SUSAN PORTER FILES, 1974-77

The Susan Porter files include correspondence, memoranda, schedules, calendars, fact sheets and scenarios compiled by Porter during her tenure as appointments secretary to Mrs. Ford and the Ford children from August 1974 until January 1977. Porter began working in the White House in 1971.

As appointments secretary Porter and her assistant, Sally Runion, organized schedules for Mrs. Ford and the Ford children. All incoming invitations were delivered to Porter's office and screened for likely events in which the First Family might wish to participate. These "possibles" were organized and passed along to the Fords for their consideration in consultation with the First Lady's press secretary, Sheila Weidenfeld, and members of the West Wing staff. After a decision was made Porter responded by letter or telephone to the issuing party. Invitations were extended to the Ford family from numerous and widely diverse individuals and groups. Porter typically responded to more than 500 invitations for Mrs. Ford alone each month. The Ford children, especially Susan, also received many invitations although fewer than their popular mother.

Planning and organization of activities for family members became particularly important during the presidential primary campaign. Often Mrs. Ford and all four children would be traveling simultaneously. Porter's files for these events include scenarios and press materials in addition to the invitation and preliminary planning materials. Material on most of these campaign events is also located in the files of Press Secretary Sheila Weidenfeld.

Another important aspect of Porter's work was to keep an accurate calendar for each family member and inform the West Wing staff about scheduled First Family appearances and trips. She also kept records as to which honorary affiliations family members had accepted. The Administrative Subject File and the Memoranda File in this collection document how this was accomplished.

Related Materials (April 1988)
Additional material concerning Mrs. Ford's public appearances is available in the files of her press secretary, Sheila Weidenfeld and speechwriter, Kaye Pullen, as well as the Betty Ford Papers. The White House Central Files Subject File category for Mrs. Ford (PP 5-1), contains similar material.