We are remiss in publicly recognizing our 2022 Distinguished Elders for the town of Danville. Both have passed since being honored as the oldest male and female residents of our town, however, our memory of how very special they were is certainly worth sharing.
When first meeting Ernie Racenet we could only feel disappointment for not meeting him earlier and spending much more time conversing with him. We found he, and his wife Joyce, very congenial, and friendly people, and they welcomed us into their home without any hesitation. Ernie expressed a deep love for his family, with Joyce being at the top of the list. He relayed many stories about coaching and when asked if there was any sport he had not been involved in, he paused and finally came up with tennis. He felt football was his favorite. Ernie, at nearly 96, rode in the Danville Fair Parade in Able Toll’s 1935 Ford accompanied by his wife Joyce and our eldest female, Alice Blair, then 102. On July 4th, he rode in Toby Balivet’s BMW and Alice was chauffeured in Tim Ide’s. Our elders were awarded the “Golden Cane” which both, unfortunately, are now back in our possession.
Alice Blair held the honor of our female Distinguished Elder for quite a few years. Alice had been at home and relatively involved with community activity up until her last few months. What a glorious and interesting life she lived! Her occupations, not unlike Ernie, gathered her a vast collection of friends, and acquaintances, and being a traveler (visiting all but one state) she crossed paths with many people who will remember her fondly. Both of our elders were acknowledged with cheers, waves, and memories which we will cherish, proving them to be a valuable asset to our small community.
There exists a saying that we, at the Historical Society, appreciate more and more as the years go by; “We respect our elders. There is wisdom that comes from experience, and I am not going to stop learning from wise counsel.”
