EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL ALBUM OF VINTAGE ERMA PHOTOS.
Erma Bombeck’s family shares photos from throughout the ages, including Erma as a childhood tap dancer, a member of President Jimmy Carter’s Advisory Council for Women and grand marshal of the 1986 Rose Parade, whose theme was “A Celebration of Laughter.”
“I think laughter is just about the most important thing in the world,” she told the Los Angeles Times after being named the grand marshal. “And besides, parades, along with dust collecting, have always been a favorite hobby of mine.”
Erma used a typewriter for her entire career. This photo was taken some time in the 1980s.
Erma wrote using a typewriter for her entire career. This photo was taken some time in the 1960s.
On the day the “Maggie” sitcom was canceled, Erma, Karyl Miller and one of the other writers went out for lunch. According to Karyl, “The three of us went out for a final all-girl lunch. As we left the restaurant, we passed a store with a big sandwich board sign in front that said ‘Out Of Business.’ It was just too apropos to pass up so we took our photo with the sign.”
Erma meeting Pope John Paul II. 1987
An autographed photo of the cast and crew of the “Maggie” sitcom. Notice Erma’s note to Karyl Miller in the top right corner: “Much love from Mother, Erma Bombeck.” Karyl was the executive story consultant for the show.
The entire Bombeck family riding in the Rose Parade’s Grand Marshall car. 1985
Erma with children for a March of Dimes fundraiser.
Erma kissing a llama for a “Good Morning America” segment.
Erma and Bill Bombeck on their wedding day. August 13, 1949
Erma on the set of the TV sitcom, “Maggie.” The show looked at an ordinary, though slightly manic family from Dayton, Ohio.
Erma with the “Good Morning America” crew for a shoot at Grauman’s Chinese Theater (Hollywood, Calif.) in 1986.
Erma at her typewriter in 1978.
The “Good Morning America” cast.
Christmas at the Bombecks in 1982. Pictured are Bill, Erma, Andy, Matt and Betsy.
Bill Bombeck had Erma’s headstone — a large boulder — moved from Arizona to Dayton’s Woodland Cemetery where she is buried.
Erma and Bill Bombeck
Erma Bombeck on the lecture circuit.
Erma pictured here with actress Miriam Flynn who portrayed the quintessential housewife, Maggie Weston, in ABC’s “Maggie.” Bombeck created the series.
Syndicated columnist, Erma Bombeck, tells some of her favorite stories to John Willis, co-host of “Good Day.”
The Bombeck family: Erma, Bill, Betsy, Matt and Andy.
Erma and Bill Bombeck with Bro. Raymond Fitz, S.M., University of Dayton president, at the John Stuart Society Induction, Oct. 18, 1984.
Erma Bombeck in 1974.
Erma and Bill Bombeck
Erma and Bro. Raymond Fitz, S.M., University of Dayton president, at the Honorary Trustee Dinner, Oct. 18, 1984.
Erma sits in front of her house in Bellbrook, Ohio, in the late 1960s.
Erma and Bill Bombeck with their children.
Eight-year-old Erma fishing with her father, Cassius Edwin Fiste. Her dad died when she was nine.
Erma Bombeck in 1982.
Erma Bombeck holding a copy of the Rose Parade News with the headline “Rose Parade Picks Bombeck.” September 4, 1985.
Erma wrote using a typewriter for her entire career. This photo was taken some time in the 1960s.
Erma Fiste married Bill Bombeck, both age twenty-two, at the Church of the Resurrection on an overcast morning. August 13, 1949
Erma Bombeck talking to Dayton Council on World Affairs.
Erma Bombeck fields questions at a morning news conference.
Erma Bombeck holds her commissioner sign while standing on a bench.
“Shopping” with Phyllis Diller on Rodeo Drive for a “Good Morning America” segment in 1982.
Erma Bombeck being interviewed by a magazine.
Erma Bombeck at the University of Dayton 1981 Commencement. She was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters.
Erma Bombeck at a meeting of President Carter’s National Advisory Committee for Women. President Carter is seated in the middle on the left side of the table. Erma is at the far head of the table. October 23, 1979
Erma Bombeck, a 1949 University of Dayton graduate, speaks for the Alumni Challenge Campaign to increase alumni participation.
Erma Bombeck and Liz Carpenter. Erma and Liz were friends who – among other things – had campaigned together for the Equal Rights Amendment. 1983
Erma Bombeck and Liz Carpenter. Erma and Liz were friends who – among other things – had campaigned together for the Equal Rights Amendment. 1987
Erma Bombeck at a meeting of President Carter’s National Advisory Committee for Women. Rosalynn Carter, President Jimmy Carter, and Lynda Johnson Robb are also pictured. December 16, 1980
Erma Bombeck Collection 