This collection of essays focuses on the Flat's first settlers: those who were on the land before the end of 1910. It describes their lives before they settled here, examines their activities during the years that they were on the land, and follows them after they left the area. It is not a standard compilation of complete life histories, however, for it concentrates heavily on the relatively short periods of time when these individuals and families were residents of Tobar Flat. It integrates biography with the area's geography and history, in essence weaving these elements into geo-historical treatments of the men, women, and children who dared to venture into a land that promised little, and delivered even less.