Norman Rockwell could have composed this 1925 cover from his own memories. Although he grew up in New York City, he spent his summers in the country. And as a boy on a farm in the 1900s, he would have become quite familiar with horses and buggies. He probably would have seen young farm hands sleepily driving their dates home from a dance.
Judging by the clothing, this couple are out on a night between the 1890s and 1900s. The road before them is dimly lit by their kerosene lamps, but even in total darkness, with no direction from the driver, the horse knows its way back to the livery stable.
The young lady might not have been up before dawn for farm chores. She’s wide awake now and perhaps contemplating marriage to the boy. Judging by her expression, as she looks down her own road, her mind is filled with speculations and trepidations.
This article is featured in the September/October 2025 issue of The Saturday Evening Post. Subscribe to the magazine for more art, inspiring stories, fiction, humor, and features from our archives.
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Comments
I can see how this painting would have presented Rockwell with some unique challenges being set in the evening, versus the daytime. It’s not one of his better known covers, so thanks for your insights into it.