THE LOG

THE LOG
MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE MUSEUM and LEARING CENTER
MARCH 20 13
55 YEARS AGO - MARCH 1958
In 1953 Norman Rockwell moved his family and studio fiom
Vermont to Stockbridge, Massachusetts. In 2008 Massachusetts
named Norman Rockwell their official state artist. On a cool
bright March morning in 1958 Norman
Rockwell met with Trooper Richard
Clemens and young Edward Locke.
Rockwell selected the two for models in his
painting of a polic
Clarence Barrett
posed as the
original counter
used
Howard
Johnson's restaurant on Route 20 in
Pittsfield for his original background.
In the final painting the Trooper, young boy, counter
stools, coffee cup, and hobo bindle appear in the
Howard Johnson's Photos. The counter, pie rack,
radio, menu board, and coffee pot appear in photos
taken at the Canteen Diner in Housatonic. Dick and
Ed never met Don Johnson.
Norman Rockwell did not name his paintings or revealed his story
about them. He painted his story on canvas that compels each of
us to create our own story. On September 20, 1958 the
RUNAWAY was published on the cover of the Saturday Evening
Post. Troopers and Police officers around the world have
embraced the Runaway as their special image. It is proudly
displayed in every police station in the country.
Trooper Richard J. Clemens, 29, lived close to Rockwell. "I was
told to be in my uniform at the Howard Johnson's in Pittsfield,"
recalls Clemens. Inside, he was introduced to 8-year-old Eddie
Locke, who had been selected li-om the local elementary school.
Ed was driven to Howard Johnson's by his father.
Rockwell posed
his models for an
hour while his
photographer
took photos. A
handkerchief on a . .
stick to represent .
a hobo's bindle
was added by
cke
remembers instructions fiom Rockwell, to
"Keep one arm extended" and for his
expressions he was told "Look this way and
that"; "I was a little kid, but he made it easy on me".
,
Dick and Ed became close friends. Together they shared
their story with visitors at the Norman Rockwell Museum
and at many other special events. Both have signed
thousands of copies of the Runaway. Trooper Clemens and
Don Johnson have passed on. Ed and Fran Locke continue
their volunteer work at the Norman Rockwell Museum.
,-
Norman Rockwell worked for perfection in
his paintings. He would make several
sketches; with at least two small paintings,
one to refine his color selections and one as a
small study. He would then make a full size
sketch before starting his painting. During this
process he would refine his theme and often
modify the setting and other items in his
paintings. The 'Xunaway" was no exception. Before making the
final painting he changed the location £tom Howard Johnson's to
a rural diner. The model for the counterman was changed to Don
Johnson. Rockwell's original full size study was retired. He
completed his final painting showing an older counterman in a
more rural diner.
A visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum is well worth the trip.
On display are many of Norman's great
F-6
paintings. Of course the best one is our
W
RUNAWAY. Please check the museum
web site www.nmr.org.
A Special thank you to: Norman Rockwell, Dick Clemens, Ed
Locke, and their families. Also thank you to Tom Daly and the
Norman Rockwell Museum. Many other individuals provided
information on Norman Rockwell and his Runaway. For more
information there are many books and on-line sites with a wealth
of information on Norman Rockwell and his paintings.
OUR TRADITION CONTINUES
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