HR0764 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0764 LRB098 17497 MST 52606 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home and Visitor Center on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of it being placed on the National Register of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan's boyhood home is located at 816 Hannepin Avenue in Dixon; and

WHEREAS, The house, which included the barn out back, was built in 1891 for $1,500 by William C. Thompson; and

WHEREAS, The Reagan family moved into the home on December 6th, 1920, just before Ronald's 10th birthday; and

WHEREAS, The Reagans rented the home for $15 a month until 1923, after which they moved into other homes in Dixon; and

WHEREAS, The Reagans rented every home they lived in until Ronald bought them their first house in California; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan's boyhood home was added to the National Register of Historic Places on his 73rd birthday, February 6, 1984; and

WHEREAS, The home has been fully restored with furnishings reflective of the 1920s; and

WHEREAS, Visitors who tour Ronald Reagan's home can see the room that he shared with his brother Neil, visit the barn that houses a Model T automobile similar to the one the Reagan family owned, and view rooms of photos, videos, quotes, and other information in the Reagan legacy timeline; they can hear stories about the home and the Reagan family from the informative volunteer tour guides; and

WHEREAS, Visitors can also have their photo taken next to a life-size statue of Ronald Reagan in the Reagan Memorial Park nearby; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Reagan's boyhood home is a main attraction off highway I-88 for visitors and locals alike; and

WHEREAS, The home offers supplemental education for schools when learning about United States history; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated volunteers strive to provide memorable experiences for new and returning visitors alike; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home and Visitor Center on the 30th anniversary of it being placed on the National Register of Historic Places; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the volunteers, staff, and board of directors of Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home and Visitor Center.