How Small City Department Played Host to Needy
Geneva, NY Men Conducted Cafeteria For Unfortunates Who Could Not Pay For Food – City to Entertain State Convention
By E.J. Shreck, Geneva, NY
During the worst period of the depression, commencing in the early winter of 1932 Geneva, NY fireman opened a cafeteria where the general public, including the itinerant and wayfarer, could obtain good food without cost, provided they were unable to pay for it. This work continued in operation until April of last year. the place closed its doors after serving Easter Sunday dinner, the sum total of meals served reaching nearly 50,000. It was only closed when there was no further necessity for such a charity.
Rather unique was the firermen’s cafeteria. Fitted not unlike any lunch room or restaurant, it occupied equipment quarters of the old Kanadasaga Steamer Company in Fire headquarters. It had no cash register and was operated on regular hours, breakfast, dinner, and supper periods.
Privacy was given those unfortunates who ate there, for the curious and the person financially able to purchase food were not admitted. Those who ate there were asked to move on immediately after being served.