The Lineman

Audio Transcript – Gordon Wilbur’s Letter to Norman Rockwell

Dear Norman,

The telephone company had their engineers check on our photographs. There are a number of changes which I suspect may require re-photographing the model.

I am going to give the same changes to Mr. Essmee Smith, and if you want him to get the model and the equipment, I am sure he will be glad to.

The man on the pole must be using the wood handle which he first had on the wire, instead of the wrench.

The lasher must be between the pole and the man.

The bucket must be eliminated.

The lineman’s safety strap must be around the pole above the cable, instead of below it. Remember you asked him if he couldn’t do this.

The lineman’s belt should be lower on his hips, about 1″.

The lose end of the strap around the shoe on the left should be shorter.

I am sorry about the necessity of using the wooden handle because that changes a valuable part of the action. I am sorry about the lasher, but perhaps it will not be too distracting if you handle it without too much emphasis.

I sent all the photographs to Mr. Smith because I knew he would be interested, and have requested that they be returned by return mail, I will return them to you as quickly as they arrive.

If there is anything I can do, please phone me. I wonder when you plan to deliver your charcoal drawing. Just guessing at your schedule, would it be possible to have it early in June? I would like to pass along a finished date for the painting, so any information you can give me, I will appreciate very much.

With my best regards,

Cordially yours,

Gordon Wilbur