Public Gifts to the President

Description: Porcelain figurine depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was made by Aldo Falchi in Italy and weighs approximately 40 pounds. Marked “Falchi – 200/6.”

Note: Officers from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution personally presented this figurine to President Gerald R. Ford in the Oval Office.
 

Accession Number: 1981.64
Dimensions: 18 x 25 x 18”
Donation Date: January 24, 1975
Donor: Gift of Dr. M. Graham Clark, President General, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

Brown and white football signed by the 1976 Pitt Panthers (University of Pittsburgh) football team. Inscription reads, “To President Gerald Ford, America's #1 football fan and a first stringer in every way. Johnny Majors and the Pitt Panthers of 1976.” Personally presented to President Ford by Johnny Majors and members of the team during a trip Pittsburgh. Signatures include: Tony Dorsett, Dave Wannstedt, Kurt Brechbill, Tom Brzoza, David Bucklaw, Matt Cavanaugh, Al Chesley, JB Corbett, Jim Cramer, Ken Dapp, Jeff Delaney, LeRoy Felder, Larry Felton, John Hanhauser, Steve Harris, Jo Jo Heath, Randy Holloway, Woody Jackson, Bob Jury, Mike Lenosky, Mike Linn, Carson Long, George Messich, Jim Morsillo, Mark O’Toole, Don Parrish, Jeff Pelusi, Randy Reutershan, Al Romano, Joe Stone, Larry Swider, John Takacs, Will Taylor, Elliott Walker, Ed Wilamowski, Joe Madden, Bill Cox, Tim Padonese, Larry Holton, Harry Jones, and Rick Gredisek Mgr.

Accession Number: 1988.210
Dimensions: 11.25 x 7” diameter
Donation Date: October 25, 1976
Donor: Gift of John T. Majors

Watercolor painting of a ship filled with Vietnamese refugees pitching in high seas. Painted by one of the refugees and entitled, “Fleeing for Liberty.” “Fort Chaffee / May / (indecipherable) / 75” written in lower left corner.

Accession Number: 1981.118
Dimensions: 9 x 12”
Donation Date: August 19, 1975
Donor: Gift of the Loc Huu Nguyen Family

Model of the Space Shuttle Enterprise in 1:100 scale. Plaque on base reads, “George C. Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Ala. Graphic Engineering Division Space Shuttle Scale 1:100.” Payload doors open to reveal a model “Space Lab” within. Personally presented to President Ford in the Oval Office by James C. Fletcher, Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). President Ford displayed the model in his Oval Office until the end of his administration.

Note: NASA insisted the President name the first shuttle “Enterprise” since hundreds of thousands of Star Trek fans sent letters asking them to do so.
 

Accession Number: 1981.141
Dimensions: 14 x 23”
Donation Date: September 8, 1976
Donor: Gift of James C. Fletcher

AMVETS Gold Helmet Award presented to Gerald R. Ford. Red, white, and blue insignia fixed to front of helmet that reads, "American Veterans / AMVETS / of World War II / Korean / Vietnam." Engraved plate on front reads, "AVMETS GOLD HELMET AWARD / Presented with deep esteem to GERALD R. FORD / 38th President of the United States / Because you steered America through its darkest / hour and on August 9, 1974, said, ‘I have not sought; this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk /  it’, AMVETS proudly recognizes our life member and / a son of Michigan who has given total dedication to / his country in time of war and in time of peace."

Accession Number: 1981.69.3
Dimensions: 12 x 7” diameter
Donation Date: Unknown
Donor: Gerald R. Ford

Orange bumper sticker that depicts the letters “FLU” with a screw through them. It also reads, “Get Your Swine Flu Shot.” On March 25, 1976, President Gerald R. Ford sent a message to Congress requesting a special appropriation for the National Swine Flu Immunization Program. He signed the measure into law on August 12, 1976.

Accession Number: 1984.27.1
Dimensions: 3.75 x 15”
Donation Date: June 25, 1984
Donor: Gift of Gordon Olson

Large Cybis bisque elephant-shaped figurine that features an outstretched trunk, ivory tusks, oak-stained wooden base, and a brass plate on front of base engraved, "To President Gerald R. Ford for effective Leadership in strengthening and supporting local government throughout the United States with gratitude and esteem (/) National Conference of Republican Mayors - August 9, 1974 - January 20, 1977 (/) Ralph J. Perk, Chairman.”

Accession Number: 1987.212.1
Dimensions: 18.5 x 24.5 x 12”
Donation Date: January 18, 1977
Donor: Gift of Republican Mayors Association

Small hand-made, poly-filled doll of Gerald R. Ford as a University of Michigan football player. Donor was the mailman at the Deke House when Ford was a student at University of Michigan.

Accession Number: 1984.196
Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 2”
Donation Date: November 5, 1976
Donor: Gift of Elmer H. Raab

Large Presidential Seal handcrafted from highly polished walnut and inlaid with varnished strips of straw dyed various colors. Donor spent three years working on it.

Accession Number: 1982.54
Dimensions: 45” diameter
Donation Date: October 25, 1976
Donor: Gift of George Kostic

White and brown football featuring signatures of the 1977 Los Angeles Rams. Autographs include Hall of Famers Tom Mack and Joe Namath; also Pat Haden and Vince Ferragamo. Inscription reads, “to..President Ford / from: Chuck Knox LA Rams 1977.” Full list of signatures includes: Chuck Knox, Joe Namath, Tom Mack, Pat Haden, Vince Ferragamo, Rich Saul, Carl Ekern, Terry Nelson, Larry Brooks, Jim Jodat, Billy Waddy, Jack Reynolds, Monte Jackson, Wendell Tyler, Rod Perry, Glen Walker, Rafael Septien, Dave Elmendorf, Jim Youngblood, Doug France, John Williams, Freeman Johns, Greg Horton, Harold Jackson, Fred Dryer, Cullen Bryant, Lawrence McCutcheon, Jackie Wallace, Pat Thomas, and (three unidentified signatures).

Accession Number: 1982.130
Dimensions: 11.25 x 7”
Donation Date: 1977
Donor: Gift of Chuck Knox

Hand-painted Bicentennial caricature of Gerald R. Ford. The sculpture is made out of Pennsylvania river stones painted to look like President Ford in a striped suit. The caricature dons an American Flag lapel pin, along with Ford's signature pipe in his left hand and a grey elephant in his right hand. It weighs 70 pounds. The donor spent over 36 hours making it.

Accession Number: 1983.95
Dimensions: 18 x 9”
Donation Date: 1983
Donor: Gift of Michael R. Manning

Model of Air Force One on a wooden stand, which includes an engraved plate with the names of the crew. Presented personally to President Ford by the crew of Air Force One.

Accession Number: 1984.9
Dimensions: 30 x 29”
Donation Date: August 14, 1976
Donor: Gift of the Crew of Air Force One & Col. Lester C. McClelland

Red, white, and blue golf bag with black plastic base and text, “President / Gerald R. / Ford.”  The bag contains a complete set of Ben Hogan clubs, which includes 2 – 9 irons and 1 – 5 woods. The woods are protected by red, white, and blue knit head covers. The set also includes a red, white, and blue golf umbrella.

Accession Number: 1987.323.4 - .6
Dimensions: 33 x 10 x 15” (bag)
Donation Date: May 22, 1987
Donor: Gift of Gerald R. Ford

White and tan football signed by the 1976 Oklahoma Sooners football team. Inscription in red reads, “To: President Ford / From / The Two Time National Champs / 1974-'75 / "Oklahoma Sooners.” Notable signatures include Billy Sims (1978 Heisman Trophy winner) and J.C. Watts (would later serve in the U.S. House of Representatives).

Accession Number: 1987.574
Dimensions: 11.25 x 7”
Donation Date: October 9, 1976
Donor: Gift of Barry Switzer

Silver Buffalo Award personally presented to President Gerald R. Ford by the Boy Scouts of America. The Silver Buffalo Medal is suspended on a red and white ribbon on a red backdrop. Housed in a clear presentation case along with printed remarks on President Ford and a booklet listing previous recipients.

“Created in 1925, the Silver Buffalo Award for distinguished service to youth is awarded to those persons who give noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth. This award is Scouting's highest commendation of the invaluable contributions that outstanding Americans make to youth. The service must be national in scope and can be independent of, or directly through, the Boy Scouts of America.” From Boy Scouts of America.

Accession Number: 1987.705
Dimensions: 1.5 x 14.5 x 11.5”
Donation Date: April 9, 1975
Donor: Robert W. Reneker, National President, Boy Scouts of America

Large painting of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) aircraft carrier by Stanley H. Stokes.

Accession Number: 2007.181
Dimensions: 53.5 x 77.5”
Donation Date: June 29, 2007
Donor: Gift of Stanley H. Stokes

Vinyl University of Michigan blue golf bag. Yellow highlights and text read, “Gerald R. Ford” and “Gorman / Golf / Inc.” This golf bag was part of three golf club sets given to President Ford by the Gorman Golf Company through Ford’s half-brother, Richard A. Ford.

Accession Number: 1993.50.1
Dimensions: 33.5 x 10 x 13”
Donation Date: May 7, 1975
Donor: Gift of Stan, John, and Larry Sabat of Gorman Golf Company

Wooden caricature of President Gerald R. Ford as a football player wearing a "WIN" button for “Whip Inflation Now.” Mounted vertically on a polished wooden base.

Accession Number: 1989.746
Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 2.5”
Donation Date: April 24, 1975
Donor: Gift of Mario Mayoral Barnes

Woodcarving depicting two soldiers carrying a stretcher with a wounded man. The attached metal plaque reads, “Tired. Wounded. Proud… / Valor's the Word. Courage the Way / They are but Prices a Nation must pay -/For Freedom …. / Mayaguez Incident 5-1975 / By Buck Warren.” Two pen holders flank the plaque.

Accession Number: 1989.225
Dimensions: 9.5 x 20.5 x 5.25”
Donation Date: May 14, 1976
Donor: Gift of Buck Warren

Hardwood, spindle style, bar chair with armrests, finished in polished wood and black enamel. The backrest features gold-tone text that reads, "The Dirksen Chair / Bradley University / Gerald Ford '76." The back of the chair stenciled "Ethan Allen / Liberty Tree." It was sent to the Ford Family from the Adams Furniture Company in Peoria, Illinois.

Accession Number: 1989.212
Dimensions: 34.5 x 21.5 x 21”
Donation Date: January 17, 1977
Donor: Gift of the Adams Furniture Company

Marble paperweight with a brass plate engraved, “Now that President Ford has lost the election, there is only one thought in my mind: finally, the American people have got their revenge against Richard Nixon for Watergate- and to get that revenge, they have crucified a good, decent man, whose only mistake was that he pardoned another human being for making a mistake.-Jose-Gerardo Becerra-Los Angeles, Calif.” Sent to First Lady Betty Ford as a stocking stuffer for the President.

Accession Number: 1989.116
Dimensions: 2 x 3.5 x 0.75”
Donation Date: December 20, 1976
Donor: Gift of Adeline, Thomas, & Albert Ricker

Framed picture of red elephant cut out of paper swimming, with "GF" on the elephant's swim trunks. Matted in red, white, and blue striped textile matting and housed under glass in white wooden frame. The caption reads, “Race on in ’76.” Delivered personally to the White House staff.

Accession Number: 1988.776.1
Dimensions: 13 x 15”
Donation Date: July 14, 1975
Donor: Gift of Sonia Landau

Autographed football personally presented to President Gerald R. Ford by Ohio State University football coach Woody Hayes. Inscription reads, “To President Jerry Ford / With great respect / Woody Hayes.” The football features an image of Ford along with scores from games played between Ohio State University and the University of Michigan from 1932 to 1934 – the years Ford played for U of M.

Accession Number: 1988.233
Dimensions: 11 x 7” diameter
Donation Date: May 26, 1976
Donor: Gift of Woody Hayes

Congressman Gerald R. Ford received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America at the Grand Valley Council Anniversary Dinner on May 12, 1970. It consists of a medal, charm, and pin enclosed in a presentation box.

Note: The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) was established in 1969. It is granted to those Eagle Scouts who received the Eagle Scout rank 25 or more years ago, have gained status of fame or eminence in their life work, and have shared their talents with their communities on a voluntary basis.

Accession Number: 1981.204.14
Dimensions: 1.5 x 6 x 4”
Donation Date: Unknown
Donor: Gift of Gerald R. Ford