Grace A. Dow

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Grace A. Dow (1869 – 1953) was an American philanthropist who is best known as the wife of Herbert H. Dow, and mother of architect Alden B. Dow.

[edit] Personal

Dow was born as Grace A. Ball in 1869 to schoolteacher Arnelia Ball and George Willard Ball, a banker. In 1892, she married Herbert H. Dow in Midland, Michigan. Grace and Herbert raised seven children, and lived her entire married life in Midland.

[edit] Philanthropy

After her husband's death, Grace Dow founded The Herbert H. and Grace A. 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.

The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library in Midland, Michigan is named in her honor, and was designed by her son, Alden.