ABOVE: Danville Barbershop Chorus performs the National Anthem at the May 5, 2023 dedication of the Joseph G Cannon Building in Danville.
As we look at some “2023 Moments We Remember” over these next few days between Christmas and New Year’s, let’s recall two Danville buildings that entered new eras this year. First, the Vermilion County Administrative Building at 201 North Vermilion. Once upon a time, it was the Danville Post Office. But now, it will continue to hold major Vermilion County offices, like for the County Board, Clerk, Treasurer and more; but under a new name: The Joseph G Cannon Building. Efforts were under way before 2023 to honor Former U S Speaker of the House, Danville’s own Joseph G. Cannon, right around the 100th anniversary of the first issue of Time magazine with Speaker Cannon on the cover; dated March 3, 1923. When the ceremony finally took place Friday, May 5th; Former Congressman John Shimkus was the keynote speaker.
AUDIO: Very few people have been Speaker of the House. They’re the second in line to the president. He had a very successful career, and people need to know that. You know, the other thing that this speaks to is; he had a very hard, scrabble upbringing. That also sends a message to everyone, young and old. He pushed it forward. You can go from someone who’s pushing two pennies together to Speaker of the House.
Former Congressman John Shimkus delivered the keynote address. Neuhoff Media’s Bill Pickett received a handshake from County Board Chairman Larry Baughn, after joining County Board member Steve Miller in the unveiling of the new “Uncle Joe” Cannon bust in the newly named Joseph G. Cannon Building.
The emcee for the ceremony, State Rep Mike Marron; stated beforehand, outside along Vermilion Street, that this was a special day worth waiting for.
AUDIO: It just, I think, a fitting way, on a beautiful day, to honor the memory of Speaker Joe Cannon. And to officially name this beautiful, beautiful building that we have here, in this community, because of Speaker Cannon; in his honor.
Later in the year, in September, a much smaller but just as well known building was undergoing a change. Custard Cup was for sale. Co-owners Rodney Smart and Doug Jarling approached Ag Exchange about hosting a live auction, which took place October 26th at Turtle Run. The winning bid was $250,000; but the bidder was not there in person.
We later found it to be former Custard Cup employee and current Operations Manager for Connections for the Homeless in Evanston Andrew Seibert. He later told us, “Don’t worry, the building stays.”
AUDIO: We’ll definitely be preserving the iconic structure. That is the Custard Cup to so many of us. I can’t even imagine the Custard Cup being in a different building in Danville. There may be some things that we have to do, but overall the building is in really great shape.
Seibert also told us that he might even bring a new flavor or two to Custard Cup. He mentioned a huckleberry flavor that he came across during travels out west.
But for now, the plan is for Custard Cup to open its 75th season; under new ownership, on March 15, 2024.
