Set against the backdrop of an unnamed midwestern city, Booth Tarkington's novel Seventeen paints a nostalgic portrait of early twentieth-century America. Although the city is fictional, it draws heavily on elements of Indianapolis, Indiana, Tarkington's own hometown. Through detailed depictions of urban and suburban life, the novel offers readers a glimpse into the social and cultural dynamics of the era.

Midland City

This "middle-sized midland city" serves as a symbolic representation of small-town America, encapsulating the cultural and moral values of the time. Unlike today's sprawling urban landscapes, Tarkington's city allows residents to easily navigate between the bustling city center and quieter residential neighborhoods on foot or by trolley. Automobiles, while present, are rare luxuries not commonly owned by every family, emphasizing a slower-paced lifestyle.

The novel's opening scene unfolds in a quaint, family-owned drugstore, a popular social hub where young people congregate. Here, the characters navigate a world steeped in decorum and propriety, with teenage boys donning suits and hats and girls wearing dresses and elegant shoes even for a simple stroll through residential streets. This setting underscores the societal norms and expectations of the youth, reflecting a time when public appearances were meticulously curated.

Despite its charming veneer, Midland City is racially divided, with African American characters portrayed as only a few generations removed from slavery, their southern-inflected speech and customs standing in contrast to the midwestern setting. Their roles within the community are ambiguous, often serving white families in menial capacities. Characters like Genesis, employed by the Baxters as a handyman and waiter, reveal the complex social hierarchies of the time. He is depicted as appreciative of the opportunity to earn a modest living, highlighting the limited economic opportunities available to African Americans.

The Avynoo

Within this midland city lies "the avynoo," a neighborhood home to its African American residents. This fictional locale is inspired by Indianapolis's Indiana Avenue, historically known as "the avenue," a cornerstone of African American culture in the city. While the Baxter family and their peers reside in a predominantly white, middle-class neighborhood, the avynoo illustrates the stark division between white and black communities.

The novel presents a tranquility that masks any potential racial tensions, as neither the white characters nor the African American residents express regret over their segregated existences. This portrayal reflects the broader social acceptance of segregation during the novel's setting, with compartmentalized neighborhoods representing the norm in urban American life.

Tarkington's Seventeen thus not only captures the spirit of a bygone era but also serves as an artifact of its time, offering insight into the complexities of race, class, and cultural identity in early twentieth-century America.