Olin W. McConnell
New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore
The Bayshore Center at Bivalve’s Oral History program is dedicated to preserving the oral history and culture of New Jersey’s Bayshore region by saving for posterity the oral histories and material culture connected with the Bayshore region, by creating a repository of recordings and data that can be used for research, by preserving, treasuring and celebrating the environment, history and culture of the Bayshore region and by sharing the heritage of the Bayshore region today and with future generations through program related activities serving visitors, students and scholars.
Pat Moore
Olin McConnell is a passionate storyteller and the grandson of Charles "Chillie" McConnell, a renowned artist. Born and raised in Port Norris, New Jersey, Olin developed an appreciation for his grandfather's artistic legacy from a young age. Growing up surrounded by McConnell's artwork and hearing tales of his grandfather's artistic endeavors, Olin developed a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the impact of art on communities. Olin became a knowledgeable and enthusiastic advocate for preserving his grandfather's artistic contributions. Olin started collecting anecdotes, photographs, and artifacts that showcased McConnell's artistic prowess and pieced together a comprehensive account of McConnell's artistic journey. Additionally, Olin is an active member of the Port Norris community, dedicated to preserving the rich artistic heritage of the area. He frequently collaborates with local museums, galleries, and historical societies to organize exhibitions and events that celebrate McConnell's artwork and its impact on the region.
Scope and Content Note
Olin McConnell discusses the life and art of Charles "Chillie" McConnell. He shares that his grandfather was known for his artwork, including a renowned Field and Stream cover from 1927 featuring a polar bear and a man with a gun. Olin mentions that his great uncle Burt Mort McConnell wrote the story for that cover. They discuss various aspects of Charles McConnell's life, including his birthplace in Cedarville and his move to Port Norris at an early age. Olin talks about his grandfather's self-taught artistic skills and his education at the Chicago Fine Arts school and a sign painting school in Philadelphia. Olin also mentions that his grandfather collaborated with Norman Rockwell during the Saturday Evening Post covers but decided to return to Port Norris to be with his family. They discuss other notable works, such as a large mural of sheep, wooden carved mastheads, and a gun stock with a hidden patch box. Olin provides details about the materials used in his grandfather's artwork and shares anecdotes about various paintings. Olin talks about his sister owning some of McConnell's creations, including a rocking chair and a doll-sized wooden chair. The conversation highlights Charles McConnell's versatility and skill as an artist. Olin emphasizes that McConnell's wide range of talents may have been influenced by not having a television set, leading him to explore various artistic endeavors. The discussion concludes with Olin sharing memories of his father's plaster casts made by McConnell and expressing curiosity about the materials used.
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