Betty and Barbie – Ford in Focus

Have you seen the new “Barbie” movie yet? We took a look through our collections and were surprised to learn that Mrs. Ford celebrated Barbie’s 16th birthday with the doll’s creator, Ruth Handler, in 1974!

_{Ruth Handler and Betty Ford cut into a cake celebrating Barbie’s Sweet Sixteen birthday at the Hospital for Sick Children on April 10, 1974.
White House Social Office, Subject Files: FL13; September 11, 1974; Barbie 16th Bday
Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library}

At the time of the Sweet Sixteen party, Mrs. Ford was serving as Second Lady of the United States. Just a few months later, after her husband assumed the presidency, Handler sent the following letter to the now First Lady, which garnered a response from Mrs. Ford shortly thereafter.

_{White House Social Office, Subject Files: FL13; September 11, 1974; Ruth Handler.
Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library}

Subscribe and stay tuned for another post down-the-line about Ruth Handler and another connection to Betty Ford through one of her creations!

Authors: Brooke Clement and Dr. Richard Weld