Born to a proper Bostonian father and an elegant English mother,
Victor Plum spent the first few years of his life in Cairo, Egypt. His 
father, Edgar Plum,  was a self-made businessman who imported
precious herbs, teas and spices. Sadly, the elder Plum was lost at
sea while traveling on business. Victor's mother, Celeste, then
returned to England, only to discover that her husband’s finances 
were in ruin and the family was bankrupt.  Mrs. Plum was forced to
enter the workforce, but did so with relish. She eventually took
three jobs as she struggled to support her child. Victor excelled at
school and won a scholarship to Oxford eventually graduating
with high honors. Victor followed with a university appointment as
Professor of Physic.  Plum settled into academic life and although
quite popular with students, Plum decided to leave England and
became head of the Physics Department at MIT.