CHARLESTON – “Souprize!” is an annual soup dinner that raises micro-grants for arts and community initiatives in Coles County.
Organized by Tarble Arts Center and Coles County Arts Council, this year’s event will take place from 4pm to 6pm on Saturday, May 18, in Tarble.
Attendees pay $10 (cash only) at the door for a bowl of soup and a ballot to vote on five-minute suggestions given by those seeking funds for initiatives that support art, creativity and community. The votes are tallied and one winner takes the proceeds to fund their creative idea.
If you have a project idea, send a one-page PDF proposal of no more than 250 words to [email protected] with the subject PROPOSAL by May 1.
Your project must have an outcome or presence in Coles County after one year, although you do not need to reside in Coles County to submit a project. If you have any questions about the project proposal, please email them to the same address with the subject line QUESTION.
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Do you recognize these photos from Charleston’s past?
Lack of water supply
1940: Raised from a pool in the Embarrass River east of the city, this 6-inch flow from an emergency pump brought from St. Louis was depended on by Charleston to replenish the dwindling reserve in the city reservoir.
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Cinema
1983: At the Will Rogers Theater, moviegoers line up early at these prices. The theater reopened after a few months.
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High school
1928: New Charleston High School on January 13, 1928.
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Haunted Mansion
1991: An old oval photo shows the Charleston mansion long ago.
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Food pantry
1990: Volunteer Edith Roberts, Chair Mike Strader and volunteer Shirley Ensler are busy at the Charleston Food Pantry.
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Repairs in the center
1984: Rick Childers (left), Bruce Deitz and Mark Witt plant a tree in downtown Charleston as part of a streetscape renewal.
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Country Club
1952: A large brown-shingled clubhouse is the center of most activities at the Charleston Country Club. The club is located three miles west of Charleston on Route 16 and is open year-round.
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Community Memorial Hospital
1957: An open house is held at this new Charleston Memorial Hospital. Patients must be transferred from Montgomery Hospital. The new structure, which can accommodate a maximum of 54 patients per bed, was built at a cost of about $750,000 and was funded by donations from the public. The fund campaign was launched with a donation of $50,000. The site was also turned over to the Chamber of Commerce, which was a leader in the community’s efforts to obtain a new hospital.
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Coles County Daily Times
1966: Coles County Daily Times near Charleston Square.
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Ashmore Estate Psychiatric Hospital
1961: The grand opening of Ashmore Estates Mental Hospital draws more than 3,300 people. Tours were given of the facility, which borders Illinois 16 between Charleston and Ashmore. The hospital is designed to accommodate 25 patients. It is expected to eventually have a staff of 30 to 35 people.
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