[14]
Jack was focused on making money to take care of the family,[15] but his alcoholism complicated his ability to do so.[16] Reagan's family briefly lived in Chicago, Galesburg, and Monmouth before returning to Tampico. In 1920, Reagan and his family settled in the city of Dixon, which he called his hometown.[13] They lived in a house near the H. C. Pitney Variety Store Building.[17] In Dixon, Reagan attended Dixon High School, where he developed interests in drama and football.[18] His first job involved working as a lifeguard at the Rock River in Lowell Park.[19]
In 1928, Reagan attended Eureka College[20] with Nelle's approval on religious grounds.[21] He was a mediocre student[22] that participated in sports, drama, and campus politics.[20] He was also elected student body president and joined a student strike that resulted in the college president's resignation.[23] When Reagan's college football team stayed at a hotel that would not allow two black teammates to stay there, he invited them to his parents' home nearby in Dixon[24] and his parents welcomed them.[25] His parents' stance on racial questions were seemingly unusual[24] when racial segregation was common in many Midwestern communities.