There were no fences for kids who grew up in a small Midwestern town during World War II and the early 1950s. They were free to roam the streets, alleys, and backyards of the village, dogs by their sides, hunting watermelons from anyone's garden. They could do much as they pleased so long as they weren't late for supper and didn't stretch their freedom into mischief. The author paints a picture of an era when kids thought war had always been a part of life, that ration stamps were nothing new, and that radio was the only medium of entertainment other than an occasional movie at the local theater. It was a time where teachers were always right no matter what dad said, where the law was one older constable, and where local characters and their foibles set the tone for the town. The author uses himself and his pals to bring back the challenges of living in a village where everyone knew everyone's business, where farmers outnumbered city folks on shopping Saturdays, winter was fun, and boredom was an enemy to be fought at all times. This is an entertaining and humorous romp through the good years.