
August 25, 1975
President Gerald R. Ford
the White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Dear President Ford:
Through the enclosed article which appeared in the "Grand Rapids
Press" on June 21, 1975, the Grand Rapids Jaycees were made aware of
the state of your boyhood home at 649 Union Avenue, S.E., here in
Grand Rapids. The article indicated that the property has been
taken off the real estate market to prevent exploitation by private
speculators. It also stated that the Veterans' Administration, which
foreclosed on the property three years ago, and your Administration
are somewhat concerned that the house is "a ready target for arson and
vandalism."
There is also, according to the article, a great deal of negative
public sentiment towards you projected by neighborhood residents because
the house is vacant, an eyesore, and quietly, but quickly rotting.
Neighborhood residents apparently feel that the lack of immediate
action on the part of your Administration and the Veterans' Admini-
stration reflects a lack of concern for the "little man," and smacks
of racism.
We in the Grand Rapids Jaycees know that you are concerned about all
American citizens, and that the negative public sentiment will
quickly be stemmed when the appropriate action is taken.
In analyzing the needs of the area surrounding the house at 649 Union,
the Jaycees find that there is a definite need for a Day Care Center.
I am sure that you realize the area is largely inhabited by working
A.D.C. mothers and working married couples. Your former home can easily
be adapted to establish the Gerald R. Ford Day Care Center, which
would be of real assistance to neighborhood residents and their
children.
After carefully checking local zoning regulations, we find that
FORD
The Grand Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1573, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Member: Michigan Jaycees, I United States Jaycees. Jaycees International
GRAND
RAPIDS
JAYCEES"Young Men of Action"
chartered 1929
President Gerald R. Ford
Page Two
establishment of a Day Care Center does conform with the ordinances.
We have also checked on the availability of Federal funds and grants
to be used for such a project. Apparently such a project would be
eligible.
Because the Grand Rapids Jaycees are not in existence for the purpose
of operating a day care center, we are carefully considering the
possibility of establishing the Center and almost immediately setting
it up as a separate foundation with a Board of Directors composed of
neighborhood residents, community leaders, and resource persons.
A set-up of this type would allow us to receive donations in addition
to any Federal monies for which we would be eligible.
Last week I contacted Mr. John Radowich of the V.A. Information
Service at the V.A. Central Office in Washington, D.C., in an
attempt to make a bid for the property. Mr. Radowich was most helpful,
but indicated that several other possibilities were being considered.
He indicated that the ultimate decision would come directly or
indirectly from the White House.
We feel that establishment of the Gerald R. Ford Day Care Center can
be of great service to our community, that it would be relatively
simple to set up, and that it is the best possible use for your
boyhood home.
The Grand Rapids Jaycees would be most grateful if you would carefuuly
consider our proposed project. We will anxiously await word from you.
Very truly yours,
fresenick H. Ocent, Jr.
Frederick H. 01ert, Jr.
External Vice President
FHO/jo
cc: Philip W. Buchen
FOND
The Grand Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1573, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Member: Michigan Jaycees. United States Jaycees, Jaycees International
The Grand Ra
Forecast - Page 2A
VOL. 83 NO. 282
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 1975
R3.
OR Prese Photol
Ford's Boyhood Home on Union SE is S!
Old Ford Home Is Nobody's Castle
By Steve, Vieregg
President Gerald R. Ford's bóyhood home at
649 Union Ave. SE is rotting and neighbors are
concerned that nobody, from the White House
on down, seems to care.
The house, owned by the Veterans Administ-
ration.stands vacant, a ready target for arson
or vandalism.
When Ford became president last August,
there was talk of restoring the home, designat-
ing it a historic site and possibly turning it into
a museum. Preliminary steps were taken, but
persons at all levels - Grand Rapids, Lansing
and Washington I wanted to know Ford's
thoughts before proceeding
The first public Indication of Ford's opinion
did not come until this was n
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Presis Boy form hord
October 7, 1975
Dear Carl:
In answer to your letter of September 30, I suggest
that it is perfectly appropriate for your Committee
to decide upon a particular use of the President's
boyhood home without approval of the President.
As you may know, numerous suggestions have been made
as to what should be done with the home, the latest
being from the Grand Rapids' Jaycees who are proposing
to turn it into a child care center. In all cases,
I have indicated that the President wants to avoid
the appearance of encouraging any particular project
which is intended to honor him. Enclosed is a copy
of my letter to the Jaycees which expresses the
President's position.
Unfortunately, some people have interpreted this
position as one of indifference, and I hope you
will explain that the President is merely declining
to influence or encourage community efforts in his
behalf.
With best wishes.
Sincerely,
Thil
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Carl H. Morgenstern
The Gerald R. Ford Commemorative
Committee
Old Kent Bank and Trust Company
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502
Enclosure
THE
GERALD R. FORD
COMMEMORATIVE COMMITTEE
September 30, 1975
Mr. Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20036
Dear Phil:
At the meeting of our committee on September 24, I reported
on our correspondence regarding the President's memorabilia
and the possible delay in having an answer regarding the
availability.
While no definite decision has been made, our committee is
leaning heavily in the direction of proper housing and display
of this material in a suitable setting, as the way we should
honor President Ford. If this is our final decision it will
of course have to receive the approval of the President before
we could proceed.
In the course of our discussion last week, the suggestion was
made that it would be desirable to acquire the President's
boyhood home at 649 Union Avenue, S.E. and move it to the site
of a home for the memorabilia. Would you please, at your
convenience and that of the President, let us know if such
action would meet with his approval.
Our committee plans to meet again on October 29 and if possible
I would like to be able to report on the President's reaction
to this suggestion.
Sincerely,
Carl Carl Morgenstern
MEMBERS
Mrs. M.S. Keeler
Frederick Meijer
Paul Phillips
EX-OFFICIO
Peter M. Lamberts
Arthur G. Brown
Ralph Kohloff
Carl Morgenstern
Vice-Chairman
MEMBERS
Lyman S. Parks
THE
GERALD R. FORD
COMMEMORATIVE COMMITTEE
September 30, 1975
Mr. Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20036
Dear Phil:
At the meeting of our committee on September 24, I reported
on our correspondence regarding the President's memorabilia
and the possible delay in having an answer regarding the
availability.
While no definite decision has been made, our committee is
leaning heavily in the direction of proper housing and display
of this material in a suitable setting, as the way we should
honor President Ford. If this is our final decision it will
of course have to receive the approval of the President before
we could proceed.
In the course of our discussion last week, the suggestion was
made that it would be desirable to acquire the President's
boyhood home at 649 Union Avenue, S.E. and move it to the site
of a home for the memorabilia. Would you please, at your
convenience and that of the President, let us know if such
action would meet with his approval.
Our committee plans to meet again on October 29 and if possible
I would like to be able to report on the President's reaction
to this suggestion.
Sincerely,
Carl H. Morgenstern
MEMBERS
Mrs. M.S. Keeler
Frederick Meijer Paul Phillips
EX-OFFICIO
Peter M. Lamberts
Arthur G. Brown
Ralph Kohloff
Carl Morgenstern
Vice-Chairman
MEMBERS
Lyman S. Parks
Baylond,
October 14
Dorothy,
In response to your note to
Mr. Buchen in reference to
Dick Ford's comments, Mr. Buchen
asked me to pass on to you the
attached correspondence which
is the way we have been handling
the boyhood home situation.
shirley
ORD
LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 16, 1975
Mr. Buchen:
The President suggested I send
this to you to see if you thought
he should get involved in something
like this and whether or not it
would be all right to do SO.
Dorothy D.
CRALD R FORD
Phone 363-0901
TELEPHONE
WINDMILL NURSERY
1501-1507 LAST BESTLINE
GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN
WINDMILL NURSERY
1471 1501 East Beltline, N.E.
Mrs. Dorothy Downton
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49505
1st. Floor West wine
The Thite House
Oct. 11, 1975
Washington D. C.
Dear Irs. Downton
I'm writing this as a member of the board of Grand Rapids
Nursery & Iandscape Assn. with respect to our association's
project for the Bicentenial.
It seems that the West Bank Park along the Grand River is
in limbo, and we discussed the possibility of landscaping the
Ford house on Sherman Street.
I'm checking with you to possibly get permission from the
President to do so. Irealize it is only a small yard, but our
budget for next year is not too great, so we are not looking for
a lary project.
le will Wait for an answer from ou as this project or
whatever we do will not be accomplished till the spring of 1976.
Respectfully
cie
Alfred G. Purnquist
Member of the Board
GRNLA
P.S. The replacement Check for the GERATE work FOR but
at Sleerman st. arrived oct
LIBRARY
w sign of the original
ae
EVERGREENS SHRURBERY ROSES ANNIIAIS PERENNIAIS BUIBS - PLANTING AND LANDSCAPE SERVICE
GENERAL
of
October 29, 1975
Pres PP35-,
Rome
Dear Ms. Hill:
In behalf of the President, thank you very much for your letter
of October 15 requesting permission to use a sketch of the
President's former boyhood home at 649 Union Street as part
of an advertisement by the Grand Rapids Mutual Federal Savings
and Loan Association.
A likeness of this house is generally considered to be in the
public domain, and as such no special authorization from the
President is necessary for its use in the manner you have
planned. We appreciate your taking the time to write on this
matter, and the awareness shown in your letter that it is
generally inappropriate for the President to take any action
which could be construed as an endorsement of a particular
commercial firm.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Ms. Public Prilations
Account
Waters Building
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502
bcc: Mildred Leonard
PWB:BNR:ns
R. FORD
Central Files
GERALD
NOV
LIBRARY
1975
CENTRAL FILES
hener
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 29, 1975
Dear Ms. Hill:
In behalf of the President, thank you very much for your letter
of October 15 requesting permission to use a sketch of the
President's former boyhood home at 649 Union Street as part
of an advertisement by the Grand Rapids Mutual Federal Savings
and Loan Association.
A likeness of this house is generally considered to be in the
public domain, and as such no special authorization from the
President is necessary for its use in the manner you have
planned. We appreciate your taking the time to write on this
matter, and the awareness shown in your letter that it is
generally inappropriate for the President to take any action
which could be construed as an endorsement of a particular
commercial firm.
With best wishes,
Counsel to the President
Ms. Ruth Hill
Account Executive
Waters Building
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
Prest boybod stime
THE
GERALD R. FORD
COMMEMORATIVE COMMITTEE
October 31, 1975
Mr. Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The White House
Wshington, D.C. 20036
Dear Phil:
I thought it would be well to keep you advised regarding our
committee's thinking about the President's former home at
649 Union, S. E.
After receiving your letter of October 7 we had the bank check
the ownership of the house and learned the Veterans Administration
had title to it. The Veterans Administration in Detroit told us
they had many opportunities to sell the house, but a decision had
been made (apparently in Washington) to give it to the City of
Grand Rapids, if the city were willing to accept it.
Our committee has recommended that we urge the city to take title
to the house and hold it, with the thought of ultimately moving
it to a site to be selected for the housing and display of the
memorabilia. At that time we would like to have the house placed
in the condition and furnished as it was at the time the President
occupied it, and open it to the public, along with the building
housing the memorabilia.
I have talked with Joseph Grassie, City Manager, and told him of
our interest in having the city acquire the house, and in general
our plans regarding it. I am writing him today asking him to
have the City Commission take the necessary action to accomplish
this and am sending him a copy of this letter.
Sincerely,
is
1040
GERALD
LIBRARY
MEMBERS
Mrs. M.S. Keeler
Frederick Meijer
Paul Phillips
EX-OFFICIO
Peter M. Lamberti
Arthur G. Brown
Ralph Kohloff
Carl Morgenstern
Vice-Chairman
MEMBERS
Lyman S. Parks
Russell Cole
David LaClaire
Chairman
Jordan Sheperd
John C. Baxter
John Prangley
Richard Ford
Mrs.Wm.McInerney
Robert Pew
Jay Van Andel
Robert Breunner
Jackson J. Root
Secretary
Werner Veit
Thomas K. Eardley, Jr.
Chairman
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 5, 1976
Dear Carl:
Thank you for your letter concerning the decision of the City of
Grand Rapids to take title to the house at 649 Union, S.E.
In response to your inquiry, GSA and the National Archives do
not have the authority to fund this project. Their role is limited
to maintaining Presidential libraries, subject to the appropriation
of funds by Congress for that purpose. On the other hand, the
Department of the Interior has statutory authority to preserve
and maintain historic buildings under the Historic Sites, Buildings
and Antiquities Act, 16 U.S.C. 5 461, et seq. In practice, the
Act has required a separate statute declaring the property to be
an historic site as well as the appropriation of funds by Congress
for the individual project.
Your interest in this matter is appreciated. However, it is the
President's preference that Federal funds not be requested for
this purpose during his term of office. I am sure you understand
his position, particularly in view of his efforts to limit Federal
spending.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Thil
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Carl H. Morgenstern
The Gerald R. Ford
Commemorative Committee
Old Kent Bank and Trust Company
GERALD FORD
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502
Send
THE
GERALD R. FORD
COMMEMORATIVE COMMITTEE
December 18, 1975
Mr. Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Phil:
The City of Grand Rapids has by resolution agreed
to take title to the Ford home at 649 Union, S. E.
with the understanding that our committee will
provide the funds to restore and maintain it.
At our last meeting the question was raised as to
whether the Federal Government, through the General
Services Administration or the National Archives
and Record Service, made funds available to maintain
the former home of a President and a museum or similar
institution housing the memorabilia.
Would you please, at your convenience, let me know if
funds for such a purpose could be made available.
Sincerely,
Carl H. Morgenstern
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
MEMBERS
Mrs. M.S. Keeler
Frederick Meijer
Paul Phillips
EX-OFFICIO
Peter M. Lamberts
Arthur G. Brown
Ralph Kohloff
Carl Morgenstern
Vice-Chairman
MEMBERS
Lyman S. Parks
Russell Cole
David LaClaire
Chairman
Jordan Sheperd
John C. Baxter
John Prangley
Richard Ford
Mrs. Wm. McInerney
Robert Pew
Jay Van Andel
Robert Breunner
ackson J. Root
Secretary
Werner Veit
Thomas K. Eardley, Jr.
Chairman