Young Billy finds himself after the death of his mother when he was ten, moving from farm to city with his widowed father and sisters to Waltham, Massachusetts where they live with his uncle, aunt and cousins in a two family house. There follows a boyhood of discovery, lots of mischief, striving for independence and a myriad of new experiences. He holds various jobs, from telegraph boy to truck driver. Early in his marriage, World War II intervenes and Bill becomes a soldier serving in Europe. He and his Phyllis raise a large family with a blend of humor and love. Always a storyteller, we hear of adventures, sorrows and joys. A man with a plan, he always finds a way.