Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens facts for kids
The Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska shows where U.S. President Gerald Ford was born. He lived here for only a few weeks after his birth in July 1913. This was the home of his grandparents, Charles Henry King and Martha King.
The Birthplace of a President
The King family home was at 3202 Woolworth Avenue in Midtown Omaha. It was a large, three-story house with fourteen rooms. This Victorian mansion was destroyed by a fire in 1971.
After Gerald Ford became president in 1974, a local businessman named James M. Paxson bought the empty land. He wanted to create a memorial there. Mr. Paxson gave the land to the city. However, the city could not afford to build the memorial. So, Mr. Paxson started the Paxson Foundation to pay for the memorial and its gardens. The site now has a special entrance that looks like the north side of the White House. It also has a pagoda that reminds visitors of part of the original home.
A Special Memorial and Center
The memorial was officially opened in 1977. President Ford helped Mr. Paxson raise money for it. In 1980, the former president came back to Omaha. He was there for the opening of a rose garden. This garden was made to honor his wife, Betty Ford. There is also a small display with information about President Ford.
Next to the memorial is the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center. This center was started in 1995. It is part of the Nebraska State Historical Society. The center helps to preserve old and valuable historical items and artworks. It also has a small exhibit of items that belonged to Ford. You can visit the conservation center and its exhibit by making an appointment. You can find more information at history.nebraska.gov/conservation-center.
These two sites are located near Hanscom Park. This is one of Omaha's oldest public parks. The birthplace site is also close to the Gerald R. Ford Expressway.
Gerald Ford's Early Family Life
The house belonged to the future president's grandparents. His grandfather, Charles Henry King, was a well-known banker. His grandmother was Martha Alicia Porter. Their son, Leslie Lynch King, Sr., married Dorothy Ayer Gardner in September 1912. The young couple then moved into the house with his parents. This was common for families at that time. Their first son, Leslie Lynch King, Jr., was born on July 14, 1913.
Dorothy Gardner separated from Leslie King when their son was only 16 days old. This was due to problems at home. Dorothy took her son to her parents' house in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is where the future president grew up. By the end of 1913, Dorothy's divorce from Leslie King was final. In 1916, Dorothy married Gerald Rudolff Ford. They renamed Leslie, Jr. after him, calling him Gerald Rudolff Ford, Jr. He wasn't officially adopted. He legally changed his name in 1935. He also used a more common spelling for his middle name, Rudolph.
