Letters to the Editor: 11.20.97

Then And Now

East Hampton

November 16, 1997

Dear Helen:

Patsy Southgate is right that today's sitcoms have changed our view of young people's lives, although I often wonder if Seinfeld et al. are mirroring what's happening or making up a model for the young in the suburbs to follow when they move to the city.

However, the fact that so much is different is one of the reasons "Barefoot in the Park" is fun to see. Rather than deja vu (as in "So what else is new?") it is a comic view of the way we were before Kennedy's assassination, the march on Washington, antiwar demonstrations, the rise of feminism - all the things that have changed the world so drastically. "Barefoot" is a window on a giddy, simpler past.

The set is very like the rooms pictured in women's magazines in 1963. The drapes, screens, and paintings may be a bit much, but you could make wonderful finds in the trash at curbside in those days. A friend of mine once found a bentwood rocker in perfect condition.

Foreign food was still regarded with suspicion. Ideas of dressing for company were more formal. Drinking habits were not like now.

Girls were still afraid of their mothers' opinions. Part of the celebrated romance of Manhattan was finding an affordable apartment with a fabulous feature, never mind the inconveniences. The view through the skylight here is certainly fabulous.

I never knew anyone who wanted to walk barefoot in the park, but did know people who went to Central Park to make angels in the snow. The carefree, lighthearted approach was admired. Drugs had not yet tainted the scene.

You weren't afraid to park your car on the street (although you could rarely find a space close by), and a trip to another borough for dinner wasn't out of the question.

What about now? Well, walkups still exist wherever a brownstone has become apartments, and people still laugh at anyone who would live six flights up, but some do and for much higher rent. Being inventive with bizarre living spaces is still the name of the game.

Today few people in their 50s feel old or out of it.

Dueling among newlyweds is probably different because expectations have matured, living together in advance is common, and therapists are around to run to. (Therapists are never mentioned in this play.)

Your own sensations of recognition enhance the viewing of "Barefoot," but just the pleasure of seeing an attractive cast perform a funny play with panache - and they do - is a fine reward.

MILDRED GRANITZ

On Sacrifice

East Hampton

November 11, 1997

Dear Mrs. Rattray,

Yesterday, Monday, Nov. 10, 1997, I visited Robert Keene in his small office on South Main Street, Southampton. I hadn't seen him since he closed his bookstore on Hampton Road. He is the Southampton Town historian. He remembered me after I jarred his memory a little. We talked of many things as two old men are wont to do. He is 80 years old and I am 74 years old. He spoke of Miss Dorothy King of the East Hampton Library.

Today being Veterans Day and with people arguing over the value of one vote, I am thinking of my two brothers, Willard Norton Jr., a marine in World War II, and Gerald Norton, an army private in World War II. Also Wilmot Petty, a friend of mine and a marine who died in the Pacific on his second tour, and Robert Hudson, an army medic who died in Europe. They in effect died that I might live. If Nazism had triumphed I would be dead because I am both mentally and physically impaired.

By "one vote," Adolf Hitler took over the Nazi party in 1923, the year I was born. Who knows, maybe he would have faded from the scene if he had lost. But he didn't, and millions died that we might live. Those who lament that life isn't fair are usually those who have never sacrificed too much. To give your life that others might live - that's sacrifice.

Sincerely,

DONALD NORTON

Poor Bird

New York City

November 1, 1997

To Whom . . .

I am writing to you about a problem, and I hope you can help.

I visit my niece in East Hampton often (she teaches school there), and I find my enjoyment of your beautiful town is muddied by a lovely, huddled swan in the pond.

I will contribute $100 to bring a companion to the poor bird, and I'll do whatever is needed to support this cause.

All creatures need us to make their lives just a little bit better.

Thank you,

KATE C. BUTLAR

Please address correspondence to [email protected]

Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number for purposes of verification.