Growing Up in Springfield, New Jersey

Book excerpt: Dr. Lee Kronert believes that his hometown, Springfield, New Jersey, was the best place ever to grow up in during the nineteen-sixties. Springfield, a predominantly Jewish community located right outside of the city of Newark and only 19 miles from New York City, was an absolute haven for young baby boomers. While the War in Vietnam, the Civil Right Marches, and three assassinations of United States leadership filled the headlines, life in the small community of Springfield continued on joyfully for those fortunate enough to call it their home. Instead of focusing on hippies protesting at sit-ins or stopping trains carrying young troops off to war, the youth of Springfield had sports to play and watch, the British Music Invasion, and getting to enjoy members of the opposite sex to occupy their minds. Oh, the town folks were well aware of the turbulent times around them and were not only concerned but reached out to assist those in need. Old and young alike in Springfield did not have their heads buried in the sand. No, they were good people who loved their neighbor and who raised their children to become caring, active and successful adults who in turn would help to make the world a better place.