"Everyone has to have a hometown, Binghamton's mine. In the strangely brittle, terribly
sensitive makeup of a human being, there is a need for a place to hang a hat, or
kind of geographical womb to crawl back into, or maybe just a place that's familiar
because that's where you grew up. When I dig back through my memory cells, I get
one particularly distinctive feeling and that's one of warmth, comfort and well-being.
For whatever else I may have had, or lost, or will find, I've still got a hometown.
This, nobody's gonna take away from me." - Rod Serling
Rod
Serling, creator of "The Twilight Zone" grew up in Binghamton. His boyhood home
still stands at 67 Bennett Street, Binghamton. He graduated from Binghamton Central
High School in 1943. There are some key points of interest for Serling fans to visit
in the area.
- An area such as the bandstand in Recreation Park (Beethoven Street, Binghamton)
was the site of the "Walking Distance" episode of "The Twilight Zone" series. Both
Serling and the character in the episode carved their initials in the bandstand.
There is now a bronze plaque located in the bandstand to commemorate. A historical
marker stands outside of Binghamton High School (Main Street, Binghamton).
- The Rod Serling School of the Arts in the High School has been named in honor of
this famous graduate.
- "Day of a Playwright" is the name of the permanent display at the Forum Theatre
for the Performing Arts (Washington Street, Binghamton). Please call The Forum for
hours of operation to see the photos and items included (778-2480).
One well-known Binghamton man, when asked for his comments on Serling's life and
friendship, said: "When I think of true genius and Binghamton, New York, there are
two people who come to mind. One of them is Ed Link, the scientist. The other is
Rod Serling."
“Submitted for your consideration…” Each year, The Rod Serling
Video Festival at Binghamton High School not only sustains the Serling legacy but
stirs the creative imaginations of students K thru 12 nationwide (and now internationally,
as well), who submit their entries in several competitive videomaking categories.
The Festival draws visitors from near and far. For more info, call (607) 762-8202,
or visit www.rodserlingvideofest.com.
(Serling’s name and likeness for the festival
are used by permission of the Serling estate.)