• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

SC Picture Project

The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

  • FIND A LANDMARK
    • BY CITY
    • BY COUNTY
    • BY CATEGORY
    • BYGONE LANDMARKS
  • ADD IMAGES
  • VOLUNTEER
  • SPONSORS
  • DONATE

The College Inn

SC PICTURE PROJECT 2 Comments

SC Picture Project / Chesterfield County / The College Inn

The College Inn restaurant in Cheraw sits on property that once belonged to the Coulter Memorial Academy, Chesterfield County‘s first school for African-American students. The restaurant took its name from the school, which began offering junior college courses in 1933 and continued until 1947.

College Inn

David Sides of Cheraw, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Charles “Neil” Cole, a local teacher and businessman, sought to fill a void by providing a lunch counter that served black students during the time of segregation. He opened the College Inn in 1935 and employed mostly students from Coulter Academy. He served local diners, including Cheraw native Dizzy Gillespie. The restaurant is now operated by Cole’s daughter, Carolyn Cole-Green, and marks a significant place in Cheraw’s black history.

Reflections on the College Inn


Cheraw’s Director of Tourism and Community Development, David Sides, adds, “On this property and of special significance to Cheraw’s black history is the College Inn Restaurant. During the days of Coulter Academy, this establishment was the only place in town where blacks were welcomed to sit and enjoy a hamburger and a shake.”

Plan Your Trip: The College Inn

Where is The College Inn located?
Address: 324 Second Street, Cheraw, SC 29520
GPS Coordinates: 34.701208,-79.886169
What else should I see?
Coulter Memorial Academy 0.1 mile
G.W. Long Presbyterian Church 0.1 mile
Robert Smalls School 0.2 mile
Lafayette House 0.3 mile
Show me more like this!
  • Cheraw Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Restaurants
    The College Inn Map

    Please Help Us Stay Online

    We’d like thank everyone who generously supports the South Carolina Picture Project. You provide us with the inspiration and financial support we need to keep doing what we do. Every reader’s contribution, larger or small, is valuable. If you have enjoyed this website or found it helpful, please pitch in. Each donation helps – and it only takes a minute. Thank you!

    Support the SC Picture Project!

    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    You may also like

    You may also like

    Market Hall CherawCheraw Town Hall Clock Cheraw Town HallCheraw Town Hall Hartzell House CherawHartzell House Pee Dee Union Baptist ChurchPee Dee Union Baptist Church Merchants Bank BuildingMerchants’ Bank of South Carolina

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Blossom says

      November 7, 2019 at 1:13 PM

      Awesome. My mom and dad are from Cheraw! Thanks for keep our history alive!!!

      Reply
    2. Marilyn Moore says

      February 17, 2014 at 10:27 PM

      My favorite spot growing up in Cheraw! A wonderful place to meet and hang out with friends! I am sure Mr. Cole is looking down smiling and saying, “Well done, my daughter!” Thanks, Carolyn, for keeping the memories alive! God Bless You! Artee

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    FIND A LANDMARK

    Why This Site Matters

    Help Keep This Site Online

    We depend on the support of today’s readers to document South Carolina’s landmarks for future readers. Please help us continue this important work by making a donation below.

    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    Recent Posts

    • H.L. Hunley
    • Strand Theater
    • Camden Depot
    • Charleston City Marina
    • Secession Hill

    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

    Footer

    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

    CONTACT US

    We’d love to hear from you! Send us a quick email at share@scpictureproject.org.

    If you are looking for permission to use a photo, please reach out directly to the photographer listed in the image’s credit.

    JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

    The South Carolina Picture Project has two Facebook groups. One is dedicated to SC Historic Landmarks and Iconic Landscapes, and the other is dedicated to SC Nature and Wildlife.

    South Carolina Picture Project © 2022 · All Rights Reserved