From Racine4thFest
W.C. Tex Reynolds
William Charles Reynolds, better known as “Tex” was an editorial writer and columnist for two Racine newspapers for 45 years.
Reynolds came to Racine in 1922 to work for the Racine Times-Call as a linotype operator. Within two years he moved from the pressroom to writing a column called “Reynolds Says”, which later became “Racine Reflector”.
It was in the spring of 1937 that newly elected mayor Roy A. Spencer formed the Goodwill Committee in an effort to neutralize the bitterness that prevailed between labor and management. Reynolds was a co-founder of this committee which promoted goodwill through a community centered Fourth of July celebration.
In 1950 the Goodwill Committee with its 125 members, became a corporation with Reynolds serving as its first president. In 1951, he was honored by the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania for helping to bring about a better understanding of the American way of life.
The Goodwill Committee, later to become known as Racine Fourth Fest, Inc., along with the entire greater Racine area, owe much to Reynolds for his many contributions through the years.
Beginning in 1978, the W. C. “Tex” Reynolds trophy has been awarded to one of the top three floats entered in the Non-Industrial Division of the parade.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1978 | YMCA-Indian Guides and Princesses |
| 1979 | Tucker 4-H Club |
| 1980 | YMCA-Indian Guides and Princesses |
| 1981 | Tucker 4-H Club |
| 1982 | Dudes & Dolls |
| 1983 | Paul's Taxidermy Studio |
| 1984 | Paul's Taxidermy Studio |
| 1985 | Soap Bos Derby Association |
| 1986 | Heritage Realty |
| 1987 | Fine Arts School |
| 1988 | Brittony Acres |
| 1989 | Bank of Elmwood |
| 1990 | Bank of Elmwood |
| 1991 | Girl Scouts of Racine County |
| 1992 | Knights of Columbus |
| 1993 | Not Awarded |
| 1994 | Not Awarded |
| 1995 | Not Awarded |
| 1996 | Not Awarded |
| 1997 | Not Awarded |
| 1998 | Tucker 4-H Club |
| 1999 | Tucker 4-H Club |
| 2000 | Tucker 4-H Club |
| 2001 | Lee's Flowers |
| 2002 | Knights of Columbus |
| 2003 | Not Awarded |
| 2004 | Century 21-Savaglio & Cape |
| 2005 | Tucker 4-H Club |
| 2006 | Tucker 4-H Club |
| 2007 | BSA Southeast Wisconsin Council |
| 2008 | Chas DeDyne-Banner Management |
| 2009 | Racine Art Museum |
| 2010 | Grace Church |
