For Real

About the Book

"The west is still a great country but the picture and story part of it has been plowed under by the farmer."

(C.M. Russell, 105)

Robert Fay Rockwell, Jr. came East in 1933 to manage his uncle's department store in Corning, New York. Subsequently, from modest means, "Bob" built a priceless three-tiered collection of Western art, Carder Steuben glass and antique toys which he and his wife, Hertha, gave to the Rockwell Museum in 1982. At ninety, Bob enjoys sharing his collection and his stories. These are retold here--hopefully, never to be "plowed under"--for they prove what is possible when a good man pursues a dream.

About the Author

Mary Elizabeth Wahlig holds a B.A. in Biology from D'youville College in Buffalo, New York, a M.A. in English Literature from Alfred University and a PhD in English from State University of New York at Binghamton. Since 1969, she and her husband, John, an orthodontist, have resided in Corning, New York, where they have brought up six children. She writes this book, a departure from her academic focus on Medieval Studies, as a tribute to Mr. Robert Fay Rockwell, Jr., who she believes is as chivalric in spirit as he is steadfast in pursuit of a goal.