[outside Over time, the former three-bedroom home at 816 South Hennepin Avenue found itself a two-apartment building offered for sale. The day after the Republican Party nominated Reagan as the 1980 presidential candidate, a postman familiar with the history of the apartment building got an option on the property. After Reagan won the presidency, a group of residents acquired the house and restored it, relying on memories from Ronald and his brother, Neil.

The house, which is what was called a "mail order house," had to be reconfigured, with closets, walls and plumbing removed. The house was one of many of the late 1800s and early 1900s sent in kits constructed on the site by the owner.

What became the Reagan home was built in 1891, according to Anne Edwards' "Early Reagan." The Dixon Loan and Building Association loaned William C. Thompson $1,500 for the project.

The members of the Dixon restoration effort sold cedar shingles to visitors for 50 cents, allowing them to write on the shingles before they were put on top the house.

Enter the house into the living room.

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