Welcome to The Valley in the Northeast Bronx

A Memoir of Love, Community, and Growing Up in a Magical Time

Step into the vibrant streets of 1960s Bronx, where neighbors became family, every block had a story, and a young boy named Julius Burns Smith came of age surrounded by laughter, music, resilience, and unforgettable memories. The Valley in the Northeast Bronx is a powerful tribute to a time and place that shaped lives, inspired dreams, and showed what it truly means to grow up in a village of love.

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Julius Burns Smith

A Bronx Native with a Story Worth Telling

Julius Burns Smith was born into a rich cultural mosaic in the Northeast Bronx during a time of change, hope, and harmony. His memoir paints a vivid portrait of his childhood, from soulful block parties and candy stores to the thrill of Freedomland USA and afternoons with his border collie, Jason. With warmth and honesty, Julius shares not only his memories but the spirit of a community that raised him with love, laughter, and purpose. (Read More)

The Soul of the Valley

More than just a neighborhood, the Valley was home, sanctuary, and playground. From snowy sled rides down Arnow Avenue to rooftop cookouts and life lessons from a tight-knit, multicultural community, every page brings the Bronx to life. This is a story for anyone who has ever loved their hometown, cherished their roots, or felt the power of a truly connected neighborhood.
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A heartfelt memoir of growing up in the Bronx, told through the eyes of a boy who lived it all.

The Valley in the Northeast Bronx chronicles Julius Burns Smith’s coming-of-age journey through the 1950s and 60s. It’s a celebration of family, faith, diversity, and resilience, told with heart and humor. Featuring chapters on Freedomland USA, Holy Rosary Church, stickball rivalries, schoolyard adventures, and heartfelt family tributes, this book is both personal and universal. It reminds us of what’s possible when love leads the way.

Praise for The Valley

“A nostalgic masterpiece. Julius brings the Bronx of the 60s to life in the most touching, vivid way. A love letter to a neighborhood that became a family.”

L. Martinez

“Reading this book felt like stepping into a time capsule filled with joy, struggle, and soul. I laughed, I cried, and I remembered my own roots.”

D. Reynolds

“The Valley is more than a book, it’s a feeling. This memoir makes you wish you grew up there too.”

A. Grant
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This movie had a giant crab, a giant flightless bird, and a hive of giant bees, as well as a mad scientist named Nemo.

The last movie was West Side story, which was inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet but set in the 1950s in Manhattan on the upper West side.

This movie dealt with a certain amount of racism, hatred, and violence between two street gangs; one Puerto Rican (the Sharks) and one White (the Jets).

The message in this movie was clear, people should get along and not hate each other, which led to a very ultimate tragic ending in the movie. The fact that they showed these three movies to us in my public school was something, I will never forget.

Latest Articles

The Valley: Where Childhood Was a Shared Story

In a world before smartphones and streaming, childhood was made of stickball games in the street, front stoops filled with laughter, and neighbors who knew your name. Julius Burns Smith takes us back to a time when kids played until the streetlights came on, and every corner held a new adventure. Read how his Bronx neighborhood became a haven of unity and joy.
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When Freedomland Came to Town

Before Co-op City rose from the marshes, the Bronx was home to Freedomland USA, an ambitious, short-lived theme park billed as the “Disneyland of the East.” In this heartfelt reflection, Julius shares what it meant for the neighborhood kids to have a magical park just minutes from home. It was more than rides, it was freedom, wonder, and possibility.
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Love, Loss, and Lavinia: A Son’s Tribute

In one of the memoir’s most emotional chapters, Julius recounts the profound loss of his mother, Lavinia Smith, a trailblazer, educator, and inspiration. This touching tribute explores the sacrifices she made, the legacy she left, and the strength she passed on.
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Bronx Then & Now: What Happened to the Valley?

The Valley Julius remembers is long gone, but its echoes remain. In this article, we compare the Bronx of the 1960s to today’s ever-evolving borough. What’s changed, what remains, and why preserving these memories matters now more than ever.
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Client Testimonials

Angela M Reader

"Reading Julius Smith’s story felt like walking through the Bronx of the 1950s and 60s myself. The details about family, community, music, and everyday life are so vivid that I could almost hear the sounds of block parties and smell the food being cooked in the neighborhood. A heartfelt memoir that preserves history with love and honesty."

Robert T Educator

"This book captures more than just memories; it captures a way of life that many of us long for today—community, friendship, and resilience. Julius paints a picture of the Valley as a magical place where diversity thrived and love was the foundation. An inspiring reminder of how powerful neighborhood bonds can be."

Monica L Author

"I was deeply touched by the stories of Julius’s family, especially his mother’s sacrifices and strength. The personal anecdotes blend beautifully with historical moments, making this not just a memoir but a cultural treasure. I laughed, I cried, and I reflected on my own upbringing while reading."

David R Community Historian

"What I loved most about this book is the mix of joy, hardship, and nostalgia. Julius doesn’t just tell his story; he invites us into his world. From riding bikes through the Valley to seeing Dr. King preach, the experiences are unforgettable. A moving and authentic piece of Bronx history."

Lisa P Parent and Reader

"This is one of those rare books that connects generations. I shared it with my teenage son, and he was fascinated by how kids grew up in the Bronx decades ago. It’s both educational and deeply personal, with lessons about love, family, and resilience that are timeless."