In this heart-felt memoir, William A. Scott chronicles his family life in the Ellenwood section of Philadelphia from the late 1940s through the early 1950s, a community that since has been replaced by the Philadelphia International Airport and I-95. But the lessons learned and the love grown in the homes of Ellenwood live on in the hearts of those who grew up there-including the Scott family of 8442 Eastwick Avenue. The stories from that house are tender, raucous, and thought-provoking. Scott paints a loving portrait of his mother, a woman who overcame many obstacles to raise her children with a firm but supportive hand. The adventures he shared with his sisters and brothers reflect the mischievous spirit of youth and their inspired dreams for the future. And his memories of a 1940s childhood are a mix of nostalgia and a reminder that the good old days weren"t always so great. The history of this family is the history shared with so many African American families across the country: building a foundation of love to support each other through the continuing struggle for freedom.