John Croessman Square was dedicated in downtown Du Quoin on Thursday evening, in a simple ceremony that paid homage to a man and career, and introduced a new public space.
The plaza, transformed in a few short weeks from an empty lot -- vacant since the historic Higgins Jewelry building was torn down several years ago -- to an intimate gathering place, is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence with lights crisscrossing overhead.
Mayor Guy Alongi said the square -- completed by local workers and craftsmen and women -- will be used by generations of Du Quoin residents going forward, for wedding and prom photos, summer parties, concerts and more.
And by the large "C" on the gate, and the plaque next to the entrance, everyone will know for whom it is named.
Croessman, recovering from a series of strokes that interrupted his 43-year career as reporter and editor for the Du Quoin Evening Call, was not at the dedication.
He was well represented by more than a hundred friends and colleagues and by lots of family, including Barb Croessman, John's wife and author of the "Harking Back" column in the Call, and Allen Croessmann, John's older brother, who flew in from New Jersey.
Croessmann, who insists with a smile that the double "nn" he uses is the genealogically correct version of their surname, in the 1960s preceded John as editor of the Du Quoin High School newspaper, the Magnavox. But John was the true journalist, he said.
"He has been such a strong advocate of this community," Croessmann said. "Sometimes he had to write about tough things -- he was always a straight shooter and he felt the city deserved the unvarnished truth.
"But he has been such a big supporter of local causes. He is in his element when he can promote the virtues of his hometown -- the down to earth heroes of this city.
"John," added his brother, "is my hero."
The square, said Alongi, will be available free to people who want to use it, whether to host an event -- like the city's second Farm to Table dinner coming on July 12 -- or just sit and chat. Seven or eight concrete pillars standing 5½ feet high will be installed with LED lighting inside. Benches will be added and money will be raised for a fountain in the northeast corner, he added.
Alongi estimates loosely the fountain will cost about $5,000. The first $2,000 was donated Thursday night by Allen Croessmann.
The Rev. Gary Darnell, of Spirit of Life Church, opened the dedication with a simple prayer, thanking God "for John Croessman and what he means to this community."
State Rep. Terri Bryant, of Murphysboro, read House Resolution 1123, which she introduced on the House floor in Springfield, a touching piece honoring Croessman and his dedication to local news.
Pat Ferrari, a longtime friend and colleague, read the official resolution dedicating John Croessman Square, and noted that "John and I go back 50 years."
She joined the Du Quoin High School teaching staff and was sponsor of the Magnavox the year Croessman took over as editor. They have remained close ever since.
"I have a great deal of love and respect for John," she said.
The Rev. Dan McKinnies, of the First United Pentecostal Church, offered the closing prayer. He marveled at the inviting community space that Du Quoin has created out of an empty lot.
"Can you imagine the memories that will be made here?" he said, predicting that Du Quoin residents of all ages will come to use and appreciate the square.
"There will be a lot of good done here."
