The ABCs of Lowell History is back for another round. This popular series explores a wide variety of topics in Lowell area history in weekly online articles and is written by volunteers and staff from the Lowell Area Historical Museum.
V is for Vice President
On July 18, 1974, Vice President Gerald Ford dedicated the new amphitheater for the Lowell Showboat. It was a big deal for a Vice President of the United States to come to a small city like Lowell for this event.
When East Grand Rapids resident Gerald Ford upset an incumbent in the 1948 election for what was then the 5th Congressional District U.S. Representative, he looked for ways to get out into the communities he represented. The next summer he began attending the opening night of the Showboat. He enjoyed being out in the community and was able to relax and enjoy himself as he got to know his district. He continued this opening night tradition for 25 years.
In 1973, Congressman Ford was named by President Nixon as his Vice President. Ford had already committed to the amphitheater dedication so there was some nervousness in Lowell, as it was expected that he would be forced to cancel. Ford assured the Lowell community however, that he would keep his commitment to appear at Showboat and dedicate the amphitheater.
Ford dedicated the new amphitheater that was one of, if not the best in the state, and cut the red ribbon. He spoke about his love for Showboat and paid high tribute to the city and its many residents. He was presented with the first gold stock certificate for his financial support of the community project.
The reason that the Vice President of the United States came to Lowell to cut a ribbon was because Ford had built a relationship with the people of Lowell. He wasn’t Vice President Ford, he was Jerry. According to the newspapers, “Ford does not forget old friends.”
C.H. Runciman had started the tradition of a gathering before Showboat that included the newspeople, performers, area dignitaries, and financial supporters. After his death in 1968, neighbor Arnold Wittenbach, who was the sitting Lowell Mayor and County Commissioner, hosted the traditional party.
Arriving at the party on July 18, 1974, Ford greeted his host, then headed across the backyard to say hello to Mrs. Gladys Runciman. She waited for him on her porch, and Jerry embraced his old friend, asking how she was. She greeted him as her friend with, “Hello Jerry”. Gladys spoke highly of Jerry, explaining that her husband, C.H. Runciman, had been ill for several years and each time Jerry was here he would come over through the backyards during the Showboat party, say hello, and check up on his friends. Upon the death of Runciman, Ford sent Gladys a letter expressing his condolences and his apology that he didn’t hear of Runciman’s passing immediately, as he was out of the country.
Vice President Ford, along with his staff and his secret service team, travelled from Washington D.C. to Lowell Michigan to fulfill a commitment and to see old friends. No one knew or could have known that in 22 days, on August 9, 1974, this same Jerry, friend of Lowell, would unexpectedly be sworn in as President of the United States.
Leave a Reply