  The Telephone Lineman (11th plate in the series). In October, 1947, AT&T commissioned Norman Rockwell to portray the typical lineman. With the assistance of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company, the artist discovered his model, lineman John Toolan, working atop a mountain near North Adams, Massachusetts. Mr. Toolan was photographed in an outdoor set on Mr. Rockwell's property as he performed cable lashing operations. Rockwell used these photos as the guide for his faithful portrayal of the dedicated man who helps the message get through. At divestiture, ownership of this famous painting passed to New England Telephone, where it is now proudly displayed. |
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