This 1950s photo, taken from the corner of the Post Office, shows Castle Street with numerous businesses.
As seen on the wall paintings, the Temple was built for both “Vodvil” (vaudeville) live performances and “Photoplays” (movies); it was torn down in the 1970s.
This was Linden Street looking north after the YMCA had moved to its William Street location around 1972.
In 1961 the City Council approved the construction of a model fallout shelter so Genevans could see it and be encouraged to build their own; it remained in the City Hall parking lot until October 1962.
Before the arterial was built in the early 1950s, Lake Road, or Routes 5 & 20 east of Geneva, was a busy commercial road. In the right hand background you can see the fuel tanks at Fink’s gas station and the famous willow trees along the lake.
Castle Street looking west, before Miller Fountain was moved down to the end of East Castle Street after the 5 & 20 arterial was completed.
The Appleknockers on parade at the corner of Seneca and Linden Streets, 1958.
Mrs. Gelder lived on Routes 5 & 20 west of Geneva, near the Seneca Castle Road. She was a well-known baker and was famous for her Christmas fruitcakes. (If you’ve only had the storebought, dry cakes with waxy fruit, you need to try a homemade fruitcake.) For many years, she sent one to the White House, and shipped them to New York City for sale.
In 1981, the Geneva Kiwanis Club decided to make the world’s largest freestanding Christmas wreath. It was 56 feet tall, with Christmas lights, and lashed to (over the top and down the other side) the old New York State and Electric Gas building near South Exchange Street.
Kirkwood Hotel and the west side of Exchange Street, looking south from Castle Street, 1965
