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, 1934-37. 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.

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