A President is Born - The Humble Beginnings of President Ronald Reagan
President Ronald Reagan, who was always proud of his roots in the Blackhawk Waterways region of northwest Illinois, would have turned 100 years old February 6, 2011 and our communities with direct ties to our 40th president are going all out this year to mark this important centennial.
Many national events are planned to commemorate the Centennial and the Blackhawk Waterways region is no exception with many centennial events that will help visitors better identify with Reagan's life by walking his footsteps in these historically rich Illinois towns. Visitors will experience the neighborhoods, parks and churches that shaped his personal character and ultimately the character of the country. Festivals, concerts, galas, ice cream socials and historic presentations will take place from January through December.
Day 1: Fulton, Tampico & Rock Falls
Your tour begins where Ronald Reagan's parents, Nellie Clyde Wilson and John "Jack" Reagan, were married in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in 1904. Continue to Calvary Hill Catholic Cemetery, the site of the Reagan Family plot, where Grandmother Catherine Reagan is buried and Fulton Township Cemetery, the site of the Wilson Family plot, including Grandmother Mary Anne Wilson and two of Ronald's favorite aunts, Sara Jane (Jennie) and Mary Lavina (Vina). Explore the Martin House Museum with its Reagan History Room, filled with photographs and other ancestral memorabilia maintained by the Fulton Historical Society. After lunch in one of the downtown restaurants visit "De Immigrant", Fulton's authentic Dutch Windmill. Although not Dutch, Ronald Reagan received the nickname "Dutch" by his father, which stuck with him throughout his life. The windmill was prefabricated in the Netherlands, and erected by Dutch craftsmen in Fulton. Across the street is the Windmill Cultural Museum & Gift Shop.
Travel the rural roads to President Reagan's Birthplace in Tampico.
The upstairs apartment where the future president was born has been restored to its early 1900's period, The adjoining gift shop and museum are open April through December or by appointment and will be hosting a number of celebrations honoring President Reagan.
Continue to Rock Falls where you can check in to one of the town's friendly hotels and motels. Rock Falls has many dining establishments ranging from well known chain restaurants to upscale fine dining venues.
Day 2: Dixon
After your restful night and breakfast your tour takes you to Dixon.
Your first stop is the Dixon Historic Center. Formerly known as the South Central School, Ronald Reagan attended the 5th, 6th and 7th grades here. Tour the restored Sixth Grade classroom that Ronald Reagan attended and also the Reagan family museum. View the 6 foot by 4-foot portrait of Ronald Reagan made with 15,000 Jelly Bellies and donated by the Jelly Belly Corporation in honor of the Ronald Reagan Association Dedication. While traveling the short distance to your next stop, the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, be sure to notice the First Christian Church where Ronald Reagan was baptized and both he and his mother attended and taught Sunday School. Visitors are guided through the restored Boyhood Home and are encouraged to go through the four room Presidential timeline exhibit, view the biographical video in the presentation gallery and visit the gift shop in the visitors center. Downtown Dixon boasts a number of delicious restaurants to satisfy any tastes from Thai, Mexican, Italian and American cuisine.
A visit to the Dixon Welcome Center offers Dixon gifts and souvenirs, Ronald Reagan history and gift items and view the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition interpretive exhibit. Across the street discover the Reagan statue entitled "Begins the Trail" which is the centerpiece of the open-air plaza, Heritage Crossing. A short drive to the edge of Dixon takes you to your last stop at Lowell Park. Here is where Ronald Reagan worked as a lifeguard and saved 77 people. Lowell Park offers 240 acres, a Nature Center, rest rooms, parking, boat launches and Rock River access, fishing, hiking, nature preserve, cross country skiing, shelters, grills, playground equipment, and more.
