Chapter 3 Summary

Jonas is with his aunt and uncle in Squires Landing, where he is loved and nurtured. He recalls events when the ice storm receded, including Emmet Edge's boat being stranded on a hill of ice that turned into a cornfield later. He recalls loving the river and the the boats coming and going on the river delivering goods and passengers. He has lived with the river through the age of white people on boats to diesel and recreational uses, and is still, as an old man, entranced by its flow, ripples and silence. He fondly recalls the simple, industrious farming life of his family and neighbors.

Uncle Othy runs a small store and farms; Cordie helps with everything. Their neighbor, Put, keeps his family working, but spends time at Othy's store not buying anything. Other neighbors are their good friends, the Thripples, and...