Back in December 1998, when we first launched On the Fox, the digital landscape looked a whole lot different. We were charting local spots before the local chambers of commerce even had online directories, back when Geneva landmarks like the historic Mill Race Inn and 302 West were thriving pillars of the community.
A lot has changed in the years since—both in how people search the web and in our own lives. After spending the last five years living in northern Wisconsin, Richard and I recently sold our boat and our home, packed up, and moved back home to the Illinois Fox Valley area.
Back in the Fox Valley
Returning here feels less like a move and more like coming full circle. Between the two of us, Richard and I have lived in the area for well over 100 years—Richard grew up right here in Geneva (graduating from GHS way back when), and I moved to town in to an old house on 5th Street in 1993.
Over the past few months, we have been soaking up the simple joys of being back on familiar ground: reconnecting with family and lifelong friends, revisiting our favorite old hangouts, and discovering all the new restaurants, shops, and hidden gems that have popped up while we were away.
Walking the riverbanks, driving down Randall Road, and catching up over coffee or cocktails in town reminded us of what actually makes this valley special. People don’t just come here for a list of addresses; they come for the character, the architecture, the picturesque riverfront, and the shared history of the communities along the river.
That realization sparked a new vision for this website.
The Lens has Shifted
Today, as we refocus our lens directly on the Tri-Cities—St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia—we are shifting On the Fox away from standard directory listings. While we will still continue to highlight special local businesses from time to time, keeping up with all of the businesses going in and out just isn’t what we want this website to be about anymore.
Instead, we want to turn our attention to the true heartbeat of the community: its stories, history, and charm. We want to explore the historic homes and landmarks that shape our downtowns, go behind the scenes of local storefronts, and—most importantly—talk about the people who made this area what it is today. Our hope is that sharing these stories will give you a greater appreciation for the Fox Valley, spark a few fond memories, and maybe even rekindle some old friendships along the way.
A New Story
And there is no better story to launch this new chapter than one connected to an heirloom that now lives right inside our own home: a vintage 1936 Model S Steinway Baby Grand piano. With ties to a legendary Geneva music teacher, it’s a physical piece of local history that recently made its way back to the valley, too.
We’re thrilled to be back, and we’re glad you’re along for the ride. Stay tuned for the piano’s story coming up next—and in the meantime, follow us on social media to join the conversation and see what else we’re uncovering around the Tri-Cities.
