Rockwell's Neighbors

by Carl Hess
(Parrish, FL 34219)

The model for the Freedom of Speech is Carl Hess, my Father. He ran a small gas station a quarter of mile from Norman Rockwell's house.

Rockwell was Norm to all of his friends. His son, Tom, and I were friends, playmates and later classmates. Tom and I were taking girls to our first formal dance. Norm thought I should wear a bow tie. He proceeded to show me how to tie one. He then gave me his maroon tie for the dance.

I remember I asked my dad whether wasn't he in awe with all the famous artist that he dealt with. He said "Son they have to put their pants on the same way as I do, one leg at a time."