The books are back!
Jacksonville Main Street has been thrilled with the response to the first run of “Downtown Jacksonville Then & Now” books. After the initial supply sold out within less than one month of initial release, the local nonprofit organization ordered a second run, which was again produced locally by Bound to Stay Bound’s Bookkrafters division.
This $30 publication is an 88-page, hard-cover pictorial review of downtown Jacksonville in a way never before presented. Jacksonville Main Street’s Design Committee volunteers donated many hours of research, photo documentation and editing to complete this amazing visual history of downtown evolution. With photos dating as far back as the 1870s adjacent to new full color photos, viewers can easily compare the modifications depicted in hundreds of pictorial reminders of stores, structures and styles through the ages.
“Downtown Jacksonville Then & Now” provides a complete illustrative story of downtown before, during and after urban renewal as the historic central business district has transformed into the place that we all know and love today. This fascinating glimpse of downtown Jacksonville’s development is an excellent historical resource for the community or a great gift for past and present residents … just in time for Easter, Mother’s Day, graduation and Father’s Day!
As of March 2, the “Downtown Jacksonville Then & Now” book is again available for purchase online on the Jacksonville Main Street website and in-person at their office. It is also available for purchase at Market House Antiques, Our Town Books, Gillham House, Crimson Cup & Spirit Stop, The Farmers State Bank and Trust Company (downtown facility), and the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
MCS Community Services offering scholarships:
MCS Community Services is offering scholarships of $2,000 to income eligible students of Morgan, Cass and Scott counties who are already attending or are planning to attend an accredited Illinois university, college, technical school or vocational school. The scholarships are provided by Community Services Block Grant, a program funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Eligibility will be based upon the following:
• Must be a high school graduate or GED recipient planning enrollment, or continuing enrollment, in an Illinois post-secondary educational/vocational program;
• Must be a resident of Morgan, Cass or Scott county; and
• Must be economically disadvantaged, according to CSBG income guidelines.
The entry deadline for this year’s program is May 28, 2023. Further information and applications may be obtained by contacting MCS Community Services, 345 West State St., Jacksonville, IL 62650. Telephone is 217-243-9404.
MCS Community Services is a social service agency sponsored by the County Boards of Morgan, Cass and Scott counties.
