Levittown: Through a Boy’S View

By LostLenny

This novel starts at the very beginning in New York City when the Nilsson family moves all of their possessions to a brand new housing development on Long Island. Then, the novel shifts a few years ahead to our hero's first experiences in kindergarten in a rented room of an old Protestant Church. As the novel moves on, our hero continues his grade school education through sixth grade in a formal building where Lester is constantly confronted with other children his age; some become close friends, some are bullies, and others mold his life as our hero interacts with him. Not all the scenes in the story are school related. Many deal in other areas where a child's imagination and a parent's involvement can turn a simple act like losing a rubber boot down a street drain into an interesting dilemma. Often these situations involve people from other walks of life: policeman, construction people, strangers. 'Levittown' was written to entertain the reader, and I have purposely kept the pace of the plot moving so the reader will not dwell on one thing for too long. However, I hope that the reader will agree with me and our hero that Levittown was and I hope, is still a child's paradise.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499033236

LostLenny

Leonard Nicholas was born in New York City in 1947 and went to public school on Long Island. After graduating high school, he attended Oswego State University in upstate New York and earned a teaching degree in Industrial Arts. The author is now retired from education and spends his time ( when not writing) with his family, riding his BMW motorcycle, or driving his 1931 Model A Ford.

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Copyright © 2014 by LostLenny.

Library of Congress Control Number:         2014910347

ISBN:         Hardcover         978-1-4990-3324-3

                  Softcover           978-1-4990-3326-7

                  eBook                978-1-4990-3323-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including

photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval

system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either

are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and

any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales

is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 06/06/2014

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CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

I KINDERGARTEN

II GIRLS

III HEDGES

IV BULLIES

V STICKBALL

VI AN OLD HOUSE

VII AN ODD FRIENDSHIP?

VIII WHOOPS

IX THE NOSY NEIGHBOR

X A FATHER’S RIGHT

XI TRICK OR TREAT

XII THE FATHERS

XIII I HAVE TO KNOW!

XIV CHRISTMAS

XV THE RUBBER BOOT

XVI THE MUSEUM

XVII THE BICYCLE

XVIII SODA BOTTLES

XIX ANOTHER BREED OF CHILDREN

XX THE GREEN LANE THUMPERS

XXI CATECHISM AND THE CHIMPANZEE

XXII THE LIGHTER

XXIII SHOPLIFTING

XXIV ’THE GREEN LANE SLUGGERS’

XXV

XXVI THE BELLY FLOP

XXVII THE HANDBALL COURT

XXVIII THE GARAGE ROOF

XXIX THIN AIR

XXX ’THE STREET PARTY’

XXXI ’THE OLYMPICS’

XXXII ’THE RUSTY’

XXXIII ’THE ALMOST HARLEY’

XXXIV ’THE DENT’

XXXV ’BANG’

XXXVI

XXXVII BATTERY ACID!

XXXVIII THE OFFER

XXXIX

XL

Prologue

William Levitt is standing with his father, Abraham, and his younger brother, Alfred as they stare at a huge tract of land, sixty thousand acres that is known as the Hempstead Plains, the North East’s largest prairie. At one time these were fertile potato fields. But, the area was ravaged by the Golden Nematode, and in a short while, the fields became infested, and the crops were destroyed. But, the Levitts have another crop to sew—mass housing on a huge scale that no one has ever seen before.

The Levitts stare at the huge expanse of flat grassland that seems to extend for ever. Though, in the distance, they see that the flatlands reveal a large area of pine trees that seem to be an island in a sea of grass. This smaller area is known as ‘Island Trees’. It is here where they had purchased a large tract of land at a bargain price. For the Levitts have a vision, a revolution in construction.

It is the end of World War II, and sixteen million servicemen will be coming home, getting married, and raising families.

But, there is a serious shortage of housing. New construction techniques need to be developed and refined to meet the need. And so, the Levitts decided to build upon their construction experiences in Norfolk, Virginia and elsewhere’s.

In order to construct their houses faster and cheaper, local building codes were changed to meet the demand by omitting the basement. Lumber was milled and precut in a small factory over three thousand miles away in Blue Lake, California. Then, the lumber was shipped across the country to their Island Trees holdings.

In the beginning, the first 2,000 Levitt houses were rented out to the returning servicemen. But these small houses were in great demand, and 4,000 more houses were built and rented out, too. Then, in 1949, a larger ranch house was designed and constructed. It sold for $7,990.

The Levitts’ methods were so efficient, that buyers could select the house they wanted and sign a contract for it in a few minutes.

The purchase included a wall mounted York or GE oil furnace, a GE electric stove, a refrigerator, a stainless steel sink, metal cabinets, and a Bendix washing machine.

So massive was the project, that water removal from the streets during heavy rains was a serious concern. As a result, a network of miles of large underground concrete tunnels were built, each large enough for a small child to go through. These drainage tunnels lead to the many recharge basins or huge open pits used to return the precipitation back into the ground. As a safety measure, these open pits were surrounded by high galvanized steel fences. In Levittown, these tunnels and recharge basins would become havens for children to flock to, in addition to the many playgrounds, handball courts, basketball courts, and many Olympic sized swimming pools that were equally distributed throughout the village. This would truly become a child’s paradise.

*     *     *

A large box-like truck backs into a dirt area by a small house. Around the dwelling are thousands of other houses identical to it. Most have trucks, cars, or vans next to them, too. For some, this is moving day in Levittown.

The Nilssons have a large truck in front of their new home. The vehicle had been hired from a small trucking firm in ‘The City’ to move all of the Nilssons’ possessions into their new Levitt house. In back of the truck is the Nilsson’s 1937 Ford. Some men are getting out of the truck.

One trips, but another man grabs him in time. Burt Nilsson stares at them.

You get what you pay for, he muses, then wonders about the men that he had hired the previous day. Bums and drunks, all of them. The pride of the ‘Bowery’. Then, Burt sees two men grappling with a large Maple chest. He walks over to them and stops. A man asks, Burt where do you want this?

Bring it upstairs.

But, I don’t like heights! the man complains.

Then, bring it down the hall, and there’s a large bedroom on your left. Just bring it in there and put it on the floor, Burt Nilsson says, and he sees his wife and son, Lester, their two year old son.

Rosalyn Nilsson is holding their small boy’s hand while she watches the men unload the truck. Small piles of clothing, kitchenware, boxes of miscellaneous items begin to litter the inside of their new home. The larger pieces of furniture are being taken from the truck, too and are adding to the mess and confusion in the house. She becomes worried, but excited, too as she considers where she will put all of their possessions.

By 2:00 in the afternoon, the truck is unloaded, and the men wait outside to be paid. Burt Nilsson goes outside and gives each man a ten dollar bill and a few shots of whisky. The men jump in back of the truck with their money. Then, they happily wait to be driven back to the city.

The Nilssons are standing together by the front door to their new house, and watch their last link to the big city disappear as the truck lumbers down Green Lane and turns North onto Wantagh Avenue. Burt disappears into the living room and begins moving their dining room table into the kitchen. Rosalyn wanders over to the big chest in the large bedroom and begins to unpack her prized dishes and move them into the kitchen. Nearby, is their two year old son, Lester.

The small boy wanders to his mother in the kitchen and watches her. However, an inner pressure is building in him, and he calls out to his mother, I gotta go potty!

Soon, the boy feels better, and he joins his parents in the living room. They are relaxing on their old couch and soon each parent becomes quiet as they think about their life here.

Burt’s job in the city, Rosalyn’s household duties, and their new neighbors are causing their minds to drift into the future. Rosalyn looks at her son and wonders about his new life in Levittown. What will Lester do?

I

KINDERGARTEN

Burt Nilsson watches his son, Lester put on his shoes. The boy is trying to pull the laces tight. Though, when Lester attempts to make a bow, there is only a common granny knot, and the loose ends still drag on the floor.

Lester, you’re five years old and you should know how to tie your shoes. Let me show you how, Burt Nilsson says.

The father kneels down and pulls the bow loose on one of his shoes. The boy looks on.

OK, do as I do.

Lester kneels down, too and begins to mimic his father as the man reties his shoe. At first, the boy’s attempts are clumsy, and his efforts result in a frustrating failure. Though, the father persists, and after a few more attempts, Lester finally catches on. The boy stands, looks down, and beams at the neat bows on his shoes. However, when he looks up, the boy sees his mother looking at him.

Lester, eat your breakfast and get ready for school. I’ll walk you there when you’re ready.

That’s right! the father says. This is your first day of kindergarten.

*     *     *

Sixteen children stand around their teacher, Mrs. Prentise as the woman tries to put her charges into some type of order. The youths though, are confused, and many quickly lose interest in their teacher as they wander about the room.

This is their first day of kindergarten with a new teacher. They are away from their homes, and everything around them is new and confusing. They’re not even in a real school. The large room that they’re in is part of an old Protestant church that is being used as a temporary classroom until the school officials find space to put them in. Their room is now being called the ‘Gardeners Avenue School Annex’.

Since this is Kindergarten and a transition from a child’s home into a long period of formal education, the State of New York encourages that a child be in attendance for only half the day. For most children, their mothers will be back at noon to bring them home. Lester’s mother, Rosalyn has only to walk down their small street to Wantagh Avenue, then turn right to the old Church.

The teacher makes another feeble attempt to control her class, but many become distracted again and begin to play with their neighbors. One boy is on his hands and knees and wanders over to Lester. Lester is watching the teacher and does not notice the other youngster until he feels a pressure against his foot. Nilsson looks down.

Don’t do that!

The boy pulls the other bow loose, too. Nilsson jumps on top of him, and the boys begin wrestling on the floor. The class loses all interest in their teacher again and watches the fray. A girl crawls over to the teacher and loosens one of her laces. But, Mrs. Prentise doesn’t notice, and she bends down and grabs a boy’s arm, then pulls him off the other boy. She steps on the loose lace, her foot is held back, and she trips. Mrs. Prentice falls on top of the fighting children. Some are looking on and think that she is wrestling, too. They decide to jump on the teacher. In a few minutes, the entire class is wrestling and fighting, some with Mrs. Prentise. In a few minutes, the commotion is over. As the Kindergarteners get off the heap of bodies, they wander to a secluded wall or chair and sit down. At last, their teacher gets up too, relieved that the class is off of her.

What a way to begin the year, she complains to herself.

The rest of the morning is consumed with a rudimentary lesson in arithmetic, a midmorning nap for the children, and recurring discipline problems. By 11:30, Mrs. Prentise is exhausted, and she is grateful when she sees parents in the hall outside her room.

The teacher collects the papers she had distributed earlier in the morning, looks at the door, and wonders who had opened it. But, she looks down and sees that each paper is folded in four parts and each part has a number on it. Today they got to the number 4.

One of the children looks outside and sees his mother in the hall. He stands up and runs to her. The other children follow him. The teacher watches her class run outside, though she does not call them back. Mrs.

Prentise is relieved to see them go.

Outside, in the hall, a girl rushes to her mother.

Mommy, Mrs. Prentise showed us how to fight!

She what?

I beat up a boy!

So did I! another girl shouts.

She did not! a boy blurts back.

In a few minutes, the class is standing in the hall with their parents, each relating their part in the fray. One parent looks at their child’s teacher is dismay. Other mothers do the same and looks of disappointment and concern are revealed on their faces. A few begin gossiping. Then, the mothers escort their children outside and take them home.

Mrs. Prentise goes to her desk, sits behind it, and puts the children’s papers in a neat pile before her. She looks at the papers and, in disgust, she picks them up and throws them into a nearby waste can. Then, she looks at the metal container, reaches into it, and removes the papers. Again, the papers are put before her in a neat pile. The young woman begins to grade her class’s attempts at writing their numbers and tries to forget about the fight.

*     *     *

Mr. Nilsson is home from work. He repairs business machines in New York City and must drive his 1948 Chevy Sedan to the train station in Wantagh, then take the commuter train into the city. Wouldn’t it be easier if Rosalyn could drive me, he muses. Though, he is home now, and the man looks forward to a relaxing meal with his family.

*     *     *

Burt Nilsson and his son Lester are sitting at the dining room table. The father looks at its flat yellowish surface and the chrome legs. Four matching chairs complete the set. In the distance, Rosalyn is preparing spaghetti. Lester walks in and sits down across from his father.

Morning Lester, the father says.

Morning Dad.

How was your first day of school?

The son remains quiet and with a feeling of guilt looks down at the table. The father is waiting for him to answer.

Well, how was school?

OK.

Lester what did you learn?

Lester remains quiet as he searches for the right words. Finally, he just blurts out an answer.

We learned how to fight!

What? the mother says.

Lester, what do you mean? Mr. Nilsson asks.

The son launches into a long monologue as he tells his parents about what had transpired that day. Their concern turns into anger as they wonder why the teacher became involved. Mrs. Nilsson becomes mad and speaks.

Burt, I better talk with Mrs. Prentise tomorrow.

That’s a good idea, Ros. Let’s find out what went on.

Lester becomes worried and solemn as he wonders what will be said about him.

*     *     *

Mrs. Nilsson is standing in the hall waiting for her son to come out. Other mothers are waiting, too. At first, they’re quiet until someone speaks.

My daughter said there was a fight yesterday, a mother says.

Oh? one asks.

But, my son said they were playing with the teacher, another interrupts.

My daughter said that they were playing, ‘King of the mountain’.

The door leading into the classroom opens, and the class runs into the hall. The mothers quickly collect their children and take them home. Though, a few parents remain. Mrs. Prentise looks at them.

Can I help you?

Mrs. Nilsson speaks first.

Lester told us that you taught them how to fight.

Not really, but their was a fight between Lester and another boy.

About what?

A boy untied Lester’s shoes.

Mrs. Nilsson is quiet until she remembers the bows on her son’s shoes and how proud he was to have tied them. Lester’s mother begins to laugh.

"What’s so funny? The teacher asks.

I think the fight was our fault.

Yours?

Burt showed Lester how to tie his shoes this morning. I guess that he was really proud of those bows.

OH, I see, the teacher says. And when another boy untied them, he got mad.

I guess that Lester has a lot to learn.

And Billy, too, his mother says.

The mothers collect their children and lead them outside. Mrs. Nilsson turns to Billy’s mother and speaks.

Hope tomorrow Mrs. Prentise controls our children better.

"So do I

II

GIRLS

The children are sitting in their seats. Most of them want to play, but, Mrs. Prentise prefers to continue their last Math lesson. Today, they’re going to do four more numbers. The young woman begins to pass blank sheets of paper out to the class. When the children receive their papers, some begin to fold them into four parts as they had done the previous day. Others quietly wait for the teacher to speak. Though, some prefer to play with their neighbors. A girl leans forward and taps Lester on the shoulder. He turns around and faces her.

What? he asks.

You play with me later?

The question startles him. She’s a girl! he winces. Lester answers, No.

Why?

You’re a girl, he answers loudly.

Others in the class turn their attention from Mrs. Prentise to the pair who are now arguing.

So?

You’re a girl, that’s all! Lester barks.

The outburst attracts the teacher’s attention, too, and she turns away from the blackboard.

Children, pay attention!

But, the two children ignore their teacher, and the girl’s tone is demanding when she asks, So? Why can’t we play?

You’re a girl, so leave me alone! Lester yells back again.

Would you two be quiet! Mrs. Prentise barks out.

Lester and the girl become quiet. Though, they have forgotten about the lesson. The class has too. Everyone begins to talk. Also, some get out of their seats.

Children! Would you sit down and be quiet!

Those that are standing return to their seats. The class settles down, too. Mrs. Prentise continues writing on the board. Slowly, the class shifts their attention to the blackboard and once more, they begin to copy the numbers on their papers.

The girl taps Lester on the shoulder again.

Leave me alone!

You play with me or not? she asks.

Emily, what’s wrong? Mrs. Prentise bellows.

Lester doesn’t want to play with me! she whines, and the girl begins to cry.

The class is quiet, though Mrs. Prentise tries to calm Emily down. Lester also remains quiet, too. Though, he feels that he should sit elsewhere. Away from that girl! he thinks. He raises his hand.

Yes?

Mrs. Prentise, can I sit someplace else?

OK, take an empty seat by the windows.

Emily watches Lester stand up and walk across the room. When he sits down, the teacher continues with the lesson. Though, Emily becomes quiet and pouts. In a few minutes, Emily raises her hand.

Yes Emily.

Can I move next to Lester?

No, Emily. You stay in your seat.

She begins to cry again. But Lester is relieved, and in a few moments, he looks at the blackboard and scribbles the number six. The rest of the morning goes by quickly and before he knows it, parents have opened the door and are looking into the room. A child gets out of his seat and runs to his mother.

John, go back to your seat and finish your numbers! the teacher says loudly.

But, he ignores her and hurries to his parent. The others get out of their seats, too and run to their mothers. Disgusted, Mrs. Prentise collects their papers from the empty tables, places them in a neat stack on her desk, and sits down. The day is done.

III

HEDGES

The years have come and gone, and the Nilsson’s neighborhood has changed. The simple, bare houses that were built on mostly treeless tiny lots are being changed into homes that cater to the needs, whims, and desires of their young owners.

Many homes now have attached garages that neatly blend into the form of the original structures. Others have built large porches that extend onto the backyards of their homes that provide the resident with needed seclusion and privacy from their neighbors.

The small lots have been bordered with fences and hedges that clearly define the boundaries of one’s ownership. Though often, a narrow space has been forced between the shrubbery where a young child can quickly go through the neighborhood. The small lots are being turned into an intricate network of trails and secrete passageways for the local youth to travel through. Though, parents often react very forcibly with a young intruder when he or she is caught trespassing.

Many times a parent is seen taking a youngster to his father or mother to tell them of the youth’s offense. Often punishment is swift but, soon forgotten by the parent. Though, the child’s memory of the incursion lingers, and he refrains from doing it again. For this was the time and place where concerned and loving parents raised a child in a no-nonsense manner that left little doubt of the child’s place. And, where many children’s problems were resolved by talking with another parent over a hedge or fence. However, there are times when an amiable discussion results into a heated argument.

*     *     *

Burt Nilsson is mowing his back yard. The orange Jacobson reel mower is leading him around the yard in neat rows. Burt is attentive, and he carefully watches the machine as it neatly shears the grass. Though, standing