Remembering Rockwell Model recalls life as famed illustrator's ...

James "Buddy" Edgerton was never a Boy Scout - but he posed for dozens in the paintings of Norman Rockwell.

[Tim]

I just finished the book and I am left without words. I wept through most of the last few chapters knowing in my heart what was coming to the patriarchs of the two families and also knowing I was nearing the end of this wonderful book. The story is so perfect and I have this urge to meet Bud and know that I am meeting walking history. I also must say that it is written this in such a way that makes it impossible to set the book down for any length of time. It captures in writing what Rockwell did on canvas, a story that all can visualize and relate to.

Buddy Edgerton and Nan O’Brien remind us of the courage that got our country through an incredibly tough time in the past, that of the Great Depression and World War II, and urge us to unpeel the distractions of our current lives so that we are empowered to embrace the challenges of our times instead of being defeated by them. The book resonates with the memories of our own family histories told around the dining room table, when families still gathered to share a meal.

[Michael]

Nan/Buddy's book is like John Grisham's novel "An Unpainted House" ... except better because it's real. This is a great VACATION book. No matter when you read it. No matter where you read it. Your brain will take you on vacation.

[Joy]

I enjoyed reading this article today and found it to be very accurate- as I know Bud Edgerton. The book is one that once you begin, you'll find hard to put down. Truly a piece of American history and heart warming recollection of life in Vermont during the depression- and the man behind the canvas, Norman Rockwell.

For all who are interested to meet the authors and obtain a signed copy Bud and Nan will be appearing at the Northshire Bookstore on Nov. 12th from 7pm -9pm. I recently attended one of their book presentations and I must say its much more than just a book signing. Nan shares the amazing story of how this book came to be and history comes alive through Buddy’s lively and vivid description of the friendship between the Edgerton and Rockwell families. Filled with great anecdotes, Buddy’s presentation also includes a multi media presetation of unpublished pictures and memorabilia from his private archives - a must see!

[Julia]

This is a story not to be missed! Not only does it chronicle the intertwining lives of the the Edgerton and Rockwell families, who lived next door to each other in Arlington, Vermont in the 40's and 50's but it transports you into a quieter, gentler time before the age of technology, to life on a dairy farm where all family members played a vital role in the the making or breaking of the business. It's about neighbors supporting and encouraging each other and the forging of a lifelong friendship between the Rockwells and the Edgertons.

Buddy Edgerton, a former model for Norman Rockwell, writes the way he speaks, simply and directly, to immerse you in the past as he shares what life was like growing up on a farm and how his life was enriched and expanded when Norman Rockwell and his family bought the 1792 colonial farmhouse next to his in 1943.

There have been many books written on Norman Rockwell, but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest as a first hand account of Norman Rockwell, his family and his relationship with the people and town of Arlington, Vermont - one that put the tiny village on the map for all time!

[Non Buddy]

Enough already! We get it, your whole family in Concord is promoting this book. I hope it is as good as you say. Much of my family history started in West Arlington and Sandgate. I have known friends and family that posed for Rockwell and know the Edgertons. This book will go well with my signed Rockwell books handed down to me by my grandparents. Maybe I'll have to ask Buddy to sign it.

[Julia]

Hey Non Buddy - May I bring to your attantion that this people are no family at all but readers like you. The reason it says the commenters are from Concord / MA is that the server where the comments get posted through is in Concord, MA. I for my self live in Arlington, have no family relation to Buddy but have read the book and think it is great!