522 James Street was built in 1917 by the Wilson Brothers, Geneva’s most iconic builders of City Hall and most of State Street. The home was built for Frank and Miriam Albin at the same time the Wilson’s were building a similar house next door for the Albin’s daughter Cleo and her husband Claude Toombs. The Wilson Brothers were contractors for Frank Lloyd Wright and their design style reflects Wright’s use of wood with beams, trim and built-in cabinetry.
22 Campbell Street dates back to 1845 at just 900 square feet, an additional 200 square feet was added at a later time. In 1929 this neighborhood was in a state of general disrepair with descriptions such as “a decrepit shanty in a yard of tin cans and weeds.” This home was one of the first revitalized by Geneva resident Kate Raftery, originator of The Little Traveler shop on Third Street, as she started beautification efforts along the Fox River. The interior features many original characteristics and several new space-saving design techniques.
118 South River Lane is one of Geneva’s oldest homes built in 1843 by George McKinley for his daughter Eliza and her husband Lyman German. It is a modest little house built of stone quarried along the Fox River. Today the home has been beautifully renovated and available to rent as "Sutton on River.” There are subtle reminders of the home’s age with a lower doorway here, a steeper staircase there and original elements throughout.
221 Ford Street is a Sears catalog home “Hamilton” model built in 1926 for the James Clinnin family. This is just one of many catalog homes in Geneva, ordered by mail and shipped by rail. The interior is charming with an arched entrance, brick fireplace, wood floors and original kitchen cabinets. The Sears catalog states “This beautiful bungalow fulfills all the promises of its handsome exterior.” The kit cost $2,084.
