They were American families of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They settled in Bristol, Pennsylvania, seeking a better life. Times were sometimes prosperous, sometimes not. They lived with the same issues we do in the twenty-first century-immigration, substance abuse, and the emerging role of women in society. Take a look back and enjoy the characters: Sallie-daughter, wife, and mother; a seamstress. William-her husband, inspector of garbage collection. Robert and Nathan-Civil War veterans. And Bessie-a rascal of sorts. This was their time.