Residents Relocation & Migration
The lure of more space in new, larger homes with attached garages, one-story living, big backyards, more greenery – was powerful. Surprisingly, most – just over 50% – of the original households in Sansone’s subdivision came from elsewhere in Geneva. Many came from just blocks away, from teens, twenties, and forties housing in neighborhoods north of Center Street and east of Anderson Boulevard. But Sansone’s subdivision also served as a point of entry to Geneva, with 45% of households coming from outside the city. About 15% came from neighboring St. Charles and Batavia. Only a small number, less than 10% each, came from the city of Chicago or inner ring suburbs such as Franklin Park, Oak Park, Berwyn, and Evergreen Park. Evidence that Geneva was perhaps too far away and did not play a big role in the exodus of residents from the city of Chicago after World War II.
Professionals, executives, and tradesmen lived as neighbors in Sansone’s subdivision. Occupations of the new householders ranged from executive-level positions with titles such as president and vice-president to small-business owners, doctors, dentists, and factory workers. There were also many salesmen along with teachers, tradesmen, engineers, commercial airline pilots and a pastor. The neighborhood was a favorite place for Geneva mayors to reside. Three- William C. Wood, Howard E. Smith, and Richard Lindholm all lived on Willow Lane at some point. Many householders worked just blocks from home at major local companies like Burgess-Norton Mfg. and Geneva Modern Kitchens on Eighth Street. Interestingly, there are colleagues at the Griffin Wheel Co. in Chicago who became neighbors in new homes on the 500 block of Pine Street. Geneva, including Sansone’s subdivision is a place where people decide to settle down and plant roots. In 2026, there are still three original homeowners living in Sansone’s subdivision: Betty Horn (William), 1957 at 501 Charles Street; Betty Pinzino (Leonard), 1957 at 316 Maple Lane; and Barbara Lenski (Lawrence), 1960 at 620 Willow Lane.
Lost Residents Permits Matrix
Where Residents Came From
