Note: Information drawn from Gerald R. Ford Library staff knowledge and the Library's Vertical File.

Learn all about our 38th President, from his early years in Grand Rapids, to his career as a Congressman, Vice President, and President of the United States. You can even find out what his favorite ice cream is.

My Photo Album ... (and a few of my favorite things, too)

I am born on... July 14, 1913, Omaha, Nebraska.  I move to Grand Rapids, Michigan, with my mother.  I went to ... Grand Rapids South High School, Class of 1931.  I was a member of National Honor Society, Varsity Letter Club, Glee Club, Student Council, Latin Club and Hi-Y (High School YMCA).  I played football, basketball, and track.  I earned all-city and all-state honors in football. I like ... stamp collecting. At Law School ... Yale University Law School, that is, Class of 1941. I also served as an assistant football coach and the freshman boxing coach. My favorite drinks are .. coffee, iced tea. Marriage The advice I listen to ...  "comes from my  wife." I married Elizabeth Bloomer Warren (b. April 8, 1918), on October 15, 1948. I love ... all the seasons, especially Spring because of the Azaleas and Apple Blossoms Mike goes to college I am confirmed as Vice President I succeeded Spiro Agnew as Richard Nixon's Vice President following Agnew's resignation. I was confirmed on December 6, 1973. My favorite time of day is ... dawn. I love to ... dance. My official Presidential portrait

... in the Boy Scouts I attain the rank of Eagle Scout. My favorite ice cream is ... butter pecan. I attended ... the University of Michigan, Class of 1935. I majored in economics and political science. I played center and linebacker on U of M's football team. Started at center and named team MVP in senior year. I also played in East-West College All-Star game and Chicago Tribune College All-Star game. While I did not earn All-America honors, I did receive contract offers from the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions (which I turned down in favor of law school). Serving my country... During the attack on Pearl Harbor, I was in Grand Rapids working as an attorney. I joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and remained on active duty until 1946. I served aboard the USS Monterey and was discharged with the rank of Lt. Commander. I remained in the Naval Reserves until 1963. My first KIDS! Both boys! Michael Gerald Ford was born on March 14, 1950, and John (Jack) Gardner Ford was born March 16, 1952.    My two favorite ladies I'm a member of ... American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, 33rd Degree Mason All in a day's work... My hero is ... Dwight D. Eisenhower. Shan the cat and Susan Liberty runs the country! On the campaign trail

I love ... pot roast and red cabbage. I went to two grade schools  ... Madison Elementary School and East Grand Rapids Elementary School. I like to play bridge and listen to jazz and swing music. Like everyone, I've had many Summer jobs ... I filled and cleaned paint cans in family paint business;  I mowed lawns and handled concessions at an amusement park; I washed dishes and grilled hamburgers in a restaurant; I was a Park Ranger, at Yellowstone National Park; and I even washed dishes in a college fraternity house. My occupation was as … an attorney in Grand Rapids, MI. My favorite song is ... the Navy Hymn - "Eternal Father Strong to Save". A Full House Steven Meigs Ford was born on May 19, 1956, and Susan Elizabeth was born on July 6, 1957. I love ... golf, tennis and skiing. I love to visit ... Vail, Colorado I introduce President Nixon at a Republican Party function I was sworn in as President (at the age of 61 years, 26 days) following Richard Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974. I selected Nelson Rockefeller as my Vice President.  It was the most unforgettable moment of my life. Election Defeat I left office on January 20, 1977, following a general election loss to Jimmy Carter.