Geneva was the place to go for Pittsburghers back in the 40's and 50's.
For some reason, I guess mainly the water level, the beaches were huge.
Many of the names in Geneva reflect Pittsburgh places. In the 60's
the lake got bad and the beaches were, well, small. Geneva didn't know how
to handle the hippie generation, the towns visitors became thin. The lake really
started to improve in the late 70's, and thanks to some additions by the Pera's, and
consistant visitation of the towns bars, people started to return.
Now, when the waves have subsided you can see for at least 20 feet.
The private beaches are still small. With the addition of the state park
and marina things really kicked up. Many boats make their way out each day in search of walleye.
The Marina facilities are fantastic, probably one of the finest
marinas around. The state park beach is also large.
A "country" easy going setting, is what Geneva is all about.
Mention Geneva, and someone will remember the Go Cart Track. Not you average
Go cart track. The sound and the fun were part of what made Geneva. The
good original cars and track are gone today.
Have to mention Indian Creek Camping establishment, a long people contributor
to the Geneva streets. They used to be highy visable with the train shuttle constantly
moving people in and out of town, Indian Creek, one of the best camp sites in the US.
Not your avarage campground.
Ok, one of Geneva's favorites, is Eddies Grill. Having a 50's era theme, it great food, and the not so average Dari Queen might be the best in the nation. Only get a large cone if you dare. Its much larger than average, so are the smalls.
Over the years its been a real rock'in town via the Cove Nightclub". Not your average rock bar. Been there
as long as I can remember with PJ Macchia owner. I remember when Donny Iris,or
Donny, and the
Jaggerz often had their poster outside the club back in the 60's.
Another lesser known group, "Good Question", also manned the place at times during the 70's.
Today there is more or less a diversified showing, but back in the late 70's the big hard rock show
bands were the norm. During the lean years when the Lake was bad, the bars were responsible for
holding the fort in Geneva-on-the-Lake.
OK, some of the bands at the Cove included, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, Temtations, James Gang,
Steppenwolf, Chubby Checker, Outsiders, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Tommy James and the Showndells, Coasters, Bill haley & Comets,
Bengaman Orr, Neil Gerado, Ojay's, Of course the jaggerz.
Back a few years ago (1969), the drinking age was 18 in Ohio, 21 in Pa.. Many younger people set out for fun
heading for Geneva on a friday night looking for a room. Seems like more local people visit on weekends
now, not looking for a room. Actually, serving beer "only" to youngers was legal up until a few years ago in Ohio.
Luckily today, they still let younger aged people into clubs, but are not allowed to drink.
The Swiss Chalet, the other palce in town, what used to be a place for the older generation, now
is populated by that once younger generation.
Today, not as high prcentage of Pittsburghers visit, allthough you will still find many. Many head toward Ocean City, Md., Virginia Beach, or Myrtle Beach, still, Geneva is only a couple hours away! Its the closest point to Lake Erie as the bird flies.
By the way, Geneva is probably the biggest its been for 30 years, with more shops and eateries now than one remembers. You can go far away and still not find better or more unique establishments. There is a new convention center on the State park grounds, in front of the marina , very close to the shore.
WIth the new outside fun park down the road and ever popular golf courses nearby, Geneva-on-the-Lake
will continue to grow.
What other resort has an 18 hole golf course, withing walking distance of town center?
Geneva-On-The-Lake, a place of priceless moments and affordable pleasures..Betty Layport