La Grande Vitesse
Views of the Dedication Ceremony from the Nancy Mulnix Collection.
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Below, the U.S. Congressman from Michigan, Representative Gerald Ford speaks at the Dedication Ceremony. Ford was a key player in bringing the Calder sculpture to Grand Rapids. He would later be identified with the La Grande Vitesse image as a symbol of Grand Rapids during his term as U.S. President. During his presidency, Ford would award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, American’s highest civilian honor, to Alexander Calder, posthumously in 1977.
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At right, another American icon, Aaron Copland, composed the “Inaugural Fanfare”
for the Dedication. Copland and Calder had met as boys in Pennsylvania, and had been mutual admirers during
their lives. Another original composition, “A Festive Piece for Alexander Calder” was created
by former Grand Rapids resident Jack Fortner, seen right below, who conducted his work at the Dedication. |
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At right, is the Grand Rapids Symphony, conducted by Gregory Millar (right below), which is shown playing for
the Dedication. |
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Below, Grand Rapids Mayor Christian Sonneveldt greets Calder with Nancy Mulnix and others looking on. La Grande Vitesse and the new City Building are in the background. Nancy Mulnix Collection
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Shown here are more views of celebration dignitaries, of Nancy Mulnix, and of Louisa and Alexander
Calder, at the Dedication of La Grande Vitesse, June 14, 1969. |
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