Valley Stream Historical Society launches literary program

Past and present Valley Stream residents are encouraged to submit their memories, essays or autobiographies to the Valley Stream Historical Society as part of the organization’s new literary project, “WriteOn – Valley Stream Stories.”
Amy Bentley, a Historical Society trustee, said that the organization decided to launch a literary program because the members saw “funny” and “poignant” stories on the Valley Stream of Yesteryear Facebook page, which the Historical Society operates.
“The Society wanted to capture that energy and give Streamers a permanent place to house their memories,” she said.
The inaugural submission is by Walter F. Todd, a former resident who lived in Valley Stream from 1944 to the mid-1960s. He wrote “I Grew Up in Valley Stream,” a 32-page memoir and an evocative story of his beloved hometown. The Todds were a well-known Valley Stream family. Bill, Walter’s father, was a Village of Valley Stream trustee for nine years.
“Reading my great-grandmother’s memoir, which she wrote at age 85, inspired me to tell my story,” said Todd, who is now 76. “And now I am hoping to pass that onto others.”
The Society is not looking for perfectly polished manuscripts, Bentley said. Rather, it is interested in honest narratives of Valley Stream childhoods, schooling, adulthoods, leisure activities and cultural events. Immigrant stories are especially welcome. Submissions can be any length.
To read Todd’s story and for instructions on how to submit your own memories, please visit the Historical Society’s website at www.vsvny.org/historical and click the ‘WriteOn’ link.