The Third Level (Details)
citation: Collier's, October 7, 1950, 126(15):36
alias: None
teaser: None
summary: Charley's convinced there are three, not
just two, levels at Grand Central Station. Charley's psychiatrist, and his
friends, think his delusion is a waking-dream wish fulfillment,
and like
his stamp collection, a temporary refuge from a world full of insecurity, fear, war, and worry.
Charley explains that one evening while hurrying home, he decided to take the subway from Grand Central Station, and became lost. He eventually found himself on a strange third level with spittoons on the floor, oddly dressed people, and a locomotive from 1894.
Understanding he'd somehow gone back in time, Charley tries to buy tickets
to Galesburg, IL, a wonderful town … with big old
frame houses, huge lawns and tremendous trees whose branches meet overhead
and roof the streets.
Because the clerk won't accept his 1950-style money, Charley leaves the station.
During his lunch break the next day, Charley withdraws nearly all their savings and buys old-style currency. But he can never again find the entrance to the third level at Grand Central Station.
Charley finds evidence the third level actually exists when he discovers a letter to him, dated July 18, 1894, from Galesburg, IL. It seems Charley's psychiatrist was not as incredulous of the third level as he appeared.
words: 1,691
genre: Time travel
similar: None
people: Charley, Louisa, Sam Weiner
places: New York, NY: Grand Central Station, Vanderbilt Avenue, Roosevelt Hotel, Forty-sixth Street, Times Square, Central Park; Galesburg, IL: Williard Street
comments: Forthcoming