DANVILLE… State Representative Mike Marron (R-Fithian) released the following statement on behalf of the Joseph G. Cannon Commemorative Committee announcing some special activities honoring the former United States Speaker of the House from Danville, Illinois.
Joseph G. Cannon’s career in Congress spanned nearly five decades and he served as Speaker of the House from 1903 to 1911. The committee formed last year to initiate a petition drive to rename the Vermilion County Administration Building, the former federal courthouse Speaker Cannon brought to Danville, after the beloved home town leader.
The Joseph G. Cannon Commemorative Committee has plans to unveil the newly dedicated building during a two-day period highlighting his life and contributions through some special activities scheduled May 5th and 6th, 2023.
Rep. Marron said, “Speaker Joseph Cannon was a giant in the history of the United States and one of the most powerful, influential legislators in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is a source of great pride that he was from right here in Danville.”
“We need to celebrate this impressive legacy and keep his memory alive for generations to come,” said Rep. Marron.
Marron serves as State Representative for the 104th Illinois House District and was selected as chairman of the Joseph G. Cannon Commemorative Committee. Events honoring Speaker Cannon will be tied to Danville’s ‘First Friday’ activities on Friday evening, May 5, 2023 called “Sweets in the Streets.”
The Cannon Committee is planning a Cruise-in night with classic and antique cars in downtown Danville starting at 5 o’clock. There will be a formal dedication of the Joseph G. Cannon Building featuring some special speakers at 6:00 p.m. on May 5th followed by an open house at the building.
The Joseph G. Cannon building is located at 201 North Vermilion Street in Danville, which currently houses many Vermilion County department offices. Those who attend will receive a voucher to redeem for free Chuckle’s candy as a part of the First Fridays event theme.
Across the street from the building is a huge mural painted during the time the Walldogs were in Danville. The mural depicts Cannon when he appeared on the front cover of the very first Time Magazine edition one-hundred years ago on March 4th, 1923.
Events honoring Cannon continue on Saturday, May 6, 2023 with a ‘Do You Know Joe?’ 5-K walk/run and an open house at the Vermilion County Museum. The 5-K will start at Danville’s Lincoln Park and end at the Vermilion County Museum located at 116 North Gilbert Street. Several historical artifacts regarding Cannon’s years in Congress are located at the museum.
Danville formerly had a school along East Main Street named after Cannon, but the building has since been demolished. There is also the Cannon Office Building in Washington D.C. named to honor the Congressman from Danville.
“The main intention of the Joseph G. Cannon Commemorative Committee is to make sure the current generation does not forget him. It is an honor to serve the same great area as Uncle Joe Cannon in Springfield, and I am thankful for the rich history and advancements he provided all of us in the district,” said Marron.