August, Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 Summary

As soon as the house purchase transaction is completed, Eddie begins renovations to customize it for the needs of the Sewing Circus meetings. Joyce and Ava find remnants of the past in a box of old photographs left behind, and the sisters pause in memory and respect for the black people who had come to Idlewild when it had been a haven from the city and all its troubles.

Joyce's enthusiasm for the Sewing Circus progress is temporarily halted when she receives a letter from state officials announcing that the group's funding is to be terminated as a result of a report of vulgar activity received from Gerry Anderson. Unable to connect with the correct people on the phone, Joyce decides to make an overnight trip to the state capital to plead her case for the group. Ava prepares...