Our Town

Act II takes place three years later, in 1904, after “the sun’s come up over a thousand times” (47). Babies have been born, people have gotten older, and the seasons have come and gone multiple times. Some have found love and married, and children are graduating high school. The day is July 7, just after graduation, when the Stage Manager explains that young people tend to marry. The rain is pouring heavily as Mrs Gibbs and Mrs Webb enter their kitchens to make breakfast. The Stage Manager marvels at the inner strength of these two women, noting how they have remained mentally stable through every chore and child they raised.

Si Crowell, Joe Crowell’s younger brother, is delivering papers now, and Howie is still delivering milk. It appears to be “an ordinary day” (49). The two greet each other, and Howie inquires about any important news, to which Si replies that George Gibbs is giving up baseball to get married. His disappointment is evident, and he points out that the town is losing its best pitcher. Constable Warren enters and mentions how he’s trying to prevent a potential flood occurring at the river from the rain.