May 5 & 6, 2023

   The Joseph G Cannon Commemorative Committee has been planning special activities to honor Cannon. These will take place both in downtown Danville and at the Vermilion County Museum. Joseph G. Cannon’s career in Congress spanned nearly five decades and he served as Speaker from 1903 to 1911.

   The Danville Barbershop Chorus will sing the National Anthem at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5th, kicking off a dedication ceremony for the Joseph G. Cannon Building at 201 North Vermilion Street, which  currently houses the Vermilion County Administration Offices.
   There will be a “Sweets in the Streets Cruise-In” featuring cars from every era. The first 500 attendees at the dedication ceremony will receive a sample of Uncle Joe’s favorite candy – “Chuckles”, which was made in Danville at the time. The Vermilion Voles Vintage Baseball Team will also demonstrate the style of baseball known to Uncle Joe. Following the dedication ceremony the public will get to tour the Joseph G. Cannon Building. More activities honoring Cannon are set for Saturday, May 6th – including a “Do You Know Joe?” 5-K Walk/Run that will start at Danville’s Lincoln Park and end at the Vermilion County Museum. The Museum will have an open house Saturday morning (May 6th) from 10 AM to 1 PM to allow guests to view the  artifacts on display in the Cannon Room of the Dr. William Fithian Home.