Cast: 2m., 1w. Until his death in 1834, Joe Call, who lived in Essex County, New York, was reported to be the strongest man in America. There also was said to be a very powerful Call sister named Bess, who never took a second place to Joe in physical prowess. Why, she might lift an ox above her head just to check his shoes. She might break a horseshoe in half if you startled her. She might even throw you across the Atlantic Ocean if you're not careful!

Time: 1820s
Place: Farmlands in upstate New York

BESS CALL is seated on a stool milking a cow—a large cardboard cutout. For all her strength and power, and however larger than life, she remains pretty, sweet, and determined. She begins speaking even before the cast members are entirely off from the Prologue, addressing the audience directly.

Bess: Joe Call, my brother, he's the one you've heard about. He and I live on this farm in New York state with the Adirondacks all around us. Joe is the strongest man in these parts, his deeds are known far and wide. I stay home with nothing to do except my chores. Now, as his sister, I'm no lightweight myself, as you can see. (Stands and stretches) You might say I'm rock solid, sturdy as a wall. And I have no doubt, equal to my brother...