Michigan Matters: Celebrating First Lady Betty Ford & Bavarian Inn's Dorothy Zehnder
Southfield (CBS Detroit) - As Women's History Month continues, it's a "Michigan Matters" celebration of two dynamic leaders from Michigan -- former First Lady Betty Ford and Dorothy Zehnder, the 99-years-young restaurant owner from Frankenmuth.
Susan Ford Bales, daughter of the late First Lady and former President Gerald Ford, who now lives in Texas, talked with Senior Producer/Host Carol Cain about her Mother and also the White House years. Bales was a teen when her Dad was suddenly thrust into the presidency after President Richard M. Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal.
She talked about her Mother, who was raised in Grand Rapids, and how she talked with such candor about important issues that were controversial at the time including substance abuse and alcohol addiction, and surviving breast cancer, as she personally dealt with them as well.
Bales recalled lighter moments including having her high school prom at the White House during those years.
Then Donald Holloway, Curator of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, appeared with Cain to talk about Mrs. Ford's impact on the nation. Mrs. Ford appeared with numerous world leaders including Queen Elizabeth.
Holloway also talked about the close relationship between the late President and Mrs. Ford.
Then, Dorothy Zehnder, 99, discusses her life and career, as she continues to work six days a week at Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant which she started with her late husband, Tiny. Several generations of the family now work there.
Judith Zehnder Keller, Founder and President of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge, also talked with Cain about her Mother and her impact not only on the family but the community. Dorothy was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 2020.
Keller, 75, who has held political positions, discussed how politics and business has changed for women through the years.
Watch MICHIGAN MATTERS, Sunday at 7:30am on CBS 62