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Levittown: Two Families, One Tycoon, and the Fight for Civil Rights in America's Legendary Suburb
The dark side of the American the true story of the first African-American family to move into the iconic suburb, Levittown, PA .
In the decade after World War II , one entrepreneurial family helped thousands of people buy into the American dream of owning a home. T he Levitts―William, Alfred, and their father, Abe―pooled their talents to create storybook towns with affordable little houses. T hey laid out the welcome mat, but not to everyone. Levittown had a whites-only policy. The events that unfolded in Levittown, PA, in the unseasonably hot summer of 1957 would rock the community. There, a white Jewish Communist family named Wechsler secretly arranged for a black family, the Myerses, to buy the pink house next door. T he explosive reaction would transform their lives, and the nation, leading to the downfall of a titan and the integration of the most famous suburb in the world. Levittown is a story of hope and fear, invention and rebellion, and the power that comes when ordinary people take an extraordinary stand. And it is as relevant today, more than fifty years later, as it was then.
In the decade after World War II , one entrepreneurial family helped thousands of people buy into the American dream of owning a home. T he Levitts―William, Alfred, and their father, Abe―pooled their talents to create storybook towns with affordable little houses. T hey laid out the welcome mat, but not to everyone. Levittown had a whites-only policy. The events that unfolded in Levittown, PA, in the unseasonably hot summer of 1957 would rock the community. There, a white Jewish Communist family named Wechsler secretly arranged for a black family, the Myerses, to buy the pink house next door. T he explosive reaction would transform their lives, and the nation, leading to the downfall of a titan and the integration of the most famous suburb in the world. Levittown is a story of hope and fear, invention and rebellion, and the power that comes when ordinary people take an extraordinary stand. And it is as relevant today, more than fifty years later, as it was then.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2009
11 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
David Kushner
28 books228 followersDavid Kushner is an award-winning journalist and author. He is a contributing editor of Wired, Rolling Stone, and Spectrum and is an adjunct professor of journalism at New York University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 11, 2020
"They wanted what everyone else wanted: a good home in a good community." -- page 49
Now here was an illuminating and often regrettable slice of local past events (I grew up about 70 miles west of the area) that was completely unknown to me. Kushner's Levittown details the origin of America's premiere pre-planned suburban communities and their link with racial segregation.
After the runaway success of building homes for the original Levittown on Long Island in New York (circa 1948) - which is considered establishing the 'suburb' archetype in the U.S. - the father and two-son team of the Levitts went bigger by purchasing ten square miles of broccoli and spinach fields just north of Philadelphia in 1951. For their second self-named community - intended for the influx of returning WWII military personnel, the largely working- and middle-class backbone of the region, who were now getting married and/or starting families - they again followed the guidelines which made their initial effort wildly successful. Distastefully, one of the little-known codicils in the buying / selling of houses was that the senior of the Levitt sons wanted to keep the place 'whites only,' fearing that his intended target market would scoff at residing in a mixed race neighborhood.
The quiet heroes of the story are the Myers family. An African-American husband / wife team (with two young sons and, later, a baby daughter) hailing from central Pennsylvania, they relocated to the newest Levittown for the prosperous area's employment opportunities. Unfortunately, just days into moving into their new house they are severely harassed by an angry and bigoted mob of their new neighbors, resulting in continual harassing / threatening phone calls, property vandalism, and even crosses being burned on the block. Thankfully, the Myers found support from a Jewish family living on the adjoining property (and, eventually, the commonwealth's attorney general's office), and the Myers' experiences highlight a sinister and somewhat-forgotten chapter of U.S. civil rights history.
Now here was an illuminating and often regrettable slice of local past events (I grew up about 70 miles west of the area) that was completely unknown to me. Kushner's Levittown details the origin of America's premiere pre-planned suburban communities and their link with racial segregation.
After the runaway success of building homes for the original Levittown on Long Island in New York (circa 1948) - which is considered establishing the 'suburb' archetype in the U.S. - the father and two-son team of the Levitts went bigger by purchasing ten square miles of broccoli and spinach fields just north of Philadelphia in 1951. For their second self-named community - intended for the influx of returning WWII military personnel, the largely working- and middle-class backbone of the region, who were now getting married and/or starting families - they again followed the guidelines which made their initial effort wildly successful. Distastefully, one of the little-known codicils in the buying / selling of houses was that the senior of the Levitt sons wanted to keep the place 'whites only,' fearing that his intended target market would scoff at residing in a mixed race neighborhood.
The quiet heroes of the story are the Myers family. An African-American husband / wife team (with two young sons and, later, a baby daughter) hailing from central Pennsylvania, they relocated to the newest Levittown for the prosperous area's employment opportunities. Unfortunately, just days into moving into their new house they are severely harassed by an angry and bigoted mob of their new neighbors, resulting in continual harassing / threatening phone calls, property vandalism, and even crosses being burned on the block. Thankfully, the Myers found support from a Jewish family living on the adjoining property (and, eventually, the commonwealth's attorney general's office), and the Myers' experiences highlight a sinister and somewhat-forgotten chapter of U.S. civil rights history.
July 7, 2022
3.5 stars This book was a July 2022 book club selection. It’s a factual retelling and history of the Levittown housing development post WWII and the violent confrontation of white home owners with a black family that chose to move to the all white enclave. The book deals less with the “whys” for the prohibition of blacks living in Levittown (read The Color of Law for this explanation) but still provides an inside view from a white couple who fought against the discrimination and the actual family embroiled in the middle of it. Maybe because I had read The Color of Law which included the Levittown story, I didn’t feel very impressed by this book. Though I think the story is important regardless of where you read it.
April 27, 2009
The actual story of the book--the integration of Levittown, PA in the 1950s--was interesting, but the middle of the book was longer than it needed to be. Parts of it were repetitive, and it could've used better editing overall. Sadly, I wasn't too surprised at the reaction of the original Levittowners, or the fact that today it's still 97% white there. Though it was disturbing to learn that there was an small KKK faction at the time as well as several cross-burning incidents.
September 28, 2025
As the subtitle says, this is the story of two families and one tycoon (Bill Levitt), but also the story of the town, the Levitt family, and to a lesser extent the story of suburbia.
The history of the town, returning war veterans, and marketing the development was interesting. The author gives a detailed account of the harassment, probably too detailed. A subplot barely touched on is the acceptance of harassment by the police - was that racism, a restriction on how much they could react, or a combination of both?
Listened to this as an audiobook, which was enjoyable. Frustrating to think the current US regime would prefer to return to these times.
The history of the town, returning war veterans, and marketing the development was interesting. The author gives a detailed account of the harassment, probably too detailed. A subplot barely touched on is the acceptance of harassment by the police - was that racism, a restriction on how much they could react, or a combination of both?
Listened to this as an audiobook, which was enjoyable. Frustrating to think the current US regime would prefer to return to these times.
July 24, 2009
I'm surprised I did not know of this story. Two stories, really. On the one hand is the story of the Levitts, who applied the principles of mass production and model communities to provide homes for over a hundred thousand people at a time when there was a need for such housing after World War II. Very interesting story of their creative and practical innovations in building, and the amassment and later the loss of tremendous wealth and renown. On the other hand it is a well-told story of the incredible commitment of an African-American couple and their children to take a stand for the rights of all people to live where they want to, and of the people who fought them and the people who helped them. The author has done his homework, and his description of these events is so detailed you imagine yourself knowing the people involved, and feeling some of the intensity of the struggles--on both sides of the issues. Although the details change, the heart of these conflicts is timeless and ubiquitous. I highly recommend the book.
January 29, 2019
Lesser-discussed corner of the civil rights movement and an interesting patch of PA history. The kind of thing that should be on curriculums in PA high schools. Any suburban high school, really. Quakers and social justice organizing, Communist activists, post-war housing boom, race riots, rise and fall of the architect behind suburban America. William Levitt, the bigoted Ray Kroc of real estate? Just discovered there is a George Clooney-made film loosely based on this story. If it's anywhere near the quality of The Founder, I'd consider watching, but I have my doubts.
August 5, 2020
The content of this book is excellent. However, Levittown is not particularly well written nor gripping. The subject-matter is important and should be a larger part of the national conversation/public education, but this was not an engaging means by which to gain exposure to residential segregation and the exclusionary nature of the American suburban dream. While the story and history at the heart of the book are quite moving and relevant— particularly in this time—the storytelling and writing dragged. History teachers should read Levittown and present the insights of the book to students.
April 24, 2010
I didn't know much of the history of Levittown, and how its heyday coincided with the civil rights movement. This book was pretty great. Minus a few points for typos, though. I hate that!
January 18, 2020
A very human story. The author does a wonderful job capturing the voices and experiences of his interview subjects - it really makes you feel as if you're getting a true glimpse into life in Levittown in '57.
The historical information could have been treated better - something the author admits himself in the introduction. It's jarring to read Kushner strip away the historical roots of 50's integration fights. For instance he writes, "[redlining] was a sad turning point in American history, as Kenneth Jackson would note: 'For perhaps the first time, the federal government embraced the discriminatory attitudes of the marketplace. Previously, prejudices were personalized and individualized; FHA exhorted segregation and enshrined it as public policy.'" Prejudices in America were never just "personalized." Kushner is also unafraid to quote people using the n-word at the time of the integration fight, which is... a lot. Like so much.
The historical information could have been treated better - something the author admits himself in the introduction. It's jarring to read Kushner strip away the historical roots of 50's integration fights. For instance he writes, "[redlining] was a sad turning point in American history, as Kenneth Jackson would note: 'For perhaps the first time, the federal government embraced the discriminatory attitudes of the marketplace. Previously, prejudices were personalized and individualized; FHA exhorted segregation and enshrined it as public policy.'" Prejudices in America were never just "personalized." Kushner is also unafraid to quote people using the n-word at the time of the integration fight, which is... a lot. Like so much.
March 25, 2017
Kushner weaves the story of the builders of the Levittown developments with one account of rampant racism in Levittown, PA, in the late 1950s. Fascinating to me, since I lived practically around the corner from the drama but don't recall anything of it. Of course, I was 10 at the time. The book utilizes many archival sources to back up the facts. A good read for those, like me, who have direct links to the area.
October 21, 2020
I thought it would only be about desegregation of Levittown but it was also a pretty good history of immediate post-war suburbia. Most of the book is about Levittown PA, as that's where the civil rights action took place.
Caveat: I think I'm getting tired of full narrative histories, but I don't think this book is to blame. It was well done.
Caveat: I think I'm getting tired of full narrative histories, but I don't think this book is to blame. It was well done.
August 7, 2019
A very interesting history of Levittown. I always wanted to know more about this town and how it was created. I was never aware of the racial strife linked to the town. A sad part of our history.
The book help my interest and I would recommend it to others.
The book help my interest and I would recommend it to others.
June 4, 2024
This book is an important story, but a bad read. The beginning was interesting but the middle was entirely too repetitive. I agree with others that it could have used a good editor. Nevertheless, it's important to learn about the history.
September 29, 2024
So interesting to see one slice so systemic racism and how it grows in the US. I enjoyed this book because it is rooted in the lives of 4-5 people mainly and their stories tell the larger story very clearly.
August 22, 2017
I found this story really interesting especially since I knew little about these "Levittowns" in the Northeast. I was upset by the racism which existed in PA, NJ, and NY.
August 15, 2017
I have lived in Pennsylvania my entire life including a short time in Bucks County and did not know this story. I knew of Levittown but not this shameful history. It is well told and thought provoking. We should all be grateful for the courage of people like the Myers' and the Wechslers who endured so much to stand up for civil rights. Let's hope that we all can find the courage when it's necessary.
July 10, 2010
David Kushner's Levittown is a fascinating and important story of a now almost forgotten and yet important era and episode in America's 20th century history. It relays the story of the Levitts, the most influential builders/developers of the post-WWII era, and of the underside of one of their more unfortunate policies.
The story of the suburbanization on America is both interesting and important and the Levitts, and especially number one son Bill, were at the center of this society-changing phenomenon. Their creation of Levittown became the iconic American suburb, a dream community to which so many WWII veterans aspired that it changed our culture. And yet all was not as it seemed in these well-planned communities. In fact, some of the Levitts' policies helped both to create this dysfunction as well as, ultimately, to lead to their demise.
Conceptually, the ruthless tycoon referred to in the title is Bill Levitt, the driving force behind his family's development company that became the dominant player in the mid-20th century suburban boom/migration. One of the two titular families referred to is that of William and Daisy Myers. The other family could be the Wechslers, their sponsors, neighbors and friends or the Levitts themselves - that I'm not sure says something.
Further, one of the weaknesses of the book is that while the reporting of the pivotal scences of the drama that is at the core of the book is thorough, it is also a bit underwhelming. As much as one can empathize with the plight of the Myers family when they integrate Levittown, PA, the comparisons to the risks taken by other civil rights pioneers can at times seem overdrawn. Yes, they faced real risk, but the net result of the harassing behavior of their fellow residents was in reality minor (at least by today's standards). Perhaps its vehemence was shocking in its time, but in the retelling of it today it seems as if some of the drama (or at least some of the drama that the author wants us to feel) is lost in translation.
This being said, this incident is a pivotal one that is largely forgotten today and rightly chronicled in this book. In sum, it is an important story that deserves to be told (even if this retelling is a tad overwrought at points). I recommend this book to students of (American) history, sociology, urbanization/suburbanization, the Civil Rights Movement or anyone who likes to appreciate the un(der)appreciated.
The story of the suburbanization on America is both interesting and important and the Levitts, and especially number one son Bill, were at the center of this society-changing phenomenon. Their creation of Levittown became the iconic American suburb, a dream community to which so many WWII veterans aspired that it changed our culture. And yet all was not as it seemed in these well-planned communities. In fact, some of the Levitts' policies helped both to create this dysfunction as well as, ultimately, to lead to their demise.
Conceptually, the ruthless tycoon referred to in the title is Bill Levitt, the driving force behind his family's development company that became the dominant player in the mid-20th century suburban boom/migration. One of the two titular families referred to is that of William and Daisy Myers. The other family could be the Wechslers, their sponsors, neighbors and friends or the Levitts themselves - that I'm not sure says something.
Further, one of the weaknesses of the book is that while the reporting of the pivotal scences of the drama that is at the core of the book is thorough, it is also a bit underwhelming. As much as one can empathize with the plight of the Myers family when they integrate Levittown, PA, the comparisons to the risks taken by other civil rights pioneers can at times seem overdrawn. Yes, they faced real risk, but the net result of the harassing behavior of their fellow residents was in reality minor (at least by today's standards). Perhaps its vehemence was shocking in its time, but in the retelling of it today it seems as if some of the drama (or at least some of the drama that the author wants us to feel) is lost in translation.
This being said, this incident is a pivotal one that is largely forgotten today and rightly chronicled in this book. In sum, it is an important story that deserves to be told (even if this retelling is a tad overwrought at points). I recommend this book to students of (American) history, sociology, urbanization/suburbanization, the Civil Rights Movement or anyone who likes to appreciate the un(der)appreciated.
April 1, 2010
Great book that tells the story of the Levitt family, the growth of the American suburb, American racism, the Civil Rights movement, with a bit of 1950's McCarthyism thrown in for good measure.
This book tells an important part of the story of the 1950's, a decade described as the "decade of conformity." I think it is also seen as the golden age for those who espouse a return to traditional values (whatever those are?) This story exposes the often ugly side of the emphasis on conformity.
Kushner begins by telling the story of Bill and Abe Levitt, brothers who apply the principles of the assembly line to the home construction business. Seeing that US soldiers returning from WWII will be able to buy houses, the Levitt's begin building a new type of suburb. Planning everything down to the smallest details, the Levitt's make the decision to not sell their homes to African-Americans.
The story then shifts to two families. The first family, the Weschlers is a Jewish family which had belonged to the Communist Party during the 1940's. The second is the Meyerses, a African-American family which just wants a bigger home after the birth of their third child. The Meyerses purchase the house next door to the Weschlers and the real problems begin as it becomes apparent that bigotry and racism were not isolated to the South.
The story follows the two families as they deal with abusive crowds, cross burnings, and a nonchalant police force. In the face of the ugly hatred, other folks from the region and some from Levittown come to the assistance of the families. In the end, the state government intervenes, the violence aimed at the families comes to an end, and life goes on for everyone. The one exception is Bill Levitt. Kushner describes his fall from power as he continues to try and maintain his racist policies. Eventually his arrogance leads to his downfall.
I would recommend this to everyone.
This book tells an important part of the story of the 1950's, a decade described as the "decade of conformity." I think it is also seen as the golden age for those who espouse a return to traditional values (whatever those are?) This story exposes the often ugly side of the emphasis on conformity.
Kushner begins by telling the story of Bill and Abe Levitt, brothers who apply the principles of the assembly line to the home construction business. Seeing that US soldiers returning from WWII will be able to buy houses, the Levitt's begin building a new type of suburb. Planning everything down to the smallest details, the Levitt's make the decision to not sell their homes to African-Americans.
The story then shifts to two families. The first family, the Weschlers is a Jewish family which had belonged to the Communist Party during the 1940's. The second is the Meyerses, a African-American family which just wants a bigger home after the birth of their third child. The Meyerses purchase the house next door to the Weschlers and the real problems begin as it becomes apparent that bigotry and racism were not isolated to the South.
The story follows the two families as they deal with abusive crowds, cross burnings, and a nonchalant police force. In the face of the ugly hatred, other folks from the region and some from Levittown come to the assistance of the families. In the end, the state government intervenes, the violence aimed at the families comes to an end, and life goes on for everyone. The one exception is Bill Levitt. Kushner describes his fall from power as he continues to try and maintain his racist policies. Eventually his arrogance leads to his downfall.
I would recommend this to everyone.
October 8, 2010
The explosion of suburban growth in the post-War II era was lead by the Levitts. The first Levittown in NY, was wildly successful. It filled a need for the returning vets so that they could start their families in a "safe" environment...as long as they were white. The builder, Levitt, required that his houses not be sold to blacks and the government backed him up on that. Shame.
Later, Levitt built another community called Levittown in PA. Pretty soon, a black family, a veteran's family, wanted to buy a house in this Levittown. This family was thrust into the forefront of the civil rights movement every bit as much as Rose Parks. The Myers are less well known, but their fight was just as courageous.
This book chronicles the intersection of the Levitts, the Myers, racism and the building of suburbia. There is suspense and drama, good people and "misguided" people. It is a piece of history with which I was unfamiliar and now I am not. David Kushner's writing made for a quick read.
Later, Levitt built another community called Levittown in PA. Pretty soon, a black family, a veteran's family, wanted to buy a house in this Levittown. This family was thrust into the forefront of the civil rights movement every bit as much as Rose Parks. The Myers are less well known, but their fight was just as courageous.
This book chronicles the intersection of the Levitts, the Myers, racism and the building of suburbia. There is suspense and drama, good people and "misguided" people. It is a piece of history with which I was unfamiliar and now I am not. David Kushner's writing made for a quick read.
June 14, 2010
The title suggests something broader than what this book is: the story of integrating the Pennsylvania Levittown in the mid-1950s. But Kushner throws in a lot of other stuff - the Levitt family story, personal histories, and more details about the initial, Long Island, NY Levittown - than is necessary or even useful. And he only briefly mentions more interesting aspects of the racial integration - like the involvement of clergy and various organizing committees, the role of homemakers in the social fabric, recruitment among the opposition by the national KKK, and antipathy towards socialist-leaning organizers. These ommissions are all so relevant to the context (1950s suburbia) that it's a real disservice to the tale.
But otherwise, it was a good book.
But otherwise, it was a good book.
January 17, 2010
This is a very good book about a slice of American History that has gone unnoticed for too long. This book is essentially the root of why the Suburbs are mostly made up of White Middle class families. A father and two sons decide to build cookie-cutter homes for veterans returning from WWII to honor them. With a few exceptions. You couldn't be black, jewish, or communist. Yet the creators of this "Levittown" were Jewish. It's a strange and disturbing tale told beautifully by David Kushner. Though I must worn he is a bit repetitive in his writing/story telling.
May 6, 2013
This should be required reading for anyone interested in the dark side of suburbia, or Long Island history (although it mostly focuses on Levittown, PA). Well-researched yet reads in an interesting narrative style. I knew Long Island, and many other parts of the North, had a racist history, but I hadn't realized just how bad it was. I stand in awe of what the Myers family endured, propped up only by a handful of sympathetic neighbors, and their own quiet strength and belief in what is right. Inspiring.
May 16, 2022
Another fascinating story from Kushner, whose Masters of Doom ranks amongst my favorite nonfiction books. Unfortunately it lacks some of the sensational moments which make his other books pop; it's just not as interesting a moment in history, especially for how much backstory is required / presented, and maybe it isn't a story best told by a white author anyway.
It won't dissuade me from reading his other stuff (The Players Ball is already on my to-read shelf) but for fans looking to round out the collection, this one is probably a safe skip.
It won't dissuade me from reading his other stuff (The Players Ball is already on my to-read shelf) but for fans looking to round out the collection, this one is probably a safe skip.
July 4, 2009
In the mid-1950s a black family tried to move to Levittown, Pennsylania, an all-white enclave that helped (along with two other Levittowns) create the prototype for post-War suburbia. This is a thrilling and appalling tale of a racial conflict but also has a lot to say about the rise and fall of the Levitts and their suburban idyll. For those of us who grew up hating suburbia, the book also explains much of the post-war phenomena of why our parents rushed to these greenfields.
July 23, 2016
I stumbled on this book in the "$2.99 or Less" list on my Nook (Barnes & Noble). The more I read the more embarrassed I felt for not having known a thing about this part of American history. Should be required reading for any class on modern American history or civil rights as it does a wonderful job of tying together the entire "mood" of the times it takes place in, something you miss learning just the facts in a class.
June 9, 2009
This was a very well-written, easy to read account of the civil rights struggles in this famous suburb. The author was able to really bring out the humanness of each of the people involved. It was fascinating to read about the civil rights struggle in a way that's not usually focused on- the struggle for blacks to buy decent housing in predominantly white neighborhoods. Very interesting.
May 26, 2010
This book is a great history of racial barriers to fair housing in the US in the 20th century. However, I feel that 2/3 of the way into the book, I'd read the story. No need to continue. I got it. So, did that mean it did not keep my attention, or does it mean that it should have been edited? Not sure.
April 28, 2013
This is a well-written, interesting book about civil rights, specifically in housing after WWII. Though I certainly knew about the rise of Levittown as a source of affordable housing, I wasn't aware of the racist policies of the Levitts. The book shows the courage of several families as they fought to integrate Levitttown, Pennsylvania, a very uplifting tale.
November 2, 2015
I knew so little about Levittown; there were many such towns, founder Bill Levitt was a racist assuring covenants no longer valid in the United States... This book is the story of a brave family that broke the Levittown color barrier, their supporters, and the enemies that fomented a race riot to unsuccessfully move them out.
October 22, 2011
Once you get beyond the author's sledgehammer good guy vs bad guy language, a fascinating story. When it comes to nonfiction with a moral backdrop, I think I've been spoiled by Egger's pitch-perfect approach in Zeitoun.
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