Your Chat

September 2, 2011 Cherie Bombell 34 comments

There’s a lot of wonderful ‘chatting’ going on between readers – sharing memories, comparing notes, ‘do you remember’ and a great deal of support. Undoubtedly, Geneva is your common experience and past. So the thread of the conversation isn’t lost amongst all the posts, if you choose, you can use this page to keep your chats flowing and your messages in one spot.

Of course, if anyone would like their own page to tell their story, please let me know and I’d be glad to create one for you.

Happy chatting!

#1 | Written by Brenda on August 1, 2016. Reply

Just last night I had a dream of “Geneva” actually it was more about the Fox river and a white dog I was trying to save but I’d ran from the cottages to the river. This place still haunts me!
#2 | Written by Linda Tart on August 15, 2015. Reply

I was in Geneva, in 1961. I can honestly say, it was like heaven to me. I got 3 meals EVERYDAY, clean clothes, and education. I was the youngest girl in high school, (13) AND I was on the honor roll. They worked you, yes they did. You had the scrub the floors on your hands and knees, wash the walls and windows. It was hospital clean. I was on Willow Hall and my house mother names was Ms. Miller and Ms. Breckenridge. I loved them both and I wish they had kept me until I was 18, because my home life was TERRIBLE. I did not know they allowed boys in the later years, but I do remember the authorities talking about making some changes in Geneva, in the early 70’s. I have often wondered what happened to the beautiful campus and I am sadden to know that it was torn down.
I have good memories of Geneva and notwithstanding, it was a controlled environment, it was what I needed.
#3 | Written by Teann on December 30, 2014. Reply

Well does this site bring back memories. I was there 1971 -1973. On and off, I believe 3 or 4 times. I was on Hope cottage my first visit.Was only 12 years old. Did nothing bad but run away from home. Everyone thought we were the perfect family but not so. No one believed my father abused me. Physically not sexually. So after they could not make me stay there they sent me to good old Geneva. Learnt a lot. Not all good things, but I learnt how to survive. Little red headed white girl, but so young I was taken under some older girls wings. Made it much nicer to get by. I remember working in the dental office with I believes her name was Margerat. She was fabulous. Love her!! Wish I could remember all the girls name. Miss them dearly
- #4 | Written by Cherie Bombell on December 30, 2014. Reply
  
  You were so young! Brenda, who has written a lot on this site, was also young when she arrived – only 11. You were there when I worked there but I would have been on Oak (upstairs) or Wallace by that time. I think the counselor on Hope was Miss English. Do you remember her? You said you were on Hope your first visit. Did you get sent back many times? Sadly, back then there was no where for abused children to get help. I hope you’ve had a good life and are doing well.
  - #5 | Written by Teann on December 30, 2014. Reply
    
    Yes I remember Miss English, I did like her. My main problem was with a couple of guards. They would pick me up in the evening to go too the dispensary for night meds. They would take the long ride back (around the whole campus) so one could have sex with me. As time went on they tried to make me feel better by bringing me some pot and hash. At least that made the other girls happy. We were happy to think we got away with something, plus we were happy to get high. It was one white guard and one black. I remember the white ones name initial are D.P. long blonde hair.Oh well last time there I was 16 , went home to my moms in Bloomington. The best part after about 2 weeks at home guess who calls and says there in my town and want to see me . The 2 guards they want to party took me to a bar and motel. Maybe I was still in the mode where you do as your told. They called again a couple of months later , I told him I was pregnant. Never seen them again. I was prenant but not by him. Had my baby boy, kept him for 2 years and then gave him up for adoption. That was the hardest day of my life Geneva had nothing on this like this day. Finally in 1980 I met my husband. Have a wonderful man. When my son turned 18 we got reconnected and now I have 3 beautiful grandkids all boys. 14 yrs , 8yrs, and 3yrs. I am a strong women who survived this stupid crap as a child. I use to think this was all my fault but then again I think I was only a child.
- #6 | Written by Debra on March 24, 2019. Reply
  
  Kim this is Debbie Miller,you used to call me from school to hang in the dentist office with you every day.I have black hair.Do you remember?Contact me,would love to hear from you.
#7 | Written by sharen chemello on February 11, 2014. Reply

i was there 3 times, 63-64, 66-68…had my first son there, came in preg!! please call me i am looking for my son..
- #8 | Written by Mark C on March 22, 2014. Reply
  
  Sharon, I’m your cousin Lila’s son. I can help you with this, maybe. I left you a message on your FB page – you can contact me through this.
  - #9 | Written by sharen chemello on March 23, 2014. Reply
    
    HI MARK, thanks for contacting me! I didn’t see msg on fb! .. my #is 815 742 7838 thanks again!
#10 | Written by Mac English on September 12, 2013. Reply

My name is Mac English. My mother Barbara McNamara was incarcerated in the Illinois State Training school for girls Geneva, IL in 1968. I was born at the time of my mothers incarceration at St Joseph Mercy Hospital Aurora, IL in February of 1968. John A. O’ Dwyer was the person who certified my birth at the time as I believe he was the M.D. at the girls school then.

My mother is deceased now. She passed in 1992 at the age of 42. What I am after now is if anyone who can help lead me in a direction to somehow go about getting any and all records from that facility that could possibly lead me to who my father may have been. My father may have come to visit my mother while she was there. My mother took that to the grave with her but only giving me the name of my father who I have not been able to verify.

I just recently sent a letter to IL DOC under the F.O.I.A. requesting any and all records from that facility. I am still waiting for those results. Again any help would be appreciated. I am 45 years old now and time is running out. I need some closure in my life about who my father may have been.

Thank You

Mac English
- #11 | Written by Cherie Bombell on September 25, 2013. Reply
  
  Hi Mac. I was hoping you’d get some answers here from someone that might have been there at the same time as your Mom. Have you received a response to your FOIA request? I have heard that the records were not well preserved and some were lost after being stored in a barn and the barn was damaged (I think by a fire). I’ve also heard there are records stored at St Charles Boys School.
  
  Dr O’Dwyer was still alive last year. He spoke at the Geneva Historical Society in July 2012 when they had an event about the institution.
  
  I hope you find out who your dad is. Please let me know if you are able to access to records and especially if you find your dad. Best wishes in your search, Mac. You deserve to find answers.
#12 | Written by Gypsy on June 8, 2013. Reply

My name is Carol, but my campus nickname was Gypsy. I was in Geneva from 1964-67. I’ve read all the chats and blogs and stories left on the website here, such a contrast in the different years between some of us that were there. No commissary or physical punishment in the fifty’s? Boys were there in the 70’s? wow…sure wasn’t like that in the 60’s. Maybe the change of employees is what changed all the rules during that time. Does anyone remember a short older man who worked there, perhaps he was either a teacher or a counselor who had a bent back and one leg was considerably shorter than the other-last name was either Bushay or Dushay? I spent a lot of time on the Unit and was on Maple, Oak and Willard Cottages. Hope to hear from some of you.
- #13 | Written by Cherie Bombell on September 25, 2013. Reply
  
  Carol, did you by any chance know Mac’s mother, Barbara McNamara when you were there? She may have stayed at the infirmery since she was pregnant but, if you were there at the end of 1967, maybe you remember her.
  
  You’re right about the place changing with boys there. It was a whole new world!
- #14 | Written by theresa on June 3, 2014. Reply
  
  hello, Carol my name is Theresa. iwas there in 1965 to 1966. the person you are asking about, was a therapist. I remember those cards with ink blots. I was on hope cottage.
- #15 | Written by mary jefcik on September 6, 2015. Reply
  
  I to was at the Geneva home for girls. I was there some time around 1967 to1969. I remember being on the honor cottage. I also gave birth to a baby boy that died at st josephs hospital in aurora.Cant say I remember names of staff there except Father Kaiser who was the catholic priest there. I left in june of 1969 after the birth and death of my son who died while I was still at the school.It was a hard time for me,and father Kaiser did not have my son buried there but in a catholic cemetery where he was pastor. It was hard being locked up for running away from home. I grew up in a home where my adopted parent were phycially and mentaly abusive.Who would not run away from home. and then you are locked up. I am now 64yrs old, but the past still haunts me to this day. I will never forget my life at home or at Geneva. I want to know how kids got to be treated like this.
#16 | Written by Brenda on October 7, 2012. Reply

Cherie, thank you for the wonderful time we shared in Geneva!
- #17 | Written by Cherie Bombell on January 13, 2013. Reply
  
  Thank you for taking time to meet me, Brenda. It was amazing to visit the cemetery with you and to hear your memories of the place. So different than mine from the other side of the fence. We have a bond now and will always stay friends. I hope your oak tree grows strong and healthy. xx
  - #18 | Written by Brenda on February 19, 2013. Reply
    
    Was thinking of you, hoping you and your family are enjoying lots of sunshine and good health. 🙂
#19 | Written by Brenda on November 12, 2011. Reply

Hi Cherie, thought I’d stop by and see how your doing, anything new? Nothing new here looking forward to the holidays with family and some time off of work. I’ve been trying out new recipes with coconut flour, amazing taste and results once you master it.
Drop us a line and let us know how your doing.

Cheers,
Brenda
- #20 | Written by Cherie Bombell on November 20, 2011. Reply
  
  I wish we had Thanksgiving holidays here. It was my favorite family holiday. I also loved the smell of the earth changing, the leaves turning and the crispness in the air. We’re going into summer now so it’s not quite the same! Hope you have a lovely family holiday, Brenda. x
#21 | Written by Brenda on October 14, 2011. Reply

Inside the faded cover of a old notebook filled with yellowed pages I found a poem I had wrote while in Geneva, it’s dated October 12, 1969.

Don’t show your weakness, you are the prey.
All eyes are on you, while you stay.

No where to run, no where to hide.
They hurt you when you cry.

You are alone in a cage.
Cornered by their evil rage.

They see your small and want a bite.
It’s not right, it’s just for spite.

You feel their beaks at your neck.
Sharp pain with every peck.

You perch up proudly and fluff your feathers.
They fly away with their chains and leathers.

I thought I would share,
- #22 | Written by Cherie Bombell on October 30, 2011. Reply
  
  Brenda, your poem is full of so much fear and pain. How old were you then? Your talent as a writer must have helped you endure the torture of terror and solitude. I’m so very proud of where you’ve come in life. Your story of writing your feelings is a wonderful example for others going through torment. Thank you for sharing these deep and private thoughts, Brenda.
#23 | Written by Brenda on September 18, 2011. Reply

Does anyone remember the greenhouse?
- #24 | Written by Cherie Bombell on September 24, 2011. Reply
  
  I don’t remember it, Brenda. Where was it? What was grown there?
  - #25 | Written by Brenda on September 24, 2011. Reply
    
    I don’t remember where it was located, it was fairly isolated. I remember on our birthdays we’d get a flower that was grown in the greenhouse, and I can remember being in the greenhouse a couple of times. My last time in Geneva I turned 16 and asked about the flower. I was told the greenhouse was no longer there. Just wondering
    - #26 | Written by Cherie Bombell on September 27, 2011. Reply
      
      That was kinda nice to get a flower on your birthday. Too bad they got rid of it. I thought maybe they grew vegetables for the kitchen.
- #27 | Written by YVONNE RAMBO on September 25, 2013. Reply
  
  I was in Geneva between “72” and “73”. I was there when boys were there also! I do remember the greenhouse. I got a certificate for training in horticulture. I also trained and worked as a PBX Plug board Switchboard Operator. When I arrived there I was almost 16 years old…I was on Faith cottage. Do you remember Mrs. Banks who taught in the beauty school? I have a lot of memories from there…mostly good. I was sent there from the Audy Home in Chicago…I used to run away…that’s why I was in the system…a ward of the state of Illinois! The stories we were told about Geneva while I was in the Audy Home, were so frightening. But once I was sent there, it was not at all what I heard. Probably because there were boys there with us. I remember we were allowed to smoke cigarettes…they were issued out to us at certain times of the day. I also worked in the central kitchen. I think I was there at the best time to be there. I used to stop by the little cemetery and just look at the tombstones…I had a sad and lonely feeling while spending time there (cemetery).
#28 | Written by Joan on September 8, 2011. Reply

I was in Geneva in 1973 and 1974. I am looking for someone that was on one of the boys’ cottages – his name is Tony Walker. He is white, and he was tall and thin. He would have stayed at Geneva until he was old enough to be sent to an adult prison, due to the seriousness of his crime. I would greatly appreciate any information concerning Tony; we were very close friends and his parents were exceptionally kind to me.
- #29 | Written by Cherie Bombell on September 16, 2011. Reply
  
  Joan this may be the young man I told you about in an email. An ancient memory came back to me – check names like Michael Anthony or Anthony Michael. Please let us know if you find him. If this is the guy I knew, what happened was a tragic accident after a stupid decison. He was actually a very kind and caring young man. I tried hard to get him before the parole board before I left Geneva in ’74. I acually cried in the Superintendent’s office because he wouldn’t let me write a report for the Board. Embarrassing but I was so passionate about letting this young man get on with his life. Good luck with your search.
- #30 | Written by YVONNE RAMBO on September 25, 2013. Reply
  
  I remember that name “Tony Walker”. Do you remember a “Debra Jones”? What cottage were you on Joan?
  - #31 | Written by YVONNE RAMBO on September 26, 2013. Reply
    
    Sorry…her name was Debra Saemon! And like I said…I do remember a Tony Walker also.
    - #32 | Written by Demme on November 26, 2013. Reply
      
      I remember Debra S; she was from Carpentersville, Il. I was there from 1972-1973….. Deb has the thickest hair I’d ever seen. Alicia L, Darryl G, blue-eyed Kim, Debra B, Edward D, Michael N (dcs’d), Johnny W, Lillian B, Lovenia, & so many others I remember.
      
      [editor’s note: Demme provided the last names of people she remembers but, to protect their identities, I’ve omitted all but their first name and last initial.]
      - #33 | Written by Cherie Bombell on November 26, 2013.
        
        Demme, I remember some of the people you mention, especially Ed. You were there when I worked on Wallace Cottage. What cottage were you on? I wish I had snap shots in my head to bring back all the faces and memories.
  - #34 | Written by Joan on July 17, 2014. Reply
    
    Sorry, I do not remember a Debra Saemon. I was on Hope Cottage and then Fabian Cottage. I am still trying to find any information concerning Tony Walker but have been unsuccessful so far.

Cherie Livett Bombell

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