Geneva East and West sides
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8/21/2013
The social rift really does exist in Geneva and it’s been around for over 100 years. When I first moved here 25 years ago I was told by a local politician the east and west side social rift started in the early 1900’s when the native west side Protestant farmers didn’t care for the new Catholic settlers moving into the east side of town. Around the turn of the century Geneva was booming with industry and several poor Catholic immigrants came to the area looking for work. Well, now the year is 2013 and you would think we have put this type of prejudicial behavior behind us. I have had the pleasure to live on both sides of this town and I can assure you this stereotype still exists between the two sides. It is believed among the locals the east side is where the low to middle income blue collar people live and the west side is where the white collar upper income live. Living on both sides of this town I can assure you this is not true but unfortunately this stereo type has gotten so bad over recent years that when I tell someone from another town I live in Geneva they ask me what side of town I live on. As with all prejudice people this behavior comes from a small minority of people acting badly who believe social prejudice is acceptable behavior. Both sides of town have a lot to offer; on the east side the people tend to be grounded to their home but enjoy walking, jogging, and biking around town and are usually very good neighbors. On the west side the people like to be seen around town eating out or shopping around town. In comparison, the eastsiders are more neighborly. The west side of town is known for Third Street, shopping, restaurants, the train station, heavy traffic, and showy people. The east side of town is known for the bike path, forest preserve, Cougars baseball, and friendly people. Geneva is know for having great festivals year round and it is a great place to raise children. However, when they hit their teenage years there is not a lot of things for teenagers to do in this town. Another negative is both sides of town are known for being over taxed! I hope you enjoy whatever side you visit or live.
Joe | Geneva, IL