| Riverbank Laboratories | |
| Alternate name | Riverbank Labs, Riverbank Acoustical Laboratory |
|---|---|
| Location | Geneva, Illinois |
| Region | Northeast Illinois |
| Part of | Riverbank Estate |
| History | |
| Builder | Wallace Sabine, George Fabyan |
| Founded | 1918 |
|
Riverbank Laboratories
|
|
| Location: | 1512 Batavia Ave., Geneva, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Area: | 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) |
| Built: | 1912 |
| Architect: | Wilson Brothers |
| Architectural style: | Bungalow/Craftsman |
| Governing body: | Private |
| NRHP Reference#: | 03001204[1] |
| Added to NRHP: | November 28, 2003 |
Riverbank Laboratories, or Riverbank Labs, is a company on Route 31 in Geneva, Illinois that started in 1918. This company has played an instrumental piece in the United States history of World War I for decrypting the German and Mexican code. The current address for the company is 1512 Batavia Ave. Geneva, IL 60134.
Contents |
Riverbank was built solely by Colonel George Fabyan on his vast Riverbank Estate covering both sides of Route 31. His interest in building this lab came from his desire to decode and decipher enemy messages, but the also the works of Shakespeare.[2] The National Register of Historic Places has recognized this significance and registered Riverbank in 2003.[1] Until Riverbank came along there really was no learning/deciphering/decoding of cryptic messages in the United States, so using his wealth and position, George Fabyan allowed the U.S. Government to use the Riverbank Laboratories to their disposal during World War I.[3]
Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories (RAL) now provides acoustical measurements for individuals, companies, independent entities, and various government agencies. RAL is accredited through the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This location still houses the Riverbank Acoustical Museum and Acoustical Library. [4]