Ch1 Black Heart Cherry

[dalby2020]

As has been mentioned, this chapter has strong references to horse racing. Especially pages 9 to 13, which read as if he and the girl were racehorses.

Location of the country club is not clear but might be NYC vicinity. But my guess is Philadelphia as some of the other stories fall in that area of the country.
Location of the walk is also not clear. There is / was no Department of Games and Resources anyhere.
It is definitely East Coast as that is the range of the mentioned mushrooms and blooming Chestnut.

Age at country club is 17 or 18. 
So age on walk is 27 or 28.

I have not found clues to year beside mention of Ms Mary making $5.50 / hr.

Key on bottom of pg4.
No pg 11.

Important words: rose, farm, birthday

Words maybe misused: fauna, site, father's, lesser, leagues.

Lux Nova means new light.
Backward mentions "move away from shadow gray - into the light".

22 miles north of the city.
21 or 22 gray marble steps.

Circular lobby is mentioned twice.

[whispa]

I can add to that that roses and carnations are mentioned in there. Carnations are associated with the Belmont Stakes race which is in NY. Then Roses of course are associated with the KY Derby. There are a few things that might fit with the Elmont area where Belmont Park is.

[dalby2020]

It has been mentioned elsewhere that $5.50 / hr - if 2hr party is $11.
If 4 hr = $22.

Also as noted:  Pg 11 is missing and Pg 22 ix marked as x.

Nothing new. Just wanted to group that with this thread.

[dalby2020]

The horse race allusion is to the 1953 Kentucky Derby.
Bill Miller represents Native Dancer wearing cerise.
He was beat to the finish line by Diane Smith (DS) representing Dark Star.