Doin’ it in Danville
Once they leave their small hometown, many people never think twice about going back, especially to live. After graduating from high school in 1993, I certainly fell into this category of strong-willed, determined individuals who wanted to put my life in Danville, Ill. behind me and fully embrace the idea of unknown territories in the grand metropolis of Champaign-Urbana. Fast-forward thirteen years, and by proxy of embracing some major life changes — a skateboarding boyfriend returning from Iraq, an ill grandmother who needed extra care, and cheap real estate — I was back in my hometown, yet still commuting to reality at my do-good not-for-profit job on campus.
The transition for me was difficult. I missed my quaint apartment in the old Howard School building near downtown Urbana. Everything that I became accustomed to and wanted, and grew to rely on, was within short biking or walking distance. I knew I was going to miss those certain things I’d had at my disposal for so long: my favorite coffee in C-U at Caffé Paradiso, Thai food at Siam Terrace, the best Farmers’ Market in the area, the fine, fine pastries at Mirabelle, and great live music at The Iron Post. Even though I was born and raised thirty-five miles east, I considered Urbana my home for roughly ten years.
So, do it in…Danville? The local mantra for many years, dating back to the late 1950s, was “if you can do it in Danville, it can be done anywhere.” For a traditional blue-collar factory town that now struggles with the reputation of having a depressed economy, high unemployment rates, and an unbelievable methamphetamine problem, why would anyone want to do anything here? When I told my family in August 2006 that I was moving back to Danville, I could feel the collective sadness. A few weeks before my announcement, I had just returned from three months in Geneva, Switzerland as a fellow with a non-governmental organizationdoing human rights work at the United Nations. My parents were sure I was moving to another country when I said I had big news for them. Quite the contrary, I was going back to my hometown, a place my friends and I used to joke about, saying Danville hit the year 1985 and forgot to look forward.
This blog is going to show you a different perspective of Danville, one that is more positive than the often-negative local media coverage. During my eighteen months back, I have grown to appreciate certain aspects that I didn’t when I was eighteen. There are historic structures, geographic landscapes, notable people, and hidden treasures that all deserve some attention. It is my hope to show you, the reader, a fresh take on some of the things old, new, and undiscovered just 35 East.
2 comments
Doug Hoepker
All I know about Danville is it’s the best place to see a ballgame in the summer months in all of downstate Illinois, and there’s a Jarlings there, too. I look forward to discovering some other things to do when I visit again.
tim adamson
My primary defense when people find out I’m from Danville is still “yeah, but there are/were some awesome skate spots.” I need to update that.
I doubt the town will ever get a fair shake, most of the old jokes still ring too true. There was always a sort-of-silver lining somewhere in there though, nice to see someone back in the vortex trying to push forward.
Here’s to hoping that silver lining isn’t just the reflection from a dozen broken Motley Crue mirrors won at the 1987 vermin county fair, then ;)
Good luck ratchet!
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Best Neighborhood Bar (& Grill) : Urbana - My ‘hood- the ‘Boom! http://www.boomerangbarandgrill.com Go on a Wing Wednesday or Fish Friday, or see a band play some night. Local blue-collar Urbana terroir galore. My only beer snobbish gripe is lack of a pale hopped ale, but you…
The one thing that’s bothered me for a while about the Friar is that, for most commonly purchased adult beverages, you can actually walk down the strip mall to Schnucks and get them cheaper. It makes no sense, but there it is. I suspect it’s because Schnucks…
Maybe I complained enough in person. One time I even explained to the (wholly uninterested) clerk how to navigate the Illinois Statutes web page, and Savoy’s Municipal Code database I wouldn’t know because I only go there when I want to pay 30% more for anything, which is never.
@Rob: You seem to have the weirdest experiences. I’m in Friar Tuck every other week (don’t tell my mom that I’m a lush). They never fail to ask for my birth date but never my age, they never card afterwards, and they often allow me to use…
This column affords me a long-awaited opportunity. I’ve wanted to write my own column called Fuck You Friar Tuck Liquors. but I always thought it’d be too pithy. Here, I can say Fuck You Friar Tuck Liquors and not feel bothered to stretch it out to 750…
Ha! Exactly. You, sir, are welcome at the bar in My House.
Why wait ‘til 3 pm?
I’m excited to go tonight- should be very fun!
Next, I want to know about growing up on Ennis Lane. Or the neighboring Surbana Estates. http://pathfindergroupil.com/index.php/surbanaestates
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Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
funny, as your summer begins, another Summer ends.
@Dan - Wow. Unfortunately, I have to refrain from further comment due to a previous employment relationship. But with that brief context you might be able to imagine possible comments or responses I could have.
Oh, by the way, the “Champaign County YMCA” no longer exists. The official name is now the “Stephens Family YMCA” (the website has not been updated, but check out the latest program guide). And no, it’s not just the name of the building. It’s the name of the organization.
Very inspired Photochops as well….
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@Jason: You’re right about that. I get groceries at Schnucks (they carry what I buy, which I can’t say of any other single grocery store in town), and if they have a beer I’m in the market for it’s usually a quarter or two cheaper per 6-…