Ethel Morton at Rose House

A bright May Day in a small New Jersey town sets the scene for a lively community gathering, where cousins Ethel Brown and Ethel Blue guide children through a tangled maypole dance. The United Service Club’s members—Helen, Margaret, Roger, James, Tom, and a host of eager youngsters—spend the sweltering afternoon organizing games, folk dances, and the inevitable cleanup, all while the town’s verdant lawn bears the marks of their enthusiasm.

When the sun begins to set, the club’s president calls a meeting on the Mortons’ veranda, urging everyone to think ahead to the upcoming Fourth of July celebration. The conversation quickly turns to a mysterious “big” idea that Roger has hinted at, sparking playful banter and curiosity among the group. As the members trade stories of past charitable efforts and discuss the needs of those less fortunate, a sense of purpose and camaraderie starts to build, promising an intriguing project that could reshape their summer.