Aunt Blanche1

Billy Horton found himself spending the warm summer of 1956 at the home of his single, paternal aunt while his parents enjoyed a leisurely tour abroad. As a somewhat spoiled, 10 year old boy from a sophisticated urban home, he was rather bitter and resentful at having been left in the care of an unfamiliar relative in a small, rural community. This was perceived immediately by Blanche Horton. Billy’s attitude was not at all enhanced by the strict behavioral guidelines his Aunt Blanche purposefully listed for him on his arrival. These included, much to his trepidation; church on Sunday, eight o’clock bed time, neatness and cleanliness, a lengthy outline of chores which were expected of him daily, and above all, cour-tesy and respect for adults and neighbors. Without being specific, Aunt Blanche made the strong point that inattention to the guidelines, or misbehavior of any kind, would be promptly and forcefully met with harsh punishment.