Dr. Lee Kronert has a new book out titled, GROWING UP IN SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY. Dr. Kronert is a former resident and considers Springfield the best town to grow up in during the turbulent sixties.  In an exclusive phone interview with Patriot Times, Lee noted, “This not a book 'about' Springfield, but rather a story of  a young man who was raised there. Springfield serves as the setting for the story.”  We do note that the author is highly biased when it comes to the love of his hometown.

We asked Dr. Kronert, "Why do you think Springfield is the best town ever?"

He responded, "Obviously, I haven't lived in every town in the U.S. I can only gauge my viewpoint on what Springfield was like in the 1960's. Great parents, an excellent school system along with wonderful teachers who cared and guided us and a community dedicated to both representing and building character in their youth. We were introduced to solid sports programs, music and plays, and there was always fun stuff to do close by. Well, at least that's how it was in the sixties. So to answer your question. Could other towns have been as great to grow up in as Springfield? I suppose so.  But I doubt it."

If you grew up in Springfield in the 1960’s you’ll recognize many of the places and recall the teachers named throughout his story as well.  Dr. Kronert’s book is available on Amazon and we understand it will soon be available at the Springfield Public Library.  So take a step back to the 1960’s and see if you remember Newberry’s, Kays Hardware, Dairy Queen (the one on Mountain Ave not Route 22!) and Go Billikens!