The Heart is a Lonely Hunter Part 3: Chapter 1 Summary

It's August 23, 1939 – the first date we've gotten in the novel.
Hitler is going to invade Poland in a few days (September 1) and World War II is going to start .
But meanwhile, Doctor Copeland is packing up his house. He's going to Grandpapa's farm along with Willie, so that he can rest and be cared for full-time.
Copeland's health is too bad for him to work now, and he's likely going to die soon. (In case things were getting too uplifting for you.)
Copeland is in denial and can't believe that this is the end of the life he's built for himself.
Singer's suicide has left Copeland hopelessly confused and upset.
He takes one last look around his house and then heads outside: he's going to ride in the wagon with Grandpapa. The Copeland family then heads out and leaves the town behind.