Then & now: Home life

Levittown

Then

Basic cape homes, with no basements, sprang up in 1954.

Now

Homeowners expanded properties with dormers, extensions, siding and porches.

Food

Then

In 1978, continental food like that served at La Capannina in Northport was fashionable, and the tangy, spicy Szechuan cuisine was making a splash, as in the newly opened Hunam in Levittown.

Now

By 2009, sushi and Asian Fusion seemingly ruled. Locally grown produce was a buzz phrase.

Home appliances

Then

In 1978 Almond was the new color for kitchen appliances, although Harvest Gold and Avocado Green were still popular. An 18-cubic-foot frostless refrigerator was on sale at J.C. Penney for $429.95. In 1978, Levitz advertised a recliner for $69, regularly sold for $109, and a sectional sofa for $499, with a $449 loveseat.

Now

The preferred look is stainless steel, although white and black remain common. Watch out for oiled bronze on the horizon. In February 2010, P.C. Richard advertised an 18.2-cubic-foot frost-free refrigerator for a sale price of $424.97. Levitz recently advertised sofas for $399 and recliners on sale at Macy’s were priced at $349 to $449. One that both swiveled and glided cost $649.

Food prices

Then

ShopRite 1978: chicken breast with ribs, 99 cents a pound, leg quarters, 79 cents a pound. Frozen shrimp, $1.99 a pound. Grapefruit, 6 for 99 cents; 10-pound bag of potatoes, 69 cents, 3-pound bag of yellow onions, 49 cents.

Now

ShopRite 2010: chicken breast boneless, $2.49 a pound, leg quarters, 49 cents a pound. Shrimp, $4.69 to $6.99 a pound. Organic grapefruit, 2 for $4; 10-pound bag of potatoes, 2 for $5; 3-pound bag of yellow onions, $1.79.

Home heating oil

Then

In 1978, Slomin’s home heating oil cost as little as 31.7 cents per gallon.

Now

Slomin’s home heating oil will cost $2.599 per gallon for the next 12 months.