Ragtime opens in 1902 in New Rochelle, New York. An unnamed narrator describes his family home. The narrator lives with several family members: Father, Mother, Mother’s Younger Brother, and the narrator’s brother—simply referred to as the little boy. It is an upper class family, with Father accumulating respectable wealth through his patriotic goods company, which manufactures and sells flags, fireworks, and more. Mother’s Younger Brother daydreams about the famous woman he is in love with, Evelyn Nesbit. The little boy grows frustrated that his family does not bring him to Harry Houdini’s magic shows. Just as the little boy is lost in his thoughts, a car crash occurs outside of the house. It is the car of Harry Houdini. He was driving through the neighborhood looking at properties. Father invites Houdini inside. Father, noticing the magician’s interest in the collection he has amassed from his travels, tells Houdini he is journeying to the Arctic soon with explorer Robert Peary. This impresses the showman. When Houdini’s car is fixed, Houdini leaves and bids the little boy farewell.