RONALD REAGAN was
born on February 6,
1911 in Tampico,
Illinois.
When Jack Reagan saw
his new son, he said,
“He looks like a fat little
Dutchman!” As a result,
Ronald Reagan had the
nickname “Dutch” as a
child.
Ronald Reagan (with "Dutch" haircut), Neil Reagan, and
parents Jack and Nelle Reagan. Family Christmas card circa
1916-17. Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
From an early age,
“DUTCH” REAGAN
found ways to help
those in his community.
He liked being
responsible for the
safety of others, and
over the course of seven
summers as a lifeguard,
he saved 77 swimmers.
Ronald Reagan as a lifeguard, Lowell Park, Dixon, Illinois.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
At Eureka College,
RONALD REAGAN was
on the football team,
and was the star of the
swimming and track
teams as well.
Ronald Reagan on the Eureka College football team, 1929.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
He was also a reporter
for the school paper,
editor of the yearbook,
and the lead actor of
seven plays.
Ronald Reagan posing with a member of the Eureka college
swim team, 1928-32.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
As a college freshman,
RONALD REAGAN gave
a speech that saved the
jobs of several
professors who were
going to be fired. It was
the first time he saw
how his words could
help people.
Ronald Reagan, 1934. Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
After he
graduated from
college, RONALD
REAGAN worked
as a sports
broadcaster on
the radio.
Ronald Reagan as a WHO Radio
Announcer in Des Moines, Iowa, 193437. Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
Then RONALD
REAGAN worked as
an actor in both
movies and on
television.
Ronald Reagan as host of General Electric
Theater, 1954-1962. Courtesy Ronald Reagan
Library.
Later, he was
introduced to an
actress named Nancy
Davis. They were
married in 1952.
RONALD REAGAN said,
“I think my life really
began when I met
Nancy.”
Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis, cutting their wedding
cake, 1952. Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
In 1966, voters believed
in RONALD REAGAN’S
ability to help people,
and he was elected as
the 33rd Governor of
California.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan at the victory celebration for his
election as Governor of California, 1966. Courtesy Ronald
Reagan Library.
In 1980, RONALD
REAGAN was elected
as the 40th President
of the United States.
At 69 years old, he was
the oldest man ever to
be elected President.
President Ronald Reagan, 1982.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
As President, RONALD
REAGAN worked with
friends and foes to
ensure a good life for
Americans and freedom
for people all over the
world.
President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary
Gorbachev on the White House south lawn, 1987.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
RONALD REAGAN
served as President
from 1981- 1989. He
always believed that
America’s best days
were yet to come. His
eight years as president
were some of the most
prosperous in the
history of the United
States.
President Ronald Reagan, 1982.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
When he wasn’t busy
running the United
States, PRESIDENT
REAGAN loved spending
time with his wife
Nancy…
President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan during a
speech on the Centennial of the Statue of Liberty 1986.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
telling jokes
and stories…
President Ronald Reagan and
Yankee great Joe DiMaggio, 1981.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
riding his horse El
Alamein at Rancho del
Cielo in California …
President Ronald Reagan rides El Alamein at Rancho del
Cielo in California, 1986.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
…and munching on
his favorite snack,
jelly beans.
Top: President Reagan at a Domestic Policy Meeting in
the Roosevelt Room. Jelly beans in the foreground.
9/26/85.
Bottom: President Reagan reaches for jelly beans
during a cabinet meeting, 1981.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
So on February 6th,
remember that our 40th
president, and one of the
greatest and most
popular presidents of all
time, came from
California just like you.
Ronald Reagan with Little Man at Rancho del Cielo, 1977.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
HAPPY RONALD REAGAN DAY