US here we come

We had two days in Binghamton, about three-and-a-half hours upstate from Manhattan by bus. Binghamton is not a tourist destination. Its appeal to me was that it’s the place where Rod Serling, creator of the Twilight Zone television series and Emmy Award winning script-writer, was raised. Affection for one’s hometown was a recurring theme in Serling’s writings and, in one Twilight Zone episode (“Walking Distance”), Serling shows that one actually can go home again – quite literally (in the Twilight Zone, that is). (However, it can’t work out to anyone’s real satisfaction, as “there’s only one Summer to a customer”. In the real world, you only live your life once – so make the most of every moment!).

I’ll post again, in detail, about Binghamton. For now, some photos: “submitted for your approval”….

Barry outside the house on Bennett Avenue where Serling grew up.

Barry on the carousel (merry-go-round) in Binghamton’s Rec Park that featured in Serling’s Twilight Zone episode, ‘Walking Distance’. (The carousel in the episode was carefully recreated at the studio in California where the series was produced).

The carousel in Rec Park, Binghamton.

The plaque at Binghamton’s Recreation Park commemorating the Twilight Zone episode, ‘Walking Distance’, that was inspired by Serling’s hometown. The park is literally within walking distance of Serling’s home on Bennett Avenue.

Joan, Hannah and Joey with our new-found good friend and fellow-Serlingologist, Larry Kassan. (Larry, you are a true gentleman and champion!).

Barry at sign at front of Binghamton High School commemorating Serling, who graduated in 1943.

A patchwork portrait of Rod Serling donated to Binghamton High School. It was made by students from another school.

Joan inspecting the wonderful permanent exhibition in memory of Serling at Binghamton’s Forum Theatre.