Hello everyone-
After reading through the threads. It took me back to the time that I was there. I arrived to Geneva in 1973-1977 (16 years old). The picture of the facility really hit home, but there were caring employees that impacted my life. I remember Mrs. Banks, Lucy Flowers, Carol Riddle, Ava Spearman, Mr Nash (head of security), Mr Pete Lantermo. Also, there was a girl name Gloria Juarez and Henry Oaks.

I started out in the cosmetology school, but that wasn’t my cup of tea. So, I decided to work in the laundry for Mrs Flowers. It was okay, but I wanted more so I learned the art of key punching. After receiving my certification, I was permitted to work off the installation. I worked for Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company in Geneva as a key punch operator. I am blessed my life was interrupted because it had spiraled out of control on the streets of Chicago. By the grace of God, I was given a second chance and after leaving Geneva I got my act together. It means a great deal to reminisce with people that shared the same experience. Thanks for sharing the memory.

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.

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.