GERALD R. FORD
38th President of the United States
U.S. President 1974-1977
Born July 14, 1913 - Omaha, Nebraska
Died December 26, 2006
He was the only person to hold the office of Vice President (1973-1974) and President (1974-1977) without ever having been elected to office.
How lucky this country was to have a man of such great quality to serve as its President.
He played center and linebacker on the University of Michigan Football team as they enjoyed two undefeated football seasons, including two national championships 1932 and 1933. His jersey #48 was retired from their roster in 1994.
I was in touch with President Ford's personal assistant, Lee F. Simmons at the Presidential Office in Rancho Mirage, California where we made arrangements to mail The Tablecloth to have the former President and First Lady Betty Ford sign it. The cloth remained at the Presidential office three weeks without hearing a progress report from Lee Simmons. He finally informed me that he was having a problem getting it signed by both people because of their hectic daily schedules in Rancho Mirage as well as their constant travels. I mailed the cloth to Simmons on April 7, 1985 and got it back on May 7th beautifully signed.
Nine years later, I made arrangements with Lee Simmons to meet with President Ford for a picture on May 10, 1994. This was in conjunction with my trip to L.A. to add more signatures.
It was comforting to discover that Lee Simmons was a photography expert when we met on the gated parking lot of the Presidential Office in Rancho Mirage. This friendly, personable Mexican assistant to the President studied my camera as we walked to meet President Ford. "This is a good aim and shoot camera Mr. Light. I'll get a couple of good pictures for you."
What a great thrill to meet and shake hands with President Gerald Ford. His strong handshake and welcoming smile was a special moment I'll never forget. He was dressed casual in a short sleeved shirt and he remembered signing The Tablecloth nine years earlier. Then he began asking questions about the cloth and signatures and of course I was flattered that he showed such interest in the collection. He kept congratulating me for what I was doing.
Meanwhile, Lee was busy directing and posing us for the pictures. It was great to see that he knew how to handle a camera and I knew I would wind up with at least one good picture for the Gallery. I could also sense that I wasn't going to have much time with the President as I could see several well dressed men seated or entering the office to meet with President Ford. One more firm handshake, another "Congratulations Walter, it's nice to meet you, Good Luck with this." Then he turned and left.
I snapped a couple of pictures of Lee as he walked me back to my car. What a nice appointment.