Former Champaign Mayor Dannel McCollum signed copies of his new book titled “Remembering Champaign County” on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Jane Addams Book Shop, 208 N. Neil St., in Champaign.
His book covers the county’s history since its formation by retelling stories in which McCollum has personal connections.
He spoke of Daisy Jackson, who was one of 14 girls that had integrated Crystal Lake Park pool in the 1940s.
“That’s what Crystal Lake pool used to look like, a huge, almost elliptical shaped pool, not one of those Olympic pools,” McCollum said, pointing to the cover of his book. “This was a great swimming pool. I loved it. In 1943, it was segregated. Can you believe that the public swimming pool in Urbana was segregated?”
Jane Addams Book Shop frequently hosts local authors for book signings.
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“Locals really like the history. It’s fun to be a part of that,” said Susan Elmore, owner of the book shop.
Generating interest in local history in those not from the area poses more of a challenge.
“(The) huge student population … (as well as) the University faculty are from somewhere else and that probably diminishes the interest in local history,” McCollum said.
Although students may not have been born yet or at an age to understand many of these historical events, readers said McCollum’s writing style allows the audience to visualize these accounts.
“These personal connections flesh out the Champaign community beyond the confines of Campustown and speak of the area before there was even a university,” said Jonathan Earnest, senior in LAS.
Although McCollum served three terms as Champaign’s mayor, his initial passion for the region’s history began in conservation.
While teaching a conservation class at Jefferson Middle School, McCollum focused on getting his students involved. He said he wanted the kids to become more active in their surrounding community, rather than having them just “study or read a book.”
McCollum has published articles about his conservation efforts in educational journals, he added.
“I always felt the more you know about a place as an individual, the better care you take of it,” McCollum said.
McCollum said Champaign County has served as both an inspiration and home to him over his lifetime.
“I’ve been here 73 years; I guess it was too comfortable to leave. I’m still here,” McCollum said.
