Famed Pelham Stationer Dave Campion Who Was Depicted in Norman Rockwell Paintings
"Millions of folks knew Dave Campion. Not because they
had visited his store, but because Norman Rockwell, the
painter, had selected Dave as a typically American model
of the 'Way Down East' type; and so his picture appeared
on millions of covers of The Saturday Evening Post."
-- Obituary of Dave Campion, Published Nov. 13, 1942.
In 1911, the family of seventeen-year-old Norman Rockwell moved to New Rochelle. At the time, New Rochelle and the adjacent Town of Pelham were homes to a host of the country's leading illustrators and artists, many of whom supplied art for the covers of a number of the nation's leading magazines including The Saturday Evening Post. For nearly the next three decades, Norman Rockwell evolved and thrived to become one of the nation's most beloved illustrators and artists.
Rockwell told stories with his paintings which typically portrayed archetypal American scenes depicting what then were viewed as typical American folk. Rockwell, of course, painted from life and used live models to create his masterpieces. One such model whom Norman Rockwell painted repeatedly was North Pelham stationer David T. "Dave" Campion. Indeed, Campion appeared in nearly two dozen Norman Rockwell paintings used as magazine covers and as advertisements in some of the nation's most popular magazines of the day.
Norman Rockwell had a number of connections to Pelham in addition to his friendship with, and use as a model of, Dave Campion. Rockwell studied under Pelhamite George Bridgman at the Art Students' League. Bridgman moved to Pelham and lived on Park Place for many decades beginning in 1892. Moreover, Rockwell was friends with a number of Pelham residents such as John H. Young who was a scenic designer and, coincidentally, a neighbor of George Bridgman.
Dave Campion truly was a beloved figure in the Town of Pelham. Though he lived in New Rochelle, he was an active Pelham businessman who participated in Town and Village affairs. He was particularly known for his propensity to dress in costume as Uncle Sam and march in Town and Village parades. During the first two years of World War II he paraded in this fashion by leading the "Young Scrappers," a large group of Pelham Youth who made it their mission to collect and submit scrap metal for the U.S. war effort.
Dave Campion was such an integral part of the community and was so beloved that his little stationery shop, which was more of a combination grocery store, candy store, cigar store, and newsstand, was a community gathering place. On virtually any day, customers who wandered in would see three or four locals seated in the shop jawboning with Dave and each other.
Dave Campion was tall and lanky with features that might best be described as rural. Norman Rockwell reportedly said more than once "that he'd be lost for a real model if it was not for Dave Campion."
Occasionally, when Rockwell paintings that reflected Dave Campion appeared on the covers of popular magazines, local newspapers would trumpet the fact proudly. For example, on July 20, 1928, The Pelham Sun reported:
"There he is again. Do you recognize that elongated figure, that seedy look and that truly rural atmosphere of the gentleman on the cover of the current issue of The Saturday Evening Post. Right, its [sic] Dave Campion, North Pelham stationer, who when he is not engaged in advocating the cause of Al Smith occupies his leisure moments posing for Norman Rockwell. The famous artist has more than once stated that he'd be lost for a real model if it was not for Dave Campion."
July 21, 1928 Cover of The Saturday Evening Post With Cover
Reflecting Painting by Norman Rockwell Showing Man Looking
Over a Young Artist's Shoulder. The Man is North Pelham Stationer
Dave Campion. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.
Dave Campion appeared in quite a number of Norman Rockwell paintings. He also appeared in a host of other illustrations by other artists, some of which also formed the basis of covers published by some of the nation's most popular magazines. Such other artists included Pelhamite William Oberhardt, Joseph Christian Leyendecker of New Rochelle (who painted more than 400 magazine covers during his lengthy career), Herbert Stanley, Walter Beach Humphrey, Charles La Salle, Harold Anderson, and a number of other famous artists.
Campion first appeared on a magazine cover painted by Norman Rockwell on July 31, 1920 when he appeared as the driver of a jalopy trying to race a luxury car up a hill. From then on, Campion and Rockwell became fast friends. Rockwell used Campion as a model about two dozen more times.
Cover of the July 31, 1920 Issue of The Saturday Evening Post
With Painting by Norman Rockwell Showing North Pelham
Stationer, Dave Campion, Driving a Jalopy. NOTE: Click on
Image to Enlarge.
In discussing this first magazine cover in 1940, Dave Campion said:
"I had a small shop across from St. Gabriel's School in New Rochelle,' Dave told the interviewer this week. 'Rockwell lived a few doors down the street and he used to buy his newspapers from me. He came to me one day and said that I looked like the fellow he wanted to draw for a magazine cover. It was all a joke to me, but I agreed, and we went to his studio where he sat me on an automobile seat and drew my picture. You can imagine my surprise a while later when The Saturday Evening Post came to my newsstand with my picture on it. I was driving a 'tin lizzie' which was passing a big high priced car, on a steep upgrade. The driver, that was me, was pleased as punch at his 'flivver' being able to beat out the bigger car. At the back of my car, that is, the car which I was driving in the picture, was a pennant with the words: 'Excuse My Dust'" [See transcribed article below.]
Though Dave Campion became famous locally as Norman Rockwell's "model," Rockwell used other Pelham models. One odd example involved local Pelham taxidermist Ferdinand G. Fahrbach of 927 Highland Avenue. Occasionally when Norman Rockwell wanted to feature wildlife in a painting, he turned to Fahrbach for "unusual and beautiful specimens" to serve as models as he painted. See Cameron, John, Inventions Of Local Taxidermist Will Be Boon To Anglers Who Make Ready For Opening Of Trout Season, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 28, 1941, p. 11, cols. 3-4 (Stating "Many of Mr. Fahrbach's unusual and beautiful specimens have served as models to such famous illustrators as Fred Hildebrandt, and Norman Rockwell.").
Dave Campion clearly enjoyed portraying characters. As he once told a reporter, the most enjoyable moment of his life came when he portrayed the "Skipper" of the "Toonerville Trolley" during a wild, town-wide celebration in Pelham on July 31, 1937 to celebrate the last run of the Pelham Manor Trolley that, twenty-eight years earlier, inspired cartoonist Fontaine Fox to create his long-running successful comic strip "Toonerville Folks."
July 31, 1937 was set as the date to end service on Pelham’s own Toonerville Trolley line. The Village of Pelham Manor reportedly hosted a celebration attended by up to 8,000 fans of the comic strip who descended on the Village from around the United States. Fontaine Fox attended the celebration that drew national attention.
The celebration has been described as follows:
“Characters from the comic strip were in attendance and causing all the problems depicted in the cartoon. The last trip took over 2 hours to make its 2 mile run. On board the trolley were the mayors of all three villages and Fontaine Fox. The dinky would go about 100 feet and something from the strip would occur. Mr. Bang stops the trolley, the skipper drops in the barbershop for a trim, Katrina needs to get her laundry, . . . “
The star of the celebration that day was Dave Campion who not only was dressed as the "Skipper" from "Toonerville Folks," but also participated in the operation of the trolley car during it's 2-1/2 hour trip from One Wolfs Lane to Shore Road. At the end of the trip, souvenir hunters virtually tore the trolley car apart and even accosted Dave Campion who barely escaped wearing his Skipper costume.
On Saturday, November 7, 1942, Dave Campion attended the Army - Notre Dame football game. As he enjoyed the gridiron battle, he slumped forward. He died instantly of a massive coronary at the age of 61. Pelham had lost its beloved stationer. Norman Rockwell had lost his favorite model and friend.
* * * * *
"IT'S DAVE CAMPION ON THE COVER OF THE POST
-----
There he is again. Do you recognize that elongated figure, that seedy look and that truly rural atmosphere of the gentleman on the cover of the current issue of The Saturday Evening Post. Right, its [sic] Dave Campion, North Pelham stationer, who when he is not engaged in advocating the cause of Al Smith occupies his leisure moments posing for Norman Rockwell. The famous artist has more than once stated that he'd be lost for a real model if it was not for Dave Campion."
Source: IT'S DAVE CAMPION ON THE COVER OF THE POST, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 20, 1928, Vol. 19, No. 21, p. 1, col. 7.
"OBERHARDT WILL SKETCH PORTRAIT FOR ADULT CLASS
------
Distinguished Artist, Master of Silhouette, is Showing Examples of His Work Here. . . .
David Campion, North Pelham stationer, who is a frequent model for magazine cover illustrations drawn by Norman Rockwell and J. C. Leyendecker will be Mr. Oberhardt's model for the lecture. . . ."
Source: OBERHARDT WILL SKETCH PORTRAIT FOR ADULT CLASS -- Distinguished Artist, Master of Silhouette, is Showing Examples of His Work Here, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 25, 1938, Vol. 28, No. 34, p. 1, col. 3.
"Posed For Picture.
David T. Campion, well known in North Pelham as the owner of a stationery store, once more has posed for a magazine cover for the current issue of the Saturday Evening Post. Campion, who poses for Norman Rockwell, painter of New Rochelle, lives at Sycamore place, New Rochelle, and has posed for more than 20 covers and commercial paintings for Rockwell since 1920."
Source: Posed For Picture, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 20, 1928, p. 15, cols. 4-5.
"You Have Been Seeing Dave Campion On Magazine Covers For 20 Years
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North Pelham Stationer, Model for Rural Characters Drawn by Norman Rockwell and Other Artists Will Observe An Anniversary on July 31.
-----
An anniversary program in which magazine readers throughout the country would no doubt enjoy participating in, will be observed on Wednesday, July 31, with Dave Campion, North Pelham stationer and Norman Rockwell, noted illustrator as the principals. You see, it will be just 20 years to the day that the first Norman Rockwell cover illustration for which Dave Campion was the model, appeared on The Saturday Evening Post. Since that time Dave's features have appeared in hundreds of rural characterizations in magazine cover designs, illustrations and in national advertising. He is perhaps one of the most popular models for rural characters in the United States, and he continues to operate his small stationery and newspaper shop at No. 5 Fifth avenue.
'Uncle Dave' as he's been affectionately known to children ever since he first entered business as a newsdealer in New Rochelle in 1914, laughs when he recalls the day back in 1920, when Norman Rockwell proposed that he act as his model.
'I had a small shop across from St. Gabriel's School in New Rochelle,' Dave told the interviewer this week. 'Rockwell lived a few doors down the street and he used to buy his newspapers from me. He came to me one day and said that I looked like the fellow he wanted to draw for a magazine cover. It was all a joke to me, but I agreed, and we went to his studio where he sat me on an automobile seat and drew my picture. You can imagine my surprise a while later when The Saturday Evening Post came to my newsstand with my picture on it. I was driving a 'tin lizzie' which was passing a big high priced car, on a steep upgrade. The driver, that was me, was pleased as punch at his 'flivver' being able to beat out the bigger car. At the back of my car, that is, the car which I was driving in the picture, was a pennant with the words: 'Excuse My Dust'
That illustration appealed to the sense of humor of the nation, and then came a stream of orders for more pictures of that 'hayseed.' In addition to the Saturday Evening Post, Campion's face has adorned such national magazines as Collier's Weekly, 'Life,' 'Judge,' 'Liberty,' and he has been a model for many advertising illustration.
'Do you remember Dave as the hick sheriff, hiding behind a 'Welcome to our village' sign, ready to catch motorists in his speed trap? Another favorite is the illustration of the elongated chairman of the school board posing with his hand on the head of the bright young valedictorian. That was Dave. He was also the envious ticket agent imprisoned behind the bars of his ticket window, which is surrounded by the suggestion: 'Travel and be broadened.' Dave just can't begin to remember just how many different characters he has portrayed, but it's a safe bet that he fitted them all perfectly.
His success as a model for Norman Rockwell brought him work with other illustrators. He has been 'Uncle Sam' and other characters for J. G. Leyendecker, and he has posed for Herbert Stanley, Walter Beach Humphrey, Charles La Salle, Harold Anderson and others.
Recently Pelham had an opportunity to see Dave in action as a model, when William Oberhardt, noted for his character portraits, gave a sketching demonstration for the Art Appreciation Class in the Adult School. The artist illustrated his work with a rare wit giving additional life to his characters. Dave matched wits with the artist and contributed much of his own humor from the model's chair.
It's been fun, according to Dave to pose as a model, and also to laugh with those who enjoy the illustrations. Being a newsdealer himself, it's easy to realize why he runs out of certain magazines, just when there's a Campion character illustrated. You see it's just as thrilling to know the model, as it would be to know the artist. At least that's what Dave's customers tell him.
But with all the fun of being important and everything, what do you think Dave got the biggest kick out of? Acting the role of the 'Skipper of the Toonerville Trolley' in the famous 'Last Ride' taken by the cartoonist Fontaine Fox in the Pelham Manor trolley car on July 31, 1937.
'Yessir,' says Dave. 'That was the time of my life! Why, Fontaine Fox said that I looked just like his 'skipper.' I wouldn't have missed that for all the posing in the world.'
And there are many in Pelham, who, remembering that wild celebration with the substitution of buses for trolley cars on the old Pelham Manor line, will agree with him.
There are some who might wonder at the fact that in their 20 years the 'Campion' characters never seem to age a bit. Well, it's the same with the original. Those who visit Dave's shop in North Pelham will find that he's still the same youthful 'Uncle Dave' who came to Pelham 14 years ago. And there are also those who remember him in New Rochelle who'll say that he was just as young then as he is now.
And he's certain that he can keep it up for another 20 years."
Source: You Have Been Seeing Dave Campion On Magazine Covers For 20 Years -- North Pelham Stationer, Model for Rural Characters Drawn by Norman Rockwell and Other Artists Will Observe An Anniversary on July 31, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 26, 1940, p. 6, cols. 1-2.
"'Dave' Campion, Character Model And Pelham Business Man Died While Watching Army-Notre Dame Football
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Succumbed to Heart Attack Soon After Game Started. Was Model for Norman Rockwell Noted Artist. Friend of Railroad Motormen, Commuters and Public In General. Was 'Uncle Sam' Who Headed Parade of Salvage Workers. Piloted Last Trip of Toonerville Trolley.
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The 9:08 slowed down as it entered the new Haven station on Monday morning and Arthur Lee, motorman, leaned out of the cab window to give the friendly wave of greeting to the proprietor of a little store on Fifth avenue. Every morning as he pulled into Pelham, the proprietor of the little store would stand out on the sidewalk and shout the familiar, 'Howdy, Arty!' It had been going on for years until Monday morning. Arthur Lee was one of the Four Emperors of Music in vaudeville years ago.
The cheery salute and friendly wave of the hand was not there Monday morning, so Arthur Lee stepped off the train on the way back from his run, to see if the keeper of the little store was there. The place seemed strangely to lack the usual busy atmosphere. Then he saw the notice on the door and he knew that the old familiar greeting would welcome him no more.
Dave Campion, the storekeeper was dead.
In common with many of us, Arty Lee just stared and then tried to brush aside the tear that came into his eye.
Then he learned from 'Doc' Russell's drug store next door that Dave had passed away on Saturday afternoon at the Army-Notre Dame football game just after 2 o'clock -- had slumped quietly forward without a sound, and met the end of The Great Game in the same uncomplaining way in which he had lived. Dr. Ken G. Hancher and Mrs. Hancher were sitting with him. He was 61 years old, and had conducted his cigar, candy and newspaper stand for fifteen years.
Everybody liked Dave Campion. He had a friendly nature that won friends. Any time that you went into his store you'd find three or four persons gathered around just discussing various topics.
Millions of folks knew Dave Campion. Not because they had visited his store, but because Norman Rockwell, the painter, had selected Dave as a typically American model of the 'Way Down East' type; and so his picture appeared on millions of covers of The Saturday Evening Post. Dave just seemed to fit in as the elderly farmer full of pep; the station agent, very serious as to his duties; the keeper of a grocery store, always willing to extend a little kindly credit to the unfortunate; the driver of one of them new-fangled 'ottermobiles,' scared to death of the contraption but eager to show his success to his fellow men; these and a hundred other characters calling for the shrewd, kindly, hardworking, elderly small-towner fitted Dave perfectly. Best of all he loved to impersonate Uncle Sam. Marching at the head of a parade, distributing prizes to young 'Scrappers,' leading the 45-60 selectees down to the registry board, the parade he organized, Dave attired in the 'Uncle Sam' trappings was in his glory.
His love of marching in Uncle Sam costume was only exceeded by his enthusiasm when the war news was good.
When the Toonerville Trolley began its last journey in July five years ago, it was Dave who took the part of the 'Skipper' and piloted the wheezy old trolley-car over its last run from the main line station of the New Haven R. R. to the Shore road, where the souvenir hunters took everything but Dave and his uniform. Fontaine Fox, cartoonist-originator of the Toonerville Trolley was aboard on that last ride, but Dave was the center of attraction as he got down from his car to gently chide the drivers of the ancient old jalopies that appeared from nowhere, only to break down immediately in front of his Toonerville Trolley car.
Dave was the dear ole granpop to many of the neighborhood kiddies. He knew them all and their families and had a kindly wave of the hand for the commuters as they went to and from the train.
Outside Dave's store was a container for saving war tinfoil and inside you could leave your small salvage war scrap. Dave took part in all the local war efforts of this character
Tuesday morning Dave's pal, Arthur Lee, motorman on the 9:08, as the train pulled out of Pelham station, gave the one long and two short calls on the engine signal. It was for the safe journey on the straight track ahead. 'That was for Dave.'
Sunday and Monday many visitors called to pay their last respects at Dave's little home at 100 Hill street, New Rochelle. It was tearful testimony to the host of friends he had.
Tuesday morning at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in New Rochelle, funeral services were held and the high Requiem Mass recited.
Mrs. Campion died about a year ago. Those left in the family are Mrs. Madeline Doyle of New Rochelle, his daughter; Michael F. Campion of Norwich, Conn., a brother, and two grandchildren."
Source: "Dave" Campion, Character Model And Pelham Business Man Died While Watching Army-Notre Dame Football -- Succumbed to Heart Attack Soon After Game Started. Was Model for Norman Rockwell Noted Artist. Friend of Railroad Motormen, Commuters and Public In General. Was "Uncle Sam" Who Headed Parade of Salvage Workers. Piloted Last Trip of Toonerville Trolley, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 13, 1942, Vol. 32, No. 32, Second Section, p. 9, cols. 1-2.
"Tales of Three VILLAGES . . .
The Cover Man.
An advance copy of The Satevepost, dated Feb. 13, comes to our desk and we become interested in an article about Norman Rockwell, 'The Cover Man,' who has been doing covers for the publication for 27 years and is still in the lead. He has a host of friends in the Pelhams and naturally his great model, the late Dave Campion, brought him into touch with many more. Pelham has a further interest in him. He studied under George Bridgman at the Art Students' League, and Bridgman, of course, is no stranger in Pelham where he has had his home on Park place ever since 1892, when Pelhamwood was a cow pasture and John H. Young, his near neighbor and a scenic designer himself, had a studio in 19th street."
Source: Tales of Three VILLAGES . . . The Cover Man, The Pelham Sun, Feb. 11, 1943, p. 2, cols. 3-4.
Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Labels: 1928, 1942, Artist, Dave Campion, Norman Rockwell, The Saturday Evening Post
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