The development of an organized recreation program in Geneva post-World War II led to neighborhood comradery at local playgrounds. Each playground in Geneva had several leaders who ran programming for Geneva youth, hosting competitions between playgrounds through baseball, softball, football, and other sports. The city was in charge of these municipal playgrounds, building several throughout the city including in the Chartres Homes neighborhood.
Many local athletes have become mentors for young Genevans both on the field and off. Some excelled at sports in high school and went on to play in college and professionally. Other Genevans came for college, where they were student athletes, and stayed.
“I remember…going to my grandmother’s house [at Chartres Homes] and all the kids was there in the playground…there were leaders out there and there was programming…and I miss it. I even brought that up when I was on council.” – Mark Gramling, first African-American City Council member, 2022.
Opening in 1996, the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva envisioned becoming a safe haven for children and teens of all ages. Several local Black leaders were involved from the start, wanting to provide positive role models for children in their community. The Goodman Center was built near the Courtyard Apartments (formerly Chartres Homes) neighborhood.
The Chartres playground group won the Geneva Recreation Department boys softball championship in July 1980 by beating Ridgewood in the playoff final. Chartres came from behind in the last inning to win. Team members were photographed here after their win for the Finger Lakes Times.
In 1977 John Cromartie came to Hobart College from Harlem. He played basketball, and was a volunteer assistant coach of the William Smith College basketball team. Staying in Geneva after graduation, he helped form the Boys and Girls Club and revitalize the African American Men’s Association. Photo courtesy of HWS Archives.