The show was set at the turn of the 20th century, in an old town called Elmsville. It portrayed the everyday lives of the Day family, which consisted of a widow, her three children, and her father. Each episode featured the various family members and their interaction with friends and neighbors, usually ending with a lesson learned.

A man determined to impress his son--and show up his son's stepfather--decides to try to get into the Guinness Book of World Records by setting a record for staying the longest time on roller skates.