Grace Dow

Background

She was born in Michigan as Grace A. Ball in 1869 to Arnelia and George Willard Ball, a schoolteacher and banker, respectively.

Career

Grace and Herbert raised seven children together. After her husband"s death, Grace Dow founded The Herbert H. and Dow Foundation in his memory. She served as a trustee of the Foundation until her death.

The Foundation is dedicated to funding religion, education, culture, science, and community life in Michigan.

In April 1941, Grace Dow donated ten acres (later increased to 40 acres) of property as the site for Midland Hospital (now MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland). Relatives recalled her joy in making the gift, which was adjacent to the Dow family orchards.

She joked, "If nothing else, they can sit there and eat apples while they have to be in the hospital." Throughout her life, Grace Dow frequently contributed to projects in the Midland community personally as well as through the activities of the Dow Foundation. Grace died in 1953 before construction began.

Midland named the new library as the She founded The Herbert H. and

Achievements

• Midland named the new library as the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library in her honor. She founded The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and donated to numerous civic projects through it, including health care and education.