"President Cleveland, Where Are You?" takes place during the American Great Depression. How does this setting affect the story? Because the drugstore stops selling cowboy cards, Jerry and his friends start collecting president cards. Because Jerry does not contribute all his money toward his father's birthday gift, he feels guilty afterwards. Because the boys collect and study president cards, they earn high marks on their history essays. Because Armand cannot afford new shoes and flowers for Sally, he feels he cannot attend the dance.