The Past of C.O. Daniels
Start writing a post
The Past of C.O. Daniels
Photobucket

Ever walked down Daniel Street past the dark, always vacant building called C.O. Daniels? This former Champaign bar stood for “Cochran on Daniels,” and it closed due to too many drinking violations, and honestly, just lots of violations in general. 

An anonymous alumna of University of Illinois, said the bar was nothing but a good time when it was open. He said that the drinks were dirt cheap, and most of the time, completely free. He recalls the bar being the place to go when you were a freshman, because carding rules just didn’t apply.

“I got in there whenever I wanted as a freshman. My friends and I would go in packs of 20 and use one I.D. and just pass it back. One time, a guy in our frat at the door gave up and didn’t even ask for an ID. This is why the bar came under fire. They ticketed like 50, not exaggerating, kids under 19 one night and the city of Champaign was like, okay, you just can’t do that,” the alumna said.

It is speculated that Cochrane, who is also the known owner of The Red Lion and Cly’s, did not really fight hard to keep it open because the bar wasn’t really profitable. “Everyone knew a bartender, everything was free,” said the alumna.

Similar to Wine Night, Country Night, Monday Night Joes and Senior Night, C.O. Daniels was known for having “Bomb Night” where they served cheap surgery drinks with lots of alcohol. This was a popular night among athletes because they could get in for free, and a lot of people went because they enjoyed mingling with the athletes.

A former bartender for Firehaus described C.O. Daniels as a fun, but very rowdy, place. “People literally smoked squares on the dance floor and managers would hook up with girls on their shift. Anyone got hired, it was a free-for-all,” he said.

The bar was set up similar to Kam’s, with a main bar and then another bar in the basement. There was also alleged cocaine use in the basement, the anonymous alumna said.

It truly is depressing that now a once wild, fun bar sits vacant. Students at U of I today will never know what the inside of C.O. Daniels looks like, and it doesn’t seem that C.O.’s will ever opening again. The Champaign Police Department has made it much more difficult on bars, enforcing stricter underage drinking penalties and frequently having coverts.

But, the countless memories of C.O. Daniels will never be forgotten. The alumna recounts that “it was the place in Champaign that truly had no rules, everyone loved it.”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57651
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37155
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958868
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191677
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments