CHARLESTON — “Souprize!” is an annual soup dinner that crowdfunds microgrants for arts and community initiatives in Coles County.
Organized by the Tarble Arts Center and Coles County Arts Council, this year’s event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Tarble.
Attendees pay $10 (cash only) at the door for a bowl of soup and a ballot to vote on five-minute proposals given by those seeking funds for initiatives that support art, creativity, and community. Votes are tallied and one winner takes the proceeds to fund their creative idea.
If you have an idea for a project, submit a one-page PDF proposal no longer than 250 words to colescountysouprize@gmail.com with the subject line PROPOSAL by May 1.
Your project must have an outcome or presence in Coles County in one year’s time, though you do not have to reside in Coles County to pitch a project. If you have questions about proposing a project, email them to the same address with the subject line QUESTION.
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Recognize these photos of Charleston’s past?
Water Supply Shortage
1940: Lifted from a pool in the Embarras River east of town, this six-inch stream from an emergency pump brought from St. Louis was being depended upon by Charleston to replenish the dwindling reserve in the city’s intake reservoir.
Movie theater
1983: The Will Rogers theater has movie-goers line up early at these prices. The theater reopened after several months.
High School
1928: new Charleston High School on Jan. 13, 1928.
Haunted mansion
1991: An old oval photo shows the Charleston mansion long ago.
Food Pantry
1990: Volunteer Edith Roberts, chairman Mike Strader and volunteer Shirley Ensler have lots to do at the Charleston Food Pantry.
Downtown Renovations
1984: Rick Childers (left), Bruce Deitz and Mark Witt plant a tree in downtown Charleston as part of streetscape renovations.
Country Club
1952: A large brown shingled clubhouse is the center of most activity at the Charleston Country club. The club is located three miles west of Charleston on route 16 and is open the year round.
Community Memorial Hospital
1957: Open house is being held in this new Charleston Community Memorial Hospital. Patients are to move in from Montgomery Hospital. The new structure, which can hold a maximum 54 bed patients, was built at a cost of about $750,000 and was financed by gifts from the public. The fund campaign was started off by a $50,000 donation. The site was also turned over to the Chamber of Commerce which has been a leader in community efforts to obtain a new hospital.
Coles County Daily Times
1966: Coles County Daily Times near the square in Charleston.
Ashmore Estate Psychiatric Hospital
1961: Ashmore Estates Psychiatric Hospital grand opening attracted more than 3,300 persons. Tours were conducted at the facility which adjoins Illinois 16 between Charleston and Ashmore. The hospital is set up to accommodate 25 patients. Eventually it is expected to have a staff of 30 to 35 persons.
