Comments for Cherie Livett Bombell

Comment on Inmate’s Room by Carole47

Carole47 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:42:21 +0000

Yes, I went into labor in Sept 1960 in the dispensary & was taken – by auto – to the (then) Illinois Research Hospital on the near west side of Chicago, later known as Presbyterian St Lukes. Remember, this was before the expressway system, so the automobile ride took Roosevelt Road (US 38) all the way in: I remember every bump & pothole. What a horror! After I gave birth – later that day – I was kept overnight & taken back to the dispensary in Geneva, where I stayed until my release from the School in October 1960. I gave the baby up for adoption.

I do not know of any instances where any births took place at the Illinois State Training School for Girls during my 6-month stay there in 1960. I can imagine where an emergency could occur – premature births, accidents, spontaneous abortions, etc. where that might have become necessary, but it did not during that time nor did I meet anyone who recalled anything of that nature.

I can imagine that before a comprehensive road system (circa mid-50′s) where that would have been necessary due to a lack of area hospitals at the time.

Comment on Aerial Shot Geneva Girls School 1974 by Brenda

Brenda — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:46:22 +0000

Nancy, I’d written so much about the greenhouse in my old journals, but no one seemed to remember the place being there. I worked there too and loved watching all the plants flourish especially the roses.
Nancy if you see this will you ask Cherie for my email address, I remember you, maybe we can email?

Comment on Aerial Shot Geneva Girls School 1974 by Cherie Bombell

Cherie Bombell — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:59:41 +0000

Nancy, you were there a long time! Part of that time, I worked there – on Geneva and Oak Cottages. It sounds like you have a lot that needs to be said. I’d like you to write your story if feel safe to do it. Let me know and I’ll send you an email address to send it to. I’ll then put it under True Stories on the site so others can read your experiences. I hope you are whole and well, Nancy.

Comment on Aerial Shot Geneva Girls School 1974 by nancy

nancy — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:01:13 +0000

i was held there in 1968 till 1972 that place was hell iam living proof have so many mermories worked in the greenhouse sstayed at beverly cottage remember the guards and some of the girls always fighting to protect myself from the bad stuff going down in that place i lived in the bluestone room alot could not take the crap that was going on i so long to wish to say something about this place it was worse then hell……. i learn more bad in there then good. thanks geneva iam a much better person know.

Comment on Yvonne: Born @ Geneva State Training School 1963 by Mya

Mya — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:48:24 +0000

You are so full of shit Melissa! I know for a friggen fact I did nothing wrong when I landed in Geneva… I was sent there shortly after my parents died and stayed there until I was 16… You must be getting senile in your old age to not remember the hole and to call the place not bad…

Comment on True Stories by Cherie Bombell

Cherie Bombell — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:37:59 +0000

Reading what you went through is horrible, Johanna. Like so many others that ended up in Geneva, your story is more than any child should experience. It seems you’ve turned all that happened to you into helping others through nursing. Glad to hear you’re okay now. I can’t help wondering about your twins and if you know what happened to them. If you feel comfortable about it and want to write more of your experiences, we’d like to hear about them. Please keep in touch.

Comment on True Stories by Cherie Bombell

Cherie Bombell — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:29:36 +0000

What do you remember, Deanna? At least one woman that has written her story was there about the same time – you may have known each other. We’d like to hear more about your experiences if you’d like to share with us, Deanna.

Comment on Inmate’s Room by Cherie Bombell

Cherie Bombell — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:23:45 +0000

So great to hear from a male’s point of view – especially your recollections as a 15 year old. Please tell us more about your experiences and what you are doing now, Rudy.

Comment on Inmate’s Room by Rudy

Rudy — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:02:47 +0000

i was an inmate at st. charles in the early 60′s. i remember when i was assigned to roosevelt cottage (solitary confinement) i used to watch the bus bringing the girls in to use the swimming pool and gymnasium on friday evening and i would wave at them thruogh the bars on the windows and they would wave back. man , that was so cool. it was the most excitement i ever had as a 15 year old while i was encarcerated.

Comment on True Stories by deanna

deanna — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:38:30 +0000

I was there in 64 and 65