The Levittown Historical Society had an exceptional turnout for its first open house, held last Friday. One of the most prominent figures in attendance was Simone Levitt, widow of Levittown builder William Levitt.

Visitors to the Historical Society Museum, located in a converted classroom in Levittown Memorial Education Center, had the opportunity to view various items from throughout the last 51 years. The museum opened in April 1997 as part of Levittown's 50th Anniversary celebration. The items in the museum have been accumulated by members of the Historical Society over the last eight years. Since the opening of the museum many people outside the society have generously donated items that they had from the early days.

By mid-1999, over 3,000 people had visited the museum, many of them Levittown school children who are sent on a treasure hunt, the answers for which are found in the museum. Scouts and seniors have also taken tours through the museum.

Items ranged from the World War II memorabilia, to a wedding dress worn by an early Levittowner, to wedding gifts from the era, Lionel Trains, children's toys from the early Levitt days, pictures of the building stages of the Levitt homes, pictures of the 40th Anniversary Celebration, a painting of William Levitt, and house furnishings from an original Levitt home. Everything from the two different types of Levitt kitchens to a toilet from an original Levitt house are on display for interested patrons. The outside wall of the museum features the physical history of Levittown, while the inside wall features the pictorial history, including a tribute to William Levitt.

Walking through the museum during the open house, residents could be heard reminiscing about growing up in the early days of the community or telling their children about what Levittown used to be like and how it had changed.

Visitors waited anxiously for Mrs. Levitt to arrive and thought back to the last time she had been to Levittown. Up until this visit Levitt had not returned since her husband's passing in 1994.

Returning to Levittown and seeing the tribute to her husband was clearly an emotional experience for Simone Levitt. She toured the museum and spent some time looking at the pictures of her and her husband at the 40th Anniversary Parade before moving on to examine the other memories of Levittown past.

The Historical Society, led by President Polly Dwyer and Vice President Paul Manton, presented Mrs. Levitt with flowers, Levittown memorabilia, and a copy of Peter Jennings' book The Century, which features Levittown.

On how it felt to see this tribute to her husband, Levitt said, "It's really very emotional and nostalgic. It's great to see people continuing the legacy of my husband. He would have been been honored. I'm very, very moved and gratified."