On
September 28, 1967,Governor Reagan came to campus for the dedication of
the newly constructed Melick Library. An estimated 15,000 people
descended on tiny Eureka to witness the event. Here he is shown near
the Woodford County courthouse in downtown Eureka. Representatives
from CBS, the BBC and many other major news organizations followed the
actor turned politician through Eureka.
Governor Reagan, who spoke
at the dedication (text
available here), was not the only prominent Republican in attendance.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen of nearby Pekin, Illinois
(far left), and Illinois Senator Charles Percy (far right) posed with Reagan
and others.
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