Willingboro Public Library

Abstract

The years immediately following World War II saw a prolific growth in the population and housing requirements on the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Servicemen returning from the war in Europe and the Pacific were assisted by government in their desires to settle into a peaceful family life. To cope with the demand for new homes Abraham Levitt and his sons William and Alfred had developed a ‘fast track’ construction process, which involved pre-fabrication of framing off-site. Production line methods were required to keep pace with the demand fuelled by government loan schemes and mortgage tax breaks. Levitt & Sons alone built in excess of 140,00 houses. The resulting suburban sprawl became home to the ‘baby boom’ generation.