After the doldrums of rain throughout pretty much of the entire month of June, the Levittown Historical Society is giving residents something fun to do during the remainder of the summer. Society Vice President Paul Manton and board member Kathy Manton came up with the idea to host a Home and Garden Contest, where residents can show off their houses and gardening efforts.

Historical Society President Polly Dwyer said that many gardens probably benefited from all of June's rain and this contest provides an opportunity for residents to show them off. "Many people have such beautiful homes and gardens, and June was so awful, so residents have plenty of time to go out and spruce the place up a bit" she said. In fact, residents have until the end of September to submit an entry for the contest.

Levittown homeowners who are interested in entering the contest are asked to send a color photograph (or photographs) of their house and garden as viewed from the front of their home. The judges, who are all 14 members of the society's board, will look for houses that show a little difference from other homes in the community. In essence they will look for homes that have curb appeal and will look at both the house itself as well as the garden.

"If one photo does not do the house justice, several color photographs are permitted," Dwyer explained. "We're not necessarily looking for the backyards, just what [can be seen] from the street."

Dwyer admitted that board members may have a hard time selecting only one grand prize winner, as the society currently intends to award only one prize. The winner of the contest will receive, in addition to bragging rights, a $50 gift certificate to Domenico's Restaurant.

"We might have a really tough decision to make," Dwyer said, adding that in the end board members may end up awarding more than one prize.

To enter, residents can send their color photograph(s) with their name, address and phone number, along with a $5 processing fee, before September 30 to the Levittown Historical Society, PO Box 57, Levittown NY 11756-0057.

Dwyer added that residents are invited to tell their friends or family members whose homes they feel are beautiful to enter the contest.

"For those who know of a special house in the community, please let them know about the contest," she said. "As [the saying goes], you have to be in it to win it."

Dwyer stressed that this contest is only open to residents of Levittown, those who reside in the 11756 zip code. The winner will be announced at the October 20 meeting of the society. Contest judges and their families are not eligible to enter. For more information, contact the Levittown Historical Society at 735-9060.