Ralf and Wilma Albertson have had their fill of the city's turmoil. some years ahead of the customary retirement age Ralf is leaving his post at the university as professor of American History to write a book n the development of the New England state. He and his wife are depart on a meandering tour of New England in search of a home in which he can work congenially and come across a quiet place called Sleepy Village. They look for an estate agents and are directed to the Mayor of the town who vets anyone who wishes to move in to the town.