From a Bench in Our Square

"From a Bench in Our Square" by Samuel Hopkins Adams is a lighthearted story set around the 1920s that looks at art and friendship in a small community. The story mainly follows Peter Quick Banta, a street artist, and Julien Tennier, a young boy, as they bond over art and get help from Roberta Holland, a rich lady. Peter, who draws on the sidewalk, meets Julien, who gives him advice, and they become friends and work together. At the same time, Roberta tries to help the community but doesn't quite understand what they really need. These early parts of the story are funny and touching, showing the differences between the artists' simple lives and Roberta's big ideas, hinting at bigger connections and problems to come.