Books: by Title: Geneva 1940-1970

During World War II and the construction of the Routes 5 and 20 bypass in the 1950s. Many factories ceased operLike many American towns, Geneva changed dramatically in the mid-20th century. Geneva: 1940-1970 examines events that influenced the city, among them the influx of sailors and workers at the nearby Sampson Naval Training Station dation during this time, and downtown businesses began feeling pressure from a new shopping plaza and stores on the edge of town.

The book also captures the social life of the community and notable people who visited Geneva, such as Bobby Kennedy and Jane Russell, and those who grew up here, such as legendary jazz bassist Scott LaFaro.

From the introduction to Geneva 1940-1970:
Geneva felt the coming of World War II with a mixture of fear and excitement. No one relished the thought of going to war or having a loved one in combat. However, the government's decision to place an ordnance depot and a naval training station near Geneva meant economic opportunity that had not been seen in years. There were jobs for locals and newcomers alike. One carpenter from Binghamton, New York, who worked on the construction of both facilities told his brother: "You've got to come over here -- they're paying a dollar a day!"

The Geneva Historical Society has been preserving local history since 1883 and has collected some 15,000 photographs, including 11,000 left by prolific photojournalist P. B. Oakley. Geneva: 1940-1970 showcases more than 200 Oakley images that were specially selected by the historical society's curator of collections John Marks and its former executive director Charles Bauder.

----> (During the 1940's, Geneva became a boomtown. This scene is in one of Geneva's "nightclubs," where Geneva young people gathered for refreshment and to dance with U.S. Navy men. By 1944, additional bars and nightclubs sprang up to satisfy the demand for eating and entertainment to the enlarged population. Three movie theaters were operating around the clock, and the diners were feeding as many as 2,400 people a day.)

ISBN: 978-0-7385-5512-6
$21.99

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