It is the mid-1950s in quarrytown, georgia. In the slum known as the ape yard, Hope's last refuge is a boardinghouse where a handful of residents dream of a better life. Earl whitaker, who is white, and tio grant, who is...It is the mid-1950s in quarrytown, georgia. In the slum known as the ape yard, Hope's last refuge is a boardinghouse where a handful of residents dream of a better life. Earl whitaker, who is white, and tio grant, who is black, are both teenagers, both orphans, and best friends.