Friday, March 12, 2010
Lawrence Levitt was the eldest of five children born to Herbert and Lily in 1912, on the sixth line of Warwick Township. He lived there with his brother Harold and sisters Greta, Joyce and Bernice. Lawrence contracted the polio virus when he was six months old, but this disability didn't hold him back or slow him down. Being the eldest, he was always considered by his siblings to be "in charge" and to have the final say about things.
Apple and pear orchards were planted on the farm in the 1930's. The Levitt's also produced peaches, plums and grapes. Peaches were hauled to Sarnia in a Model-T and trailer, and apples were often pedalled door-to-door throughout a wide area. For many years Lawrence, Harold, Greta and Bernice travelled early in the morning to Sarnia and London markets, and spent long days selling their produce on the Levitt Bros. stand.
They were known for having heritage varieties which were grown on trees reaching heights of greater than 12 feet. They purchased SS #14 Schoolhouse in 1963 and converted it into an apple cold storage, using it for many years until their gradual retirement from the fruit business.
Greenhouses were also erected on the farm in the late 40's providing local residents with quality vegetables and flower plants for their home gardens. They would start seeding young plants in mid-winter in wooden boxes, and tended to them diligently until the 24th of May weekend when crowds of loyal customers would come to pick up their annuals.
The Levitt family was musically gifted. Herbert played the piano while Lawrence, Harold and Greta all played different parts on the violin, playing for many dances in the area. They also belonged to the Forest Excelsior Band, with Lawrence joining at a young age. He played a number of different horn instruments and continued as an active member of the Band for over 40 years, enjoying playing at local band tattoos. One highlight for Lawrence was when they travelled to compete at the Canadian National Exhibition. Lawrence also enjoyed participating with the Band in minstrel shows in the '40's to raise money for the war effort. Lawrence taught himself to play the piano at the age of 65 which provided him with many hours of enjoyment in his retirement years.
When he finally had the time to relax and watch television, Lawrence Welk and Don Messer were favourites.
Although Lawrence never married and had no children of his own, in 1950 his sister Joyce married neighbour George Starkey. Lawrence enjoyed having nieces, Velma & Linda, and nephew Glen living right across the road. The Levitt farm was a second home to them, and they have fond remembrances of many happy childhood days spent there - working and playing.
In the 1960's the Levitts acquired a small travel trailer which allowed them to go camping and take summer road trips between spring planting and apple picking time. Lawrence, Harold and Greta were fortunate to be able to travel with sister Joyce and nephew Glen to Florida in 1982, giving them the opportunity for their first and only airplane ride.
Lawrence moved to Forest in 1989 with Harold and Greta, and he lived on Park Lane for several years until his health necessitated a move to the North Lambton Lodge. Lawrence was a popular resident there for over ten years, and made an impression on many staff members. The Lodge was his home, and fellow residents and staff became like family to him. He was an amazing man, living more than 97 years and outliving all of his younger siblings. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
