South West Illinois News

Ronald Wilson Reagan, born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, rose from modest beginnings to become the 40th President of the United States. His early life in Illinois shaped his values and experiences that influenced his journey to the presidency.

Reagan was the second son of John “Jack” Reagan, a shoe salesman, and Nelle Wilson Reagan. The family faced economic challenges, moving frequently across Illinois in search of stability. Despite these hardships, Reagan’s parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and optimism. His mother was particularly influential in nurturing his faith and compassion for others.

The family's relocations meant young Ronald attended multiple schools across Illinois. He began at Silas Willard Elementary School in Galesburg, then Monmouth Central School in Monmouth, followed by Tampico Grade School. In 1920, they settled in Dixon where he completed primary education at South Central Grammar School and later attended Dixon High School. At Dixon High, he was active in sports, drama, and student government.

A formative experience for Reagan was working as a lifeguard at Lowell Park on the Rock River in Dixon over six summers from 1926 to 1932. He is credited with saving 77 lives during this time.

In 1928, Reagan enrolled at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. He pursued economics and sociology while actively participating in football and theater and serving as student body president.

After graduating in 1932, Reagan began a career in radio broadcasting as a sports announcer for WOC in Davenport, Iowa and later WHO in Des Moines.

Reagan's eloquence led to Hollywood opportunities beginning with a screen test with Warner Brothers in 1937. He appeared in over 50 films including "Knute Rockne All American," earning him the nickname “The Gipper.” During this period he served as president of the Screen Actors Guild.

Initially a Democrat after World War II changes led to his shift toward conservative ideals due to experiences with the Screen Actors Guild and concerns over communist influence. By the 1950s he became a spokesperson for General Electric advocating free-market principles which laid groundwork for political entry.

In 1966 Reagan was elected Governor of California defeating Pat Brown focusing on budget deficit reduction welfare reform and addressing student protests at University of California Berkeley leading to re-election solidifying political credentials.

Reagan secured Republican nomination for presidency with George H.W Bush as running mate campaigning on economic revitalization strong national defense American optimism winning against Jimmy Carter.

His presidency from 1981-1989 included significant events:

Economic Policies: Implemented supply-side policies known as "Reaganomics" involving tax cuts deregulation reducing government spending growth stimulating economic growth but increasing federal deficits.

Cold War Stance: Anti-communist firm stance against Soviet Union dubbing it “Evil Empire” pursuing military buildup introducing Strategic Defense Initiative diplomatic engagements with Mikhail Gorbachev leading de-escalation arms reduction agreements.

Ronald Reagan’s journey reflects faith perseverance leadership embodying American ideals hard work optimism commitment freedom whether lifeguard actor governor or president leading purpose belief potential inspiring generation influencing economy foreign policy studied debated honored today.

Illinois takes pride preserving boyhood home historical site Ronald Reagan Trail reflecting future vision determination values echoing belief leadership human spirit possibilities freedom claiming heartland son changing history course.

"America’s best days are yet to come." - Ronald Reagan