‘Lots of memories, lots of history, lots of stories’: Danville celebrates man’s 100th birthday

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — One Vermilion County man celebrated his 100th birthday with a present he won’t soon forget.

Norlyn Dossey has been a staple in Danville for the last century. It’s why his friends and family gathered at Lincoln Park’s Friendly Town for a birthday party 100 years in the making. The World War II veteran and Danville native took a surprise trip down memory lane with his friends and family.

“Oh, it’s quite a surprise, more than words can describe,” he said.

The old Conoco gas station is now back in Danville —or at least a replica is. It’s a near spitting image of the business Dossey and his late brother Marvin owned in the mid-1950s, completed with a sign, logo and gas pump.

The building also has a mural on the front, which was painted by a local artist from a picture taken nearly 70 years ago of past employees.

“This was a shock for him because, you know, typically he knows what’s going on; he had no clue.” said John Dossey, one of Norlyn’s sons. ” I think this is a good memory for him.”

John said the newest addition to the miniature municipality at Friendly Town is one close to his father’s heart.

“This is a close little replica, so it’s amazing,” John added.

Danville Police Chief Chris Yates said it was all a surprise for Dossey.

“You know, sometimes it’s just the little things that you remember longer. And that’s cool,” Yates added.

Dossey’s other son, Van, says it just adds to his dad’s legacy in town.

“It’s just a wonderful thing…you know, there’s always going to be something to remember the Dossey Brothers in Danville, Illinois,” Van said.

The surprises didn’t stop there. One look past the new Conoco building revealed yet another blast from the past.

“It was a 1934 Ford that the Dossey Brothers bought and sponsored back in the ’50s,” Yates said. “I got hold of some people and found out that Terry Quick had it. And I called him, and he says he’ll have it brought out. So that meant a lot to him. You could see it on his face when he walked up.”

Dossey said it was quite the surprise.

“I know Terry quite well, and I visit him, and I see the car down there in the garage, start it up once in a while, hear the noise. Brings back memories,” Dossey said.

The plan is to eventually add to the mural on the building. The family said they’d like to see Norlyn and Marlin added next.

“It only happens one time,” Dossey said. “Make the best of it.”

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