Grandma Dowdel’s House

Most of the book takes place at or near Grandma Dowdel’s house. It is the very last house in town. It is very different from the place the kids grew up in. Probably the worst part about it, at least to Joey and Mary Alice, is that she had a privy. It is still old-fashioned, but suits Grandma. She never does install a telephone. The railroad tracks ran right past the house. The kitchen is the heart of the home. They eat all their meals there and it is usually the place where they find Grandma.

Trains

Joey and Mary Alice ride the train to visit Grandma. The track passes near her house. Trains also figure in several of the stories in the book. It symbolizes a coming and a going. It also brings the newcomers to town and takes some characters away...