By Denise McLoughlin & printed in the Prophetstown Echo
CLICK ON PHOTO TO OPEN ALBUM. CLICK ON INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS TO ENLARGE, READ DETAILS OR LEAVE A COMMENT. PHOTOS 33-41 ARE FROM THE '09 PARTY </p><p>
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT</p><p>
As most should remember, Ronald Reagan was the ONLY president born Illinois on February 6, 1911. Every year his birthday is celebrated in his birth town of Tampico. The festivities include a free tour through the apartment where he was born upstairs from a bakery, on the east side of Main Street, Tampico, IL. The bakery eventually switched locations with The First National Bank, moving to the west side of Main Street. Patrons visiting the birthplace also get to tour the bank which has been completely restored. </p>
The Tampico Area Historical Society, located a few doors south of the Birthplace, is also open on his birthday. This year BBQ sandwiches were served as well as the traditional Reagan Birthday cake, made by Mrs. Tabor, and served by Bertha Driessens and Ruth Thompson. Patrons had an opportunity to see more artifacts of President Reagan’s life in Tampico, including an original fourth grade teacher’s ledger, giving viewers a chance to see what kind of a student he was in 1920. </p>
Although the presentations were the same as in the past, there were some very new experiences this year. The most obvious was the weather. Many may recall that the last two years have been extremely unpleasant, snowy and very, very cold. Certainly not the case this year with temperatures teasing us with signs of spring. </p>
Another pleasant surprise was not only the number in attendance which is estimated to be over 250, but also WHO came to visit. Joan Johnson, coordinator of the Reagan Birthplace as well as the president of the Tampico Area Historical Society, was thrilled to see our area school children lined up for the Birthplace tour. Darren Erickson, principal of the Tampico Elementary school, stopped in with a second grade class. Joan reported two third-grade classes and a fifth-grade class also visited, some from as far away as Castleton, IL. </p>
Dignitaries included Tampico’s Mayor Larry Specht and Amanda York, an assistant from congressman Bill Foster’s office. </p>
The Tampico Area Historical Society was also selling 50/50 tickets as a fund raiser to help defray their winter utilities and some remodeling expenses. The drawing will be held on February 10, 2009 at the Community Building. The winner does not need to be present. Tickets are still available. Contact Joan Johnson: 815-438-7581. </p>
The attendance and weather were perfect. All we needed was a double rainbow. . .</p>
(As printed in the Prophetstown Echo, by Denise McLoughlin)
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