ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a dynamic description of the setting for the ecological study. It describes the region and city, and the historical context from which they emerged, the neighborhood and the church and the preschool in which this research was conducted. The region earned the sobriquet “Hornets’ Nest” during the ensuing Revolutionary War. Although a few had been freed, most African Americans in the region were slaves who attended worship with their masters but sat in different sections of the sanctuary. The rail lines had far-reaching economic impact, although agriculture continued to dominate the region for many years. The predominant land use of the surrounding neighborhood was by small businesses and light industries. The preschool operates under the auspices of an eighteen-member volunteer Board of Directors, which includes two parent representatives and a member of the Junior League. A school liaison continues to work with families whose children “graduate” from the preschool and enter public school.
