The Danville Pedestrian Club: Then and Now

Originally founded in 1898 by Mrs. Elizabeth Fairhall, the Danville Pedestrian Club was created to promote walking as a path to better health and community connection. Inspired by her native England—where walking clubs were quite popular—Mrs. Fairhall gathered a group of like-minded women at her home on South Gilbert Street to form what would become a 50-member club devoted to exploration on foot. The group would meet regularly, often opening meetings by sharing observations from their walks around Danville.

Over time, however, the rise of carriages—and eventually the automobile—slowly shifted the group away from its original mission. Walking gave way to driving, and the club became a walking club in name only.

The story might have ended there, if not for Michael Kasper, whose love of running and local history led to the rediscovery of this long-forgotten group. In 2024, while reading The History of Vermilion County (1930) by Jack Moore Williams, Michael uncovered the story of Mrs. Fairhall’s Pedestrian Club and felt compelled to bring it back to life.

With that, The Danville Pedestrian Club was reborn in 2024.

A New Chapter Begins

The inaugural walk of the revived Pedestrian Club took place on November 14, 2024, starting at Vermilion River Beer Company (103 N. Vermilion St.). 44 people and one enthusiastic dog named Roscoe walked one mile through downtown Danville, ending at Temple Plaza for a group photo that now marks the official return of the club.

As of June 2025, the club has completed 20 walks at various locations across the city. Our members are a diverse mix of individuals from throughout Vermilion County who share a love for walking, running, skipping, talking—and simply being outdoors.

Whether you're looking to learn more about Danville’s history, enjoy a healthy activity, or meet like-minded people, The Danville Pedestrian Club welcomes you to take the next step with us.