'Ragtime' by E.L. Doctorow

In 1902 Father built a house at the crest of the Broadview Avenue hill in New Rochelle, New York. It was a three-storey brown shingle with dormers, bay windows and a screened porch. Striped awnings shaded the windows. The family took possession of this stout manse on a sunny day in June and it seemed for some years thereafter that all their days would be warm and fair. The best part of Father's income was derived from the manufacture of flags and buntings and other accoutrements of patriotism, including fireworks. Patriotism was a reliable sentiment in the early 1900's. Teddy Roosevely was President.