Carbondale celebrates 150th anniversary of incorporation, community leaders emphasize unity

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The city of Carbondale celebrated its 150th anniversary at the city’s civic center on Wednesday.

Carbondale Mayor Carolyn Harvey said it takes citizens working as one to create the unity that has made and will continue to make Carbondale so successful.

“Community, but with an emphasis on ‘unity’ as part of that community,” she said. “United we can do way more than we can as our individuals in our individual silos, so we want people to come together and do what’s best for the city of Carbondale.”

A significant player in that unity is Southern Illinois University, and chancellor Austin Lane said the relationship between the university and the city is a strong one that allows both to flourish.

“The connection that SIU-Carbondale has with the city is historic. We’re just excited to be a part of a day like today,” he said. “Going forward, we want to do another 150 years and be hand-in-hand with the city and continue to do great things to help all the citizens that are here.” 

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director William Lo has lived in the city for 30 years. He said the energy in the community is great and there are exciting things to come.

“We have the best collection of small businesses, restaurants, and there’s no community like Carbondale,” he said.