Meeting Mr. Danville
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
My wife and I are huge fans of local historian, musician, raconteur, and teacher Van Wagner. As a musician, his melodies are charming and inviting, while his lyrics range from quirky to deeply thought provoking. Un-mistakenly, Van shares his passion for telling the stories that run deep in the coal fields, forests, iron mines, and pastures of the Greater Susquehanna Valley.
One of Van’s folk songs is all about Larry Gipple, also known as, Mr. Danville. Wagner suggests, “If you’re feeling down just think of Larry. His spirit is the spirit of Danville.”
Listen here.
Last week, at the final Thirsty Thursday for this season, I met Mr. Danville himself, Mr. Larry Gipple. He is all that Van sings about and so much more. I’m still smiling thinking about meeting Larry and the wonderful welcome that he offers to anyone visiting Danville.
Clearly, Danville is home to more than one billion-dollar, life affirming institution: Geisinger is one—Larry is the other. Hope you enjoy our photo together…
