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During the 73 years he has operated Johnston’s Sports Shop in downtown Champaign, Seely Johnston has sold speed skater Bonnie Blair her first pair of ice skates, given film critic Roger Ebert his first job and outfitted hundreds of skaters with gear. “If you go into a restaurant with Seely, everyone knows him. He’s a combination local historian, businessman and civic leader,” said Prairie Fire host Alison Davis.
Johnston, who is approaching his 96th birthday, was a close friend of U of I football legend Red Grange. “He’s one of the few people still alive who saw Red Grange play at Memorial Stadium,” said Davis. Johnston still goes to work every day, and reads the newspaper faithfully to keep up with current events. Ebert, who is interviewed in the Prairie Fire segment, says Johnston’s secret of longevity is that he looks forward to every day of life.
Segment duration: 09:12
Producer: Alison Davis Wood
This segment is filed in these categories: Business • Family history • Illinois Culture/History • Sports • Champaign • Champaign County
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