Hassel calls himself the mayor of Number 13 and his goal is to work hard to get a new bridge built. After his brother, Homer, dies, he decides that once the bridge is built he will name it Homer Day Memorial Bridge. Hassel is the owner of the Dew Drop Inn. When the bishop visits to see Tom's progress with the Catholic mass in the community, Hassel gets the idea to help Tom out by gathering folks to go the service despite many unhappy feelings to go to a catholic service.