I saw in the blog that the Prairie Cinema was mentioned. I heard there is an indoor batting cage and training room going in there. Thats just what this area needs!! i think thats awesome!

I'm not a native of WI and have lived in Janesville for the past four years and originally had only heard from others about how bad Beloit is. Come to find out that there are some really great things in Beloit that are better than in Janesville. <br><p>

I feel like a traitor because as much as we love going to the Janesville farmer's market we discovered the Beloit farmer's market this past year and have gone to their's more than J-ville's. Both are great, but as a person that buys as much local and organic produce as possible, the Beloit market had more choice and some of the vendors seemed friendlier (not that the Jviller's are unfriendly). <br><p>

We also really enjoy the store/restaurant Bushel and Peck right in the center of the market. Really great environment for local foods and relaxing. We do really wish there was more happening in downtown Janesville. It's a shame to see all those beautiful historic buildings sitting empty while all the business goes out to Milton Ave. area. A bustling downtown would be so much fun! <br><p>

We also really like the location of Janesville in relation to Madison and Chicago. I work in Madison and it's an easy 40 minute drive to work and lots of great food and a neat free zoo. And we're only 1.5 hours from Chicago which has a TON of stuff. In general, we really like the community that we have found in Janesville and don't think we'll be moving any time soon. But yeah for Beloisville! We love both places!

I live in Janesville, but I have to go to Beloit to eat something besides Sysco/bar food or chain restaurant food. I also go to Beloit to listen to live music.

I think of it like this:

Janesville is bigger and has more shopping options--but Beloit has soul. Fortunately, it's not a bad deal living in Janesville and driving to surrounding communities to enjoy what they offer. This is not an "us vs them" proposition--more like "us vs us".

ekim8404 - You are so right about the "social" challenges that each of these cities needs to overcome. I too have lived in other cities, in other states, both large and small and have never witnessed "rivalries" like Janesville and Beloit! It seems like people with the strongest negative opinions are usually the one's who have never lived anywhere else or have limited or NO experience with cultural diversity and how big the world is beyond thier own front porch!

Well, for one, Beloit's downtown was beautifully redone, something Janesville could take a few pointers on. Riverside drive and the park along the river is wonderful as well. A walk around the Beloit College campus and the effigy mounds is very nice as well. Just to the west of Beloit is the Beckman Mill County park, which is a nice visit, especially in the warmer months when they offer tours.

There are some nice restaurants down town as well as the Beloit College bookstore, which is actually a small Barnes and Noble. Beloit also has a beautiful brand new public library up behind the old Beloit Mall. There is the Farmers market that runs every weekend from spring to fall, as well as the yearly film festival.

Really, no where I've ever lived have I experienced this silly beloit/janesville thing. As much as it may offend many people, I believe it was originally born out of pure racism and we are still seeing the effects of that today. Janesville is a much larger town, and is a fine one as well. Just a couple of small midwestern cities with some serious economic as well as social challenges that we all need to overcome.

I agree my opinion is based on a very bad experience I had in Beloit 5 yrs ago, I have not
been back since.I just wish people wouldn't lump all of Janesville into one catagory just like people from Beloit don't want to be lumped into one catagory. Rivalarys should be between schools, not one city against another. Every city has it good points and its bad points and each offers a different variety of things to do.
I enjoy JPAC, going to hockey games and figure skating at the Ice Rink, Rotary Gardens, the Rock Aqua Jays to name a few things. Also eating at the Speak Easy and going to a play and dinner at the Armory.

to getintherealworld: I wasnt saying anything disparaging about Janesville at all. I lived there for 8 years. I just think if you want to find bad you will in Janesvile, Beloit, Madison and even in small towns. There is good and bad everywhere. In my neighbor hood ( in Beloit) we have people of all ages and all races. I do agree Janesville has some nice neighborhoods also. I have lived in both and believe me when I say that conjuring up differences and putting ones self against another for whatever reason is never helpful. If you want to meet some really nice people look for them and you will find them.

The way I see it the people from Beloit are acting like they are better than the people from Janesville. Neither is better just different, and different if good.

I'm sorry but I can't believe that everyone in Beloit is like that. Janesville has plenty of people who care about people no matter what their color or circumstances. I'm just tired of people bashing Janesville and saying how terrible a city it is. I love Janesville and the people of Janesville. I have had bad experiences in Beloit that I have never had in Janesville and do not feel safe there sorry if this offends anyone but this is a fact. Safety to me is very important and I do not feel safe in Beloit.

localboysince1968: I can't speak for prevention, but I can tell you that if I could take my historical/unique apartment with me to Beloit, I would move back there in a heartbeat.

"Are we done yet no are we perfect no, but if we all work together we can make rock county a great place to live and work."

Well said Ray53511!

localboy, might I remind you to research before you say anything... if you sift through the blog, you will read about circumstances.

Prevention - if Beloit is sooo great, why are you not living there now?

Steve,
Let me know when you're going... that sounds like a great trip!

getintotherealworld:

The point being made by thmssmplmn, and correct me if I'm wrongthmssmplmn, is that Beloit-- the BETTER MAJORITY of people make it a point to care and treat everyone like family.... because we all have a family where there is someone we don't like.

The point is about caring about people. Who cares if they are black, brown, white... or purple for that matter, we all treat each other with the respect each person deserves as a human being. A person's faults are accepted with their positives because we NEVER KNOW when that next door neighbor may be the one their to save our lives, give us that hand up, not the hand out.

True, Jville has NEIGHBORHOODS like that. But that's NEIGHBORHOODS. I have lived in Beloit and now in Jville. I can tell you that the neighborhood I where I lived in Beloit (the older neighborhood in the left and leftcenter fields of Pohlman Field) was rather diverse. I can't tell you how many times I'd go to the neighbors to help shovel them out, to help take the garbage to the curb, the help a kid remain safe in their neighborhood. It was a cross section of ethnicities. I loved it. Neighbors helped all the time without expecting anything in return.

I'll never forget the time I stopped at an older gentleman's house because I was tired of just waving at him while I drove by. So, I stopped in one day and introduced myself, told him which house I was in, and to let me know if he needed anything, even to sit and chat about the good ole' days. The look on his face was priceless.

I used to work with another elderly person whose family came up from Mississippi and those states when Fairbanks was bringing them up to work. It didn't matter that she told me the same ole' stories a thousand times. She told me the great history of Beloit and that of her family-- yes, I'm white she's black, but it was a love that couldn't be broken. She's now in her 70s and can't remember some things on a daily basis, but she ALWAYS could tell me about the community center she and her friends built many years ago so that the families who were denied so much in the 50s and 60s had a place to go for fun.

Now what? I'm in a complex where there are 60 units. I can tell you the full names of two people... one I used to work for and one because the 10-year-old is just looking for positive attention. THIS IS IN JVILLE!

Face it, the Rock River divides this city to such an extreme, it will take MANY generations to eliminate.

skeptical - I promise visits are coming in the future and I'll be sure to update. Heck, I may give Visit Beloit a call this week for a introductory course on Beloit :)

thmssmplmn there are plenty of neighborhoods in Janesville that are like that also, I grew up in one and I live in one now. Don't lump Janesville all into one catagory. You can't tell me that all of Beloit is like that. Janesville is a very nice place to live no matter what you or anyone else wants to believe, yes it isn't perfect but what city is. And 916WI my husband is far from narrow minded. He grew up in Beloit and did not like it he spent over 20yrs in Beloit. You don't know him so what gives you the right to judge him.

Try spending some time in Beloit and you will see much more than the negative that is reported in the outlying areas. We have people that grow and work together out of necessity, we actually speak to our neighbors on a regular basis without the need for a national night out. Our kids play pickup baseball, basketball and football games in the parks without having to have adult supervision all of the time. When a neighbor is having difficulties we get involved and give them a hand up. When the house across the street got foreclosed on I have witnessed at least 3 different neighbors cleaning up the yard so that the property would not be an eyesore. When my dad worked at Fairbanks in its hay day, there were many times that we didn't have everything that the other kids had but it didn't really matter. We wore hand me downs and were grateful. The Beloit mall was a wonderful place to hang out. ( I personally met Senator Proxmire there) I learned to get along with people of different races and it was no big deal. It was normal and before I left for school in Minnesota I thought that was the way it was everywhere. I guess what I am trying to say is that Beloit is a small midwest city that taught us as children many things including diversity, responsibility, how to make do even in the hard times and most of all to care for others. I personally think that if you are looking for bad you can find it everywhere and if you are concentrating on finding it you probably will. Try looking for good....it is around even in this economy.

getintotherealworld......It's very unfortunate that your husband is so narrow minded......Hopefully he can overcome that someday:)

never said Janesville was better than Beloit, from what I'm reading people are saying Beloit is better than Janesville, all I'm saying is that Beloit has snobs and racist, it's not just Janesville. My husband grew up in Beloit and said he would never live or raise his family in Beloit. I just prefer Janesville over Beloit.

getintotherealworld - Ok, I'm not gettin it. You say "Beloit has just as many snobs and racists as Janesville," but somehow, Janesville is better than Beloit. I realize that is your opinion (based on what you said) and I could respect that if I knew WHY? You haven't made your point.

I see more Janesville bashing than Beloit bashing, as a Janesville resident my whole life I like Janesville and like raising my family here, I do not like Beloit, I have spent alot of time in Belot with family and friends who live in Beloit. Beloit has just as many snobs and racists as Janesville so make Beloit out to be some perfect city because in reality its not. Just my opinion!

As a Beloit resident my whole life the transformation over the last 20 years has been remarkable, Riverfront, ABC SUpply, The Gateway, Beloit College, THe Library, Visit Beloit Center, The downtown , it's great to see the city thrive.
Are we done yet no are we perfect no, but if we all work together we can make rock county a great place to live and work.

I did not grow up in either city, but lived in Janesvlle for 11 years. I met Ken Peterson and some of his family and they are NOTHING that has anything to do wih what Janesville is. They are a blip in history. I agree, Janesville has a reputation for being racist but there are many minorities living there and liking it. I do agree it is an unfriendly city, as in all the time I lived there, even as a homeowner, I never felt like I knew my neighbors or was "part of" the city. If I smiled at people in the grocery store they looked at me like I was strange. I worked in Beloit for a couple of years while I lived in Janesville and never had any problems. I left Janesville to move to
Walworth County in June and haven't been back since. We may not have a mall, and we do have crime, but people care about getting to know each other here and that's what makes a community.

Steve - why not make the long journey to Beloit and have the Visit Beloit folks show you around ?

That's more like it, and what Steve was looking for.

One annoying thing though; the outside world does not get its' impression that Janesville has been a racist community solely from Ken Peterson. Why have minorities felt uncomfortable in Janesville over the years? A blogger mentioned one of the racist chants that Craig fans regularily chanted. There were others; can anyone out there help identify them ? And, weren't there other incidents of hate speech and behavior ?

lakennedy
Nov 13, 2009 at 10:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
But, I do know that Craig is better than Parker...lol

your an idiot!

What do we have here in Janesville to be proud of? An incredible historic district that contributes some beautiful homes, 2 great children- focused pools that are free of charge and have lifeguards, 1 big public pool that features fun activities like swimming and watching movies, a wonderful library with ever-changing book choices for our children and great activities, The Armory (dinner and theater- got to love that), The Speakeasy, Codos on Main, a ton of activities for kids year round (YMCA, Week of Young Child Committee, Exchange Family Resource Center, etc). We have the ice skating rink, a TON of parks, great schools (both public and private), a very involved Leisure Service (which provides family activities and junior high activities for kids on Fridays), obviously, we have the only mall in Rock County (excluding mini-malls, antique malls, etc), and, we have a couple large strip malls that have stores that are no where else in Rock COunty (Pier one, Best Buy, etc). We have the ROck Aqua Jays, and, we have a community that donates well so that Echo can provide Christmas, THanksgiving, and, Back to School items for families in turmoil.

STEVE: Again, I state kudos to you on this article! You having been FROM Jville, I'm reminded at how subjective a journalist must be to, not only write a good piece, but to get this kind of response!

Thank you!

I don't have the time to find the comment again, but someone said that we were bashing Jville. Last I read, most people were stating the factors that Beloit has over Jville. You see, these factors are ones that people from Jville don't know because they're afraid of the stereotypes of Beloit.

Re-read some posts, you'll find that the majority are stating that Beloit has a great number of things to offer, unless you've never set foot in the Town or City, you wouldn't know.

Localboy, localboy, localboy.... Getting people are riled up again by being a troll huh? People, from Janesvegas and Beloit apparently, are far too gullible. You really should stop this, localboy!

How telling ( or sad ),that, when asked to offer positives abut their cities, that Janesville responders basically had nothing to offer about their city. Beloiters offered Beloit College and its cultural offerings, wonderful local-owned restaurants, Riverfront development, people coming together to enjoy spectacularly planned activities, amazing redevelopment results, refilling of all of the Beloit Corp buildings, The Beloit International Film Festival, interesting, exciting, innovative cafes, bistros, and entertainment in the downtown night scene. Add Riverfest, The Snappers, and many other diverse opportunities, and one needs to take a breath to continue.

I'm curious, Janesville: what do you have to offer to make me want to come to your city ? Be positive and proud, like the Beloit bloggers have been.

I agree with the racial differences between the cities, but there has also been economic factors, especially due to GM. I always say, give a redneck money...most GMers are not educated but have enough money to buy huge suv's and trucks to have their way or run ya over. I have a friend whose son called restaurants surrounding the mall, all were hiring until he showed up to apply, world buffet even snatched the app out of his hand after being told there was a position, the rest either said no positions or fill out the app and we'll call you when we have something. On the other hand, she has mixed kids and can't ask a black woman to do her daughters hair cause that is considered racist?
I've lived in many other places, it seems as if the south actually has fewer problems with racial acceptance than here in the north.
I have found that Beloit is a more friendly place than Janesville, but the schools are such a breeding place for racism in both places. I just would like to see the black people get the chips off their shoulders and stop blaming the white people for their problems and I'd like to see the white people, in Janesville in particular, get their asses off their shoulders and quit thinking their better than everyone according to their income and color. As far as economics, Thompson experimented with Beloit and it was in bad shape when Clinton signed off welfare, so it just seemed to die, but it has come back and I think the people there are more responsible and happier for it, the old system was covering people who really needed other help. Take care of racial ills at a developmental level and both places would be better off. It's not ignoring racial differences that works, it's acknowledging that there are differences, accepting them and respecting them. Wait til that unemployment runs out in Janesville, maybe after a few years of lean times people won't be so quick to sit in judgment.

Yes Beloit has all of those things, but we must go to Janesville to shop.
As for the rivalry, Janesville people never could understand why we thought our lite beer was less filling.

I'm not a local, attended neither Craig or Parker, worked in Beloit at Kerry and live in Janesville. I am surprised to find Beloit people DO differentiate between the city vs the Town of Beloit and North vs South Beloit. The rivalries of childhood do not disappear as adults.
Statistically this county is wealthy. When moving here I was warned it's a blue-collar town. What does that mean? Hard working, community, home and family oriented, even those who go off to college return here to raise families because of the pleasant memories they have of childhood.
What's good about Beloit? Good restaurants, Riverfest, film festival, Beloit College, Angel Museum, a good downtown shoe store and cheaper gas.

i've worked at beloit redi-mix,for last 18 yrs,an circus drive-in are located in beloit twnshp,more realistic view would be shot spotter located in 'tha HOOD'get shot anytime day or nite,could happen anywhere these days.Imagine beloit today without Mr.Hendricks Millions,iggnorance only difference between city's

I don't know if I'm breaking "blog etiquette" by commenting on my blog. If so, wet noodle lashings are in order.

danieljluebke - thanks for the comment. I know a few teachers at Memorial very well.

DJ -- can't believe I forgot about BIFF. I promise I'll be there next year.

hermione - thanks for the tips. I haven't been to the Y in Beloit in ages but thank those that run it because it still supports the Dualthons (Beloit Duatlon in May is just a great run event) and Tri's...unlike our Y in Janesville :(

localboy -- on your armpit reference -- time for a little deodorant dude. But hey, everyone can share their own opinion. Thanks, I guess.

I still have a ton of questions -- guess I'll just have to go explore!

I have lived in Janesville 32 of my 33 years. The only positive thing I new about Beloit as a kid was riverfest. Now as an adult I can say Beloit is not bad. They have riverfest, Snapers, and the BIFF(?). They also have some good places to eat and good local stores like Beloit Matress Co. With that said I still only go to Beloit a few times a year. I will agree that Janesville spends too much time on the negative. We also listen too much to the crap that Milton has to say about us. The Only thing that leaves a bad taste in my mouth about Beloit is one time I was in Ohare airport coming back from a trip overseas. I started talking to a nice older couple while waiting for the bus. We had a nice talk until the foundout I was from Janesville. They were from Beloit and ended the talk by getting up and leaving. So I guess Janesville is not home to all the snobs.

Hannah: Dog world is located at 1164 Madison Rd.

kraut60: that is one of about 500 stories about how Beloit was named. No one really knows for sure how the name was formed.

Localboy: The purpose of this blog was to find out things to do in Beloit and to talk about the rivalry between the two cities and how it developed. The purpose was not to bring one sided facts to prove that one city is "better" than the other. Both cities have wonderful things to offer and both have many problems. Quit trying to pretend Janesville is perfect.

For all those bashing localboy, yes he was naughty and broke the rule of 'no bashing'...but what about all those bashing Janesville? Isn't that a double standard? Now, before you bash me...let me tell you that I can only give a very narrow view, for I do not have any Beloit knowledge. I do know of a girl who is a senior at one of the high schools in Beloit and she claims that the violence in the school is so much worse than Craig...which is far too violent. I have been to many areas in Beloit...some are wonderful and I can't wait to go back, some are dumpy and I don't care to visit them again....just like areas of Janesville. Beloit is so much easier to traverse...the early day street planners in Janesville must have sipped some ale before laying out the streets (IMO). I think some rivalry is fun, if in good spirit. Having stated that, all of you that are offended by Janesville bashing Beloit, don't take it to heart. Janesville west-siders attack the east-siders every chance they get, just because we live on the east side and vice-versa. I think 'hometown pride' is a good thing as well as the rivalry...but bashing isn't cool. I can also say that Beloit 'seems' to have far more 'mom-and-pop' restaurants than Janesville...and that stinks for Janesville.

Localboy.....you can't seriously be that clueless as to why people attached the "idiot" label to you in this thread.....can you? The author of the article prefaced the comment section with "If you're going to bash, don't bother commenting" and the first thing out of your mouth is the "Beloit is the armpit of Rock County" and then go on to attack all of the positive things Beloit brings to Rock County. Thankfully, your attitude and ignorance isn't shared by those in the city you live in--otherwise it would be a REALLY depressing place:)

It is funny how when you voice your opinion, and throw in some facts (not mine but from city-data.com)that you become an idiot. Not that I really care about some trivial name calling. We were asked to share our thoughts on the community and I did. My opinion stands.

I recently worked in Beloit for 6 months, it was an overnight job so I did not get out & about, but Beloit is a lovely city and I think I was a little "ripped off" as a kid living so close to Beloit and yet not really being exposed to all there was. There seems to be this huge wall for locals to get over, that those who are new to the area - thankfully - don't see. Thanks Steve for bringing this one up!

Kudos to Steve for opening up this conversation.

Here's what I like:

aj131: "Open-mindedness Beloit - 1 Janesville - 0"

Hongkongexpat: "Beloit, its local government and residents are not afraid of change."

916WI: Beloit had to overcome a huge loss w/ the closing of Beloit Corporation. Luckily, industry in the city didn't revolve around that single company, the way it did in Janesville w/ GM. Companies such as ABC Supply, Kerry, Frito Lay and private institutions such as Beloit College stepped up to the plate. Ken Hendricks was obviously a driving force in the rebirth of Beloit.

callitasiseeit: "The communities are different but I feel the attitude in Beloit is much better than Janesville. They strive to become a better place and for the most part it has worked. There is no comparison among which community business and civic leaders work harder to improve their respective cities."

gbpacker1994: "I no longer live in Janesville and when I do come home I feel like I have to snap back into "_itch mode". "

AND, LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Ditto to BeloitGuy!!

I LOVE BELOIT!!!

Localboy: you're an idiot. in regards to your strip club thoughts, might I just say ONE name... Dave Halbach. Nothing more to say on that.

Bobb: I LOVE your comment: I was basically born,raised,still live in Beloit.I love this city.Sure there are numerous "things" wrong here as in any(EXCEPT Janesville?)City.ONE item we donot have which Janesville is #1 for is SNOB'S!
We donot need "holier than thou" here,We try to act as a united community and help in large,small ways for ALL.

I graduated from high school 30 to 45 minutes east of Beloit, but across the stateline. I can't recall how many times I was told: ick! what the heck is wrong with you?

HELLO! Nothing's wrong with me... I have a life, literally travelled halfway around the world, and would take Beloit over Jville ANY DAY! But, circumstances say that Jville is where I live right now. How depressing for a country girl!!!

Giveemhell getinvolved!!

Localboy, you are an idiot. Plain and simple. Your reliance on self serving statistics makes me want to puke. Anyone can find statistics to back up their argument. Something really bad must have happened to you in Beloit to make you so negative. Not like anything negative could ever happen to someone in Janesville. Janesville must be perfect....oh yeah, what about screaming meamies (or whatever it was called)?

As someone who grew up in Beloit the rivalry really is instilled in the school sports programs. The basketball and football rivalries are legendary.

While much of the younger population would complain about nothing to do in Beloit, there are many wonderful things to do in Beloit that have already been mentioned.

Localboy, does Janesville have an international film festival, a minor league baseball team, the second largest music festival in the state? Do Janesville schools offer an award winning automotive program that produces qualified auto techs? You want to rely on your statistics so much and proclaim that Beloit is under the state average for college graduates, but in this economy the tech jobs that are becoming more important. Which students will be better prepared for this? Not to mention that Beloit has some of the bests Advanced Placement teachers and classes around.

Lose your negative attitude and get a clue.

Oh yeah, to the person who mentioned the place with great gyros.....it just moved a few blocks to Madison rd.

Oh, and concerning the rivalry thing, if you read the "On This Date...100 Years Ago Today" in the Beloit Daily News, you can see that it was going on even then. Actually, good-spirited rivalry is a good thing, especially if it helps us mature and grow. It's the small-minded-shrunk-up-mean-hearted-name-calling kind of rivalry that sucks.

Oh Beloit, oh Beloit, how you make me shiver; With your nice wide streets and your old Rock River; Oh I love ya with my heart and I love ya with my liver; Oh Beloit (clap, clap) by the river!! Well, wish you could hear the tune, it would probably help. I was born in Beloit, affectionately called "Belwah" by some locals, boy, and I have very fond memories of Beloit's Maxwell Street Days, 4th of July fireworks at Riverside Park, all the downtown stores and area supper clubs, etc. Now days I enjoy the refurbished downtown area with all the nice, low-profile, red brick buildings, the farmers market, Bushel & Peck's, Bagel's & More, free summer concerts at Harry Moore Pavilion and the First National Bank Plaza park downtown, Riverfest, fish fry at the Mouse and, coolest of all, being able to take my 84-year-old mother to buy shoes at the same downtown store, Stanton's Shoes, that she took me to when I was a kid!
Yeah, Beloit has it's downfalls, what town doesn't? But thanks to a lot of good folks, it's still a pretty darn nice place to visit and/or live. Check out the "Visit Beloit" website for all the doin's!
I've lived and worked in both Janesville and Beloit and, much like most towns anywhere you go, have found both good and bad aspects and people in both towns. While J'ville has more big box stores and fast food chains, Beloit's a lot easier to get around in, which suits me just fine.

I live equal distance between the two cities and am not a native of the area. I spend equal amounts of time in both places. To me, the character of Beloit is that of the "haves" and the "have nots" and a pretty good mix of different races, cultures etc. Janesville is more homogeneous, white and blue collar. (Sometimes a bit "hillbilly".) One of the things that I love about Beloit are the Monday night dances during June/July/August at Harry's place (the big pavilion in the park along the river). There is a lesson at 7:00 PM and then another hour of open dancing at 8:00 PM. It is good if you can bring a partner, but not required. There is no charge, but you can drop a donation in the box. If you learn to dance just a little you can go to your friends' wedding receptions and everyone will think you are amazing.

I also love Denali's restaurant which is on the corner of Pleasant (Hwy 51) and Broad St. The ambiance is nothing special but every dish I have had there has been excellent.

At The Rock restaurant you can eat outdoors on their patio with a river view. (Their food is typical bar food -- burgers etc.)

The YMCA in Beloit is awesome and has a big pool.

The 2010 Beloit International Film Festival will be held February 18–21, check this site for more information:
http://www.beloitfilmfest.com/

CottonJoe: I was listening to Professor Greg Lampe speak about Fredrick Douglas and his visit to the Beloit/Janesville area and his comments that even Douglas felt a rivalry. It is a long, strange history.

Steve, I find many of the previously submitted comments very interesting, and in some cases very true. As a Generation Xer, Janesville native and resident, and one who has worked in Beloit for 15 years, I'm more than qualified to speak to this issue. There is no doubt things have evolved over the years. Beloit is a much different place today than 25 years ago. W2 legislation, Ken and Diane Hendricks initiatives, and City of Beloit progressiveness have all contributed to its turnaround. To really understand the Janesville/Beloit rivalry, though, you have to go back to the early part of the 20th century and the high school football programs. That was well before two Janesville high schools. But I believe that's where the phenomenon to which you refer originated. Look it up, it's there in the history books. Many longtime Beloiters will tell you the strength of the media (and in particular the Gazette) in Janesville propelled The City of Parks to its big brother status, and for that the city animosities deepened. At one point, the communities were roughly the same size. The history of diversity, or lack thereof, is another factor that split the two - that's simply an undeniable fact, as hard as that is for some to admit or speak about today. We all know it, though, and for generations it was just the way it was. Things seemed to mushroom from there. But I agree, much has changed over the past 20 years. Today, WCLO claims itself to be "Janesville/Beloit", and that would have been unheard of years ago. Frankly, I shuddered the first time I heard it. A product of my environment? You bet. I agree pulling together is good on many respects, but I think a spirited rivalry has its merits as well. Where that line is drawn will always be debatable.

Localboy.....You're just a little on the bitter/negative side, aren't you? Did Janesville also have a "strip joint"?? I seem to recall it was shut down because of charges involving prostitution. I guess that can be one claim to fame that Janesville has over Beloit:) As far as the operating budget goes, who cares? It's what is done with the money that is what is important. The riverfront, the downtown area, the historical district......The money has been well spent. It is a city still in transition, but it is undeniable that it is a much better place to live than it was 10 years ago. With industry leaving Janesville and the seeming lack of any city leaders with vision, I really hope Janesville can be as successful as Beloit during it's trying time.
As far as the ABC Supply reference--Yes, many people that work at that corporate office live in Beloit. I'm lucky enough to call quite a few of them friends......

Born- 1992

Senior at Beloit Memorial High School

Many kids my age don't appreciate the city that has given them so much. I've grown to love Beloit for all it is and the incredible growth it's caused in me as a person.

I have nothing bad to say about Janesville, other than that is a very appealing when people from that city speak of other places with fairness and an openmind. Your blog has improved my perception of Janesville, unfortunately some of the comments have not.

Finally- I think Beloit's greatest problem is the fact that it exists as two cities, a municipality and a town. There's no reason the 7,800 people who live in the "Town of Beloit" should exist as anything but Beloit. Localboy- factor in the townships statistics with the cities and you'll find yourself a far different picture.

I guess you people want me to keep going. Let me clue you in on some more...

1. BearChest - strip joint. (every community really needs one of these)
2. 50% of the operating budget is funded using revenue sharing (the whole city operates on handouts..)
3. Under the state average for college graduates.
4. Over the state average for unemployment.

You name the negative statistic, and Beloit drags down Rock County's numbers. Ignorance isn't hiding in statistics, ignorance is ignoring the stats......

Question I figure nobody will answer. How many people who work at ABC Supply (Beloit office) live in Beloit? I bet not many, because I wouldn't want to live there either!

Precisely. The Beloit people, government, & community organizations (like Visit Beloit, Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Beloit Association, Beloit 2020) have moved mountains and made great strides in working together (the new Vision Beloit center is a great example: all of the community partners working together under one roof, sharing rent). Janesville, with its nose up in the air, continues to copy Beloit's successes: murals along the river, Farmer's Market, Forward Janesville using the same artist that Beloit used for its Forward Janesville & CVB office design, etc. Downtown Janesville is dead and the city has no good/unique restaurants (just more & more chain restaurants). I am proud to live in Beloit and will continue to shop, dine, and enjoy all that Beloit has to offer. Last one leaving Janesville, turn off the lights.

There are great things going on in Beloit! Click around on this site to see some of what Beloit has to offer: http://www.visitbeloit.com/

I am pleased to read these overwhelmingly positive comments on Beloit. Many of us love the city and care about others in Beloit and in Janesville. To answer a far earlier question from the Milton person, no, I've really never heard anyone in Beloit talk about Rockford as a rival city. Different state, different size by a large amount. Most of us (and I'm just speaking of people I know) get our news from Madison and don't find Rockford stuff as relevant. Oh, and Steve, our city manager's name is Arft, not Arf. Thanks for writing this blog.

Seriously localboy......If Janesville "rocks" so much why are companies running away from it as quickly as they are????? Surely the "cool" factor of being associated with or headquartered in such an amazing city would be enough to make them stay.......correct????:)

How about these stats? Open-mindedness Beloit - 1 Janesville - 0. I guess this is what happens when you're "local" for 40 years.

Frankly, the question "why has it always been this way" can be answered with one word in my mind. Racism. Janesville's population is 95% White, 1% African-American. Beloit's split is 75%/15%. I attended Craig (class of '97) and a common chant the students would do at basketball games vs. Beloit was "That's alright, it’s okay, you're gonna work for me someday." It disgusted me then and it disgusts me now. The fact is that things like this were tolerated for far too long.

I grew up in Janesville and moved away as fast as I could. I went to college at UW-Madison and got the same "you must be racist if you're from Wisconsin's home of the KKK" comments/attitude that some other posters mentioned. It was embarrassing. I've lived in NYC, Connecticut, SF and Chicago (last 6 years, current) so I've actually got experience living somewhere besides southern WI. I'd be willing to bet the percent of the population of these two cities that have ever lived 50 miles from Janesville/Beloit is about 10%. That is my opinion of why it this "rivalry" still exists.

I have to give a nod to gbpacker1994's entry - Beloit, its local government and residents are not afraid of change. In fact most changes are for the positive in aesthetic and cultural ways. The people of Beloit are more tolerant and accepting. Janesville is the polar opposite. There has not been significant postive change. When change does come, intoducing the Chinese language into the school system for example, the criticism is apparent. Generally speaking - Janeaville residents are bigoted, unbendable, and unwilling to change. Bar-none, Beloit is the far better city on many levels. That's too bad because Janesville is my hometown, too.

localboy is simply demonstrating his ignorance:) Beloit had to overcome a huge loss w/ the closing of Beloit Corporation. Luckily, industry in the city didn't revolve around that single company, the way it did in Janesville w/ GM. Companies such as ABC Supply, Kerry, Frito Lay and private institutions such as Beloit College stepped up to the plate. Ken Hendricks was obviously a driving force in the rebirth of Beloit. Both Ken and Diane were responsible for sponsoring the Film Festival and Artwalk as well as renovating the Ironworks and Fairbanks complexes into the incredible facilities they are today. I have worked in Beloit for 12 years and to witness the transformation was pretty cool. With the loss of it's major industry, there is no doubt when the unemployment checks dry up, that the city is in for a really rough ride. Hopefully someone with vision is able to step up and help the city through what will undoubtedly be a tough time......

If you do the math using those numbers, Beloit has fewer sex offenders per capita (.316% of the population for beloit, .348% for Janesville).

Let's compare the two cities:

Beloit (population 36,120)
Sex offenders - 114
Crime index - 353.9 (natl av is 320.9) higher is bad
Police officers - 77 (2.13 per 1000)

Janesville (popluation 62,516) almost double
Sex offendrs - 218
Crime index - 280.2
Police officers - 103 (1.65 per 1000)

You tell me which is the better city? Why so many police? Why is the crime higher? Now you know why we think like we do about Beloit. Janesville rocks!

localboy-"..if the truth hurts"...??? Your comment couldn't be any farther from the truth. When was the last time you were in Beloit?

donkeykong - what is the matter, can't handle one persons opinion? If the truth hurts, change it......

I also got the "your moving to Janesville, thats where the KKK is from" comments from my friends when I took a job here out of college. I think part of the problem is Janesville has nothing to “hang its hat on”. There is really nothing that Janesville is known for throughout the state. GM was the closest thing but that is gone, maybe Parker 20 years ago but that is gone too.

Ditto to Beloitguy's list. I have lived in Janesville the last 30 years but worked in Beloit most of them. The communities are different but I feel the attitude in Beloit is much better than Janesville. They strive to become a better place and for the most part it has worked. There is no comparison among which community business and civic leaders work harder to improve their respective cities.

Wow, it sounds like some people need to get over the Ken Peterson/KKK thing. That was almost 20 years ago and only represented a very, very, miniscule part of the city's population.
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I also bet that "prejudice and 'I am better than you attitudes'" are alive and well just about anywhere you go. But they certainly are more prevalent in Janesville. It's weird.

Like lakennedy, I also experienced the same reaction when I told people I was from Janesville. One of my first college classes in Whitewater, they had a group of kids from Milwaukee and one made the comment that kids from Janesville are taught to hate "black" people. I obviously don't agree with that, but it is sad someone would make that comment-thanks Ken Peterson. However, prejudice and "I am better than you attitudes" definitely are alive and well in Janesville. I no longer live in Janesville and when I do come home I feel like I have to snap back into "_itch mode". People are nasty driving and in stores. It is pretty rare when someone smiles and says "hi" in this town.I also can't believe people are still stuck in their high school "cleques". I currently live in northern wisconsin. However, with all it bumps and bruises I still miss Janesville.

Beloit College, Riverfest, Beloit Snappers, Beloit Film Festival, Beckman Mill, Angel Museum, Friday's in the Park, Music at Harry's Place, Thunder on the Rock are all fun events or places to attend. Have you checked out our brand new library? La Casa Grande, the Rock, Tilley's, Jersey's just tip the iceberg of the places you can get some good grub in the city. The Beloit Inn is the nicest hotel in the area. Beloit is also home to Kyle Weaver of the NBA and Jim Caldwell, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts....and, of course, is home to the 2009 Regional Soccer Champions from Beloit Memorial High School!! :)

Growing up Beloit was truly considered the armpit of the area. I know children in school who were ridiculed because their parents were working in Beloit. There is less if any boundary issues like there was in the 80's and 90's. Ken Hendricks did wonders for trying to bond the communities and I hope that with the loss of more jobs we can continue to unite our diverse populations and talents.

Try this one:

Bjealnoeistville

...that is what they will call it once it becomes a megalopolis...

Janesville & Beloit have long competed rather than cooperated, to the detriment of both. With GM long gone, it is critical that the two areas seek new ways to cooperate for economic development pursuits. In fact, the two cities' officials should look at ways to combine and share services to save money. Joining forces to be dynamic and innovative is critical to both cities' future.

I'm born and raised in Janesville and used to believe (or at least didn't question) the stereotypical ideas about Beloit. In recent years I discovered that Beloit is not what I thought. I love the Beloit Film Festival, Harry's Place,Cafe Belwa and there's a great Mexican restaurant downtown too. Can't remember the name though.

NVgrf - sorry. Comments from all ages are welcome.

You want to learn about Beloit? One of the best ways is to explore. Just like Janesville, Beloit has its "unpleasant areas". In today's age, you cannot get away from that.

Beloit has many hidden gems in it's downtown area. Denali's Food and Spirits, Turtle Creek Book Store, Bagels & More, and numerous boutique gift and antique shops. Again, you just to know where to look.

Beloit's Riverfront parks, Leeson's Park, Big Hill...just to name a few very well kept and preserved parks...are great family and relaxation spots.

The former Beloit Mall is being transformed into a multi-purpose civic center, now housing the Beloit Public Library.

The former Beloit Corp buildings are now occupied by a few different manufacturers. The back side of the Beloit Iron Works building now encases murals of Iron Works and Beloit Corp workers and operations from years ago.

We can't forget the Beloit Snappers! Good, cheap family entertainment.

There is much to see and do in Beloit. One thing is a must, just as it is in Janesville, and that is to keep an open mind. Janesville is far more spread out geographically and populates nearly twice as many people as Beloit. The "unpleasant" areas are easier to ignore and easier to avoid. In Beloit, we are geographically more compact and the unpleasantness is close to 2 main roads so it is much easier to notice and base a stereotype upon.

I personally have no issues with Janesville and find the Janesville v. Beloit thing pointless and idiotic. The two cities have much in common and should not be divided by stereotypes and ridiculous high school rivalry. If there is one beef I have with either city, it is the City Manager style of running a municipality. I feel the city leader should be voted in, not hired.

Nice entry...I've lived in Janesville all of my life, except for when I went to college..and I know what you mean, there is this inherent competition between residents of Janesville and Beloit. I have no idea what it stems from.
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Anyways, for what it's worth, I went to college at UW-Madison and graduated in May. In various discussion sessions on campus, my hometown would come up in the conversation. You would not believe how negatively Janesville is viewed by people who aren't from here. The whole Ken Peterson KKK debacle is still fresh in a lot of peoples minds. In one particular discussion with an african american student, I remember trying to defend my hometown. I said something along the lines: "I've lived in Janesville pretty much my whole life, and it isn't fairly represented by what you've read about Ken Peterson, I've never felt/witnessed the level of racism you claim Janesville to have." He responded with: "Well, that's because you're a white girl who grew up in Janesville, and went to school in Madison...you've never been a minority, so you wouldn't have experienced it." That response really made me think.
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I don't think Janesville is better than Beloit, or vice versa. Both cities have a lot to offer...
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But, I do know that Craig is better than Parker...lol.

First, I'm not quite sure why you restricted your responders to Gen-Xers. As a Babyboomer (1946-1964) I feel that we may have more to offer in terms of experience on this issue. So I will break your rule.
Sadlly, after many years living in Janesville, localboy represents the feelings of a segment of the population of Janesville. I hope just a small and ignorant segment, but a segment.
I lived 24 years in Beloit and 30 years in Janesville. They were both great places to live with great potential. But there was always that small segment with ignorant stereotypical views of one another. "Aw, that town is filled with nothing but crime!"...and..."Aw, they're all a bunch of racists!" You figure out what goes where. But,in the overwhelming majority of cases, people didn't really spend a whole lot of time
thinking about one another at all. But just tried to live their lives and raise their families as best they could. Both sitting back and chuckling at the localboys in both towns.

Unfortunately, there is a lot more violent crime in some parts of Beloit than in Janesville. That may be why some people have such a negative view of it. But the downtown is beautiful and they've done a really good job getting arts-centric events going. That's something that is severely lacking in Janesville.

Localboy, what exactly is wrong with Beloit? No, seriously, please educate me. When I first moved here, I, too, had the notion that Beloit was some really scary place (sentiment from Janesville residents, of course) and that no one that has any sense would ever go there for any reason or risk getting mugged, shot or worse. Yet when I finally had a reason to venture there, I failed to see any reason for all the bad press. Did Beloit used to be this horrible place and now there is all this long-standing residual disdain for it? Because I hang out there all the time now and I have yet to see what all the whining is about. Sure, it has its fair share of trailer trash and gangsta wannabes, but quite frankly so does Janesville.

As a Gen-Xer from Milton (the schools, but rural enough to be equidistant to Edgerton and nearly as close to Janesville), I'll chime in. I think the rivalry is bigger. Janesville residents (in some cases) moved to Janesville from Beloit since they felt it was safer. Meanwhile, my dad went to Janesville schools and moved US to Milton schools for the "safer, better" schools. Thus Milton kids viewed Janesville like Janesville viewed Beloit. So...my question is, does Beloit treat greater Rockford with the same scorn? And is Edgerton the one who has scorn toward Milton (we did always have football rivalry)?

I enjoy living in Beloit. I've lived other places. The question posed by the author is about what you like about Beloit. One commentator can't read. I love all the things the College brings to Beloit. I love the way the riverside area has been improved and changed over the last 20 years. I enjoy our parks (not quite as numerous as Janesville, but not shabby). I have had good experiences with the schools and my fellow parents in the community. Like most Beloiters, we do most of our shopping in Janesville. Hope that is okay with the earlier commentator. I wouldn't want to leave a stain on Janesville by spending my money there if he disapproves of the clean, attractive armpit of a neighborhood I must live in.

It's apparent that localboysince1968 hasn't spent any time in Beloit to appreciate it.
I've lived here since 1968.Sure Beloit has it's problem's,what city doesn't.There are good thing's that happen often.However,the negitive thing's seem to outshine the positive.
Localboy,why don't you stop by & help to make our city better.

"If you’re going to bash, don’t bother commenting. I’ve heard enough of that in years in Janesville."

Apparently, localboysince1968 can't follow simple instructions.

I always thought "Janesville vs. Beloit" was something people outgrew.

Steve, visit downtown Beloit. The transformation from twenty years ago is something Beloit should be proud of. It is much more developed. The farmers market is bigger and better attended than Janesville. The Beloit International Film Festival is cool.

Beloit is the armpit of Rock County. Those things you recognize about Beloit are like putting a silk ribbon on a sow's ear. It still is a pig regardless of how you dress it up. I believe Janesville vs. Beloit is still alive......

Thanks, Steve! I'm not a native of Rock County, but I agree, working together, that's ALWAYS been the best route!!!