C-U: 100 years from 15,000 residents
to the 21st century
By MICHAEL HOWIE
News-Gazette City Editor

   It was a heck of a hundred years. The next hundred should be nothing short of amazing.
   Champaign and Urbana started the 20th century with fewer than 15,000 residents. Danville was bigger than both cities combined until the 1940 census.
   Tens of thousands of people have moved through the twin cities, drawn largely by the magnet of the University of Illinois. Some have made their mark and moved on; others put down roots.   It's a cycle that shows no sign of abating.
   As a new century dawns, The News-Gazette and some folks from the community take a look at the hundred years behind us and peek ahead to the next hundred. From former Champaign Mayor Dan McCollum to National Center for Supercomputing Applications Director Larry Smarr, they reflect on how we got here and what might be ahead.
   Enjoy.