Elizabeth Ford

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Here are some facts on Elizabeth Ford.

1. Where was she born?

Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Bloomer was born in Chicago on April 8, 1918 and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

2. Did she have any formal education?

At an early age, Betty developed a passion for dance, and upon graduation from Central High School in 1936, she attended the Bennington School of Dance for two summers.

3. Did she have any hobbies?

Betty Ford directed her efforts toward the arts, handicapped children and women's issues.

4. When was her husband president?

In 25 years of political life, Betty Bloomer Ford did not expect to become First Lady. As wife of Representative Gerald R. Ford, she looked forward to his retirement and more time together. In late 1973 his selection as Vice President was a surprise to her. She was just becoming accustomed to their new roles when he became President upon Mr. Nixon's resignation in August 1974.

5. Name a few things she did as first lady.

From their home in California, she was equally frank about her successful battle against dependency on drugs and alcohol. She helped establish the Betty Ford Center for treatment of this problem at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. Today it is a well known facility for rehabilitation from drug dependency.

6. Did she write any books? If so, what are they named?

In 1978, she wrote an autobiography, The Times of My Life, which chronicled Mrs. Ford's life through the White House years. Mrs. Ford's second book, Betty: A Glad Awakening, was published in 1987

7. Was there a wedding at the White House? Whose wedding was it?

No they did not have a wedding but they got married at Grace Episcopal Church, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

8. Was she involved in any charity?

No but she directed her efforts toward the arts, handicapped children and women's issues. She was also very involved in working toward the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.

9. What is something unique about her life?

Betty was forced to undergo radical surgery for breast cancer in 1974.