by Denise McLoughlin
It was a proud day for Tampico on Saturday, October 9, 2010. The IL State Historical Society and the Tampico Area Historical Society dedicated a Historic Marker in the Reagan Park, located in the south end of Tampico. This special event was incorporated into the IL State Historical Society’s motor-coach tour of “Reagan Country.” The Ronald Reagan Foundation in Simi Valley, California also helped in the planning of dedication.
The year 2011 will be the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Ronald Reagan and this dedication in the park is the “kick-off” for the year-long events planned to commemorate his Centennial Birthday.
Joan Johnson, who has been appointed to the National Reagan Centennial Committee, is the Curator for the Reagan Birthplace & Museum and the President of the Tampico Area Historical Society, was there to unveil the marker along with Marvin Ehlers, a past President of the IL State Historical Society and past Chairman of the Markers’ Group.
Other dignitaries present were area Mayors, Larry Specht of Tampico, James Burke of Dixon and David Blanton of Rock Falls. Senator Tim Bivens, 45th District; and Ann Lewis of Dixon and also a member of the National Reagan Centennial Committee were present and spoke of the honor it was to be present at the dedication. Robin Blackert from Representative Jerry Mitchell’s office was also there and Joan Johnson read a letter to the audience from Rep. Mitchell who was unable to attend due to family obligations. The Queen, Hailey Mickelson and the Brown twin Princesses of Tampico’s Royalty were also there to greet visitors.
The Motor-Coach tour bus arrived about noon and all ate at the Dutch Diner. After the dedication, they all went to the Tampico Historical Society for refreshments and cookies, and toured both the Historical Society and the Birthplace before continuing on to the rest of their tour.
Everyone was on some type of tight time schedule, but all went very smoothly and the day could be considered a wonderful success!
For more information on the Reagan Centennial events, visit the official website http://www.illinoisreagancentennial.com/ or contact Joan Johnson, 815-438-7581 or reaganbirthplace@thewisp.net All the above information, contacts and official websites can also be found on the Tampico Area Historical Society’s website, www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com
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