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A Resident's Guide to Sainte Marie
Past Pictures| Present Pictures
Ste. Marie is a small village (population 300) in Southeastern Illinois that has maintained its vibrancy and quaintness despite decades of seeing its offspring leave town for better jobs and more opportunities in more urban environments. Nearly 175 years old, the village has maintained strong ties to the Catholic Church whose massive bulk still dominates the center of town, even though St. Mary’s no longer has a resident pastor and is served only part time by the St. Thomas pastor in nearby Newton.
From its founding in 1837 by French emigrants who sought to establish a new social order that would provide them the freedom to worship as they pleased and also thrive in the richness of the Midwestern prairie, Ste. Marie has met challenges with ingenuity and resourcefulness. Today is no different. Those French and German ancestors would be proud to see that Ste. Marie still is fighting the norm, still working to attract businesses and new residents to a town that by all rights should be in steep decline, like many rural towns across America. This Foundation is one part of that fight to keep current, to maintain a base of support upon which the town can call for help.
The Village has a public swimming pool that is open during the summer months. There are also tennis courts, a ball field that is widely used in the summertime, children’s playground, and a park where you can picnic under a pavilion (there are two). To reserve the pavilions or the ball field, call 618-455-3575.
Dining
The Hideout is a popular dining spot. People come from miles around for their daily specials, especially their Friday Night Fish Fry. And don’t miss having their “onyums”, a delectable appetizer that features the Hideout’s own secret coating on shredded onions. For hours and reservations, call 618-455-3379.
If you’re in a hurry, pick up a pizza or a hot dog at The Gas Station, where you can also get refreshing drinks. Their mini-market is a popular place for early morning coffee. 
Businesses (Click here to view a Business Photo Gallery)
