A chronicle of key Panama Canal Company employees and their families during the first two year contract. The last large group arrived before the over-hiring which occurred just prior to the Panama Canal''s financial predicament resulting in confrontation. A period during which the Panama Revolution took place. To be followed in succeeding years by the gradual diminution of the strategic importance of the canal, and the creation, passing and implementation of the canal treaties. Centered upon the living and learning experiences of one family, the narrative explores the interrelated living experience of the Gatun Locks employee "extended family" arrived in summer 1967 from diverse areas of the United States . . . and world.