The author reflects on life in the middle 1950's in the Allegheny River Valley, through the mind of a 15 year old. The smell, tone, and values of a small town industrial complex in close proximity to mother nature. It describes a method of dealing with life's difficulties and the hard lives of blue collar America, near the end of the industrial era. The Allegheny River Valley setting is unsurpassed in natural resources and raw beauty. The observations, comments, and opinions are simple, direct, and related to everyday things and events. It is sad, funny, and robust. Quiet, determined, creative people that don't complain and are the backbone of our national identity. It is the "muskrat code."