I was born and raised in Geneva, IL. Both sides of my mother’s family settled in Geneva in the 1870’s. My Grandmother lived in one of the oldest homes in town. Today the stately, brick Greek revival built in 1848 is the home of my brother and his wife. My six siblings and I grew up a half a block from my Grandmother’s home. It was an old wood frame house built in the 1870’s. It remained the family home for over 50 years.

We were raised with an appreciation of our history in the community as well as a strong sense of giving back to community, wherever we lived. As a result, when my husband and I relocated to Massachusetts, I served on the Historic Preservation Commission in West Bridgewater. “Old Bridgewater” was purchased by none other than, Miles Standish (and others) in 1649. Needless to say there were many significant sites in the area that needed protection. I learned alot about preservation during my term.



Alas, our time in Massachusetts ended and we returned to the Fox Valley and settled in Geneva. Eager to get involved in the community, I applied for and was accepted for an opening on the Board of Directors for the Geneva Historical Society. I also became active in several issues concerning the growth and development of the Ciity of Geneva.


Seven years ago we decided we wanted to live in an older home in an established neighbohood. We found our treasure

on beautiful tree lined canopied street near downtown Batavia.


We valued the "Frank Capra" neighborhood with its wide parkways and quiet streets. The diverse housing was a welcomed amenity compared to the homogenous developments sprawling to the east and west of the river.



Recent information about the purchase and proposed tear down of the 1848 house on Elm Street is disturbing. Is Batavia going to fall victim to the tear down and pricey infill that is plagueing our neighboring communities? Will the young and moderate income families that have called Batavia home for generations be priced out of their own home town?
Will the elderly and city workers, including teachers, librarians, police and fire personnel afford to live in the community that they serve? Think about it!

In the posts to come, I will add photos of Batavia's beautiful homes and neighborhoods. If you have a favorite, let me know and I will make an effort to photograph and post it on this site. It is my hope you will be inspired to speak up and let your City Council know that this Batavia is worth preserving (and improving).

Nbell

This is the front view of the house at 403 Elm Street that is slated for demolition. The next photo Elm Street looking east from South Jefferson. The other photos are also in my South Jefferson Street neighborhood. You will recognize them as they are on Main Street.

My theory is, that the old houses on the main "through" streets are seen and appreciated by most of the community. The houses that are tucked away in the neighborhoods are not visible to the community at large. Therefore, most of the town has not seen and appreciated them. I will concentrate on these "hidden" houses in the future.

Again, please comment and pass this blog on!
Nancy


 

Beautiful Batavia

I am a resident of Batavia, Illinois
This is a new format for me and I am learning as I go. So please overlook my clumsey first attempt!

Batavia is a beautiful town that straddles the Fox River in Northern Illinois. It is chock full of 19th century buildings and homes, some lovingly restored. Yesterday, I found out one of the oldest homes in town was bought by a builder and will be torn down to make way for two larger, grander homes.

403 Elm St. Batavia

How can this happen? There are no ordinances in place to prevent the tear down epidemic that has ravaged many of our neighboring communities. These laws and ordinances are made by our neighbors who are elected by us. Our elected representatives need to hear from you. We CAN save other buildings from being destroyed.

It is my intention to use this forum for citizens of Batavia to voice their opinoin on the tear down and redevelopment happening in our town. Photos of some of Batavia's beautiful and not so beautiful homes will be posted. Education is the key to preservation and if the community really looks at these homes they hopefully will want them preserved!

I will inform City Hall of this blog and hopefully they will monitor and participate as well. I know how intimidating it is to appear before committees and and speak up at City Council meetings. Hopefully this will help those who are not comfortable, or who do not have the time to attend regular meetings at City Hall.

So spread the word and voice your opinion. Again, let's focus on tear downs and historic preservation. If the page takes off, we can always branch out to other areas.
Nancy Bell