Ford, Harriet Bliss, 1876-1964

Harriet Chalmers (Bliss) Ford was born in 1876 in New York City. She attended the Mary A. Burnham School and graduated with Smith College's Class of 1899. She married George Burdett Ford, an architect and city planner, in 1912. From the time of her graduation until her marriage, Ford worked as an editor for Century Magazine . Participating as a member of the National Board of the YWCA beginning in 1924, Ford served as the organization's third vice-president, and volunteered for the New York Smith College Club and the University Club. During WWI, Ford worked in close contact with the Paris headquarters of the American Red Cross for two years and acted as chairman of the Paris committee of the Smith College Relief Unit in France. Ford served as the first chairman of the Alumnae Fund Committee of Smith College from 1927-1929, and as the director of the Alumnae Association from 1925-1928. In addition to her work with the Alumnae Association, Ford was also on the Board of Trustees from 1928-1936, and was a resident trustee from 1931 until the end of her life. Ford was also active in the National Committee on the Cause and Cure of War, and was named the organization's administrative chairman in 1937. Living in New York City for several years, Ford eventually returned to Northampton in 1941 and joined the committee to study and make recommendations for a charter for Northampton and the city's Tercentary. During World War II, she served as chief of the Office of Price Administration for Northampton and the surrounding area. Ford died on February 20, 1964 at the age of 87 in Northampton, Massachusetts after a long illness.

From the guide to the Harriet (Bliss) Ford Papers RG 30., 1877-1964, (Smith College Archives)

Christmas card showing Harriet Bliss Ford in Wilder House living room, 1931-1932

Harriet Chalmers Bliss was born in New York City and earned a B.L. from Smith College in 1899. She was an editorial assistant at Century Magazine, 1899-1912, and consulting editor of the Woman's Press Board, the Woman's Journal, 1927-29. She married George Burdett Ford in 1912. Ford was director of women personal in the American Red Cross Overseas, 1917-1920, and was chair of the Smith College Relief Unit, Pans Office. Ford was on the National Board of the YWCA from 1920 to 1930, and was vice president chair of the Publicity Organization. She was a member of the Committee on Cause and Cure of War from 1925 to1930. At Smith College, she was a publicity chair and trustee, 1923-36, and she was a "Trustee in Residence," 1931-36. She was on the Board of Directors of the Smith Alumnae Association and the American Association of University Women. Ford was involved in Northampton, Massachusetts city politics and the National League of Women Voters, 1950s. She was on the Northampton City Charter Committee, 1949, and the City Council, 1940s-50s. She wrote articles, poetry and plays, some of which were published, regarding various causes including women's issues and peace.

From the guide to the Harriet Bliss Ford Papers MS 59., 1899-1953, (Sophia Smith Collection)

Civic leader; Editor; YWCA executive; Red Cross official; Trustee, Smith College.

Harriet Chalmers (Bliss) Ford was born in New York City, 1876. Earned B.L. from Smith College, 1899. Was editorial assistant at Century Magazine, 1899-1912, and consulting editor and contributor for the YWCA's Woman's Press and the Woman's Journal, 1927-29. Married George Burdett Ford, 1912. Was director of women personnel for American Red Cross Overseas, 1917-20; chair of Smith College Relief Unit, Paris; on the National Board of the YWCA, 1920-30; and a member of the Committee on Cause and Cure of War, 1925-30. Smith College Trustee, 1923-36; a "Trustee in Residence," 1931-36; and was on the Board of Directors of the Smith Alumnae Association and the American Association of University Women. Ford was also involved in Northampton (Mass.) city politics and a member of the League of Women Voters, circa 1950s.

From the description of Papers, 1899-1953. (Smith College). WorldCat record id: 49517118