1948: Viewed with some suspicion when they first appeared in Western cities at the end of the 18th century, by the end of the 19th street lamps came to be seen as the quintessential symbol of modernity; a community was said to "have arrived" with the acquisition of such a luxury. Levittown entered the enlightened age in September of 1948 with the installation of the first street lamps placed along its winding lanes - although it would not be until December that they were ready for illumination.

1948: In many respects, post-WW II suburbia was a creature and creation of the automotive age; highway systems making what had hitherto been farmland beyond major cities more accessible to real estate developers like William Levitt. If Levittown had a car in every garage, that car was often away at work with the head-of-household in this era of one-income families. As a consequence, in September of 1948, the Puriton Bus Company began service from Levittown to the shopping district along Broadway in Hicksville.

Want to learn more about Levittown history? Since 1988 the Levittown Historical Society has been dedicated to preserving the legacy of William J. Levitt, and the world-famous suburban town he and his family founded for homecoming GIs (and its "sister cities" throughout the globe), and the rural communities of Jerusalem and Island Trees that preceded it. To this end, the Society maintains a museum at the Levittown Memorial Education Center, manages educational programs under the auspices of the Levittown School District, and participates in various community events. For more information call 735-9060 or visit www.levittownhistoricalsociety.org.