Friday Jan 6 –
Evening – Dinner at Lyle’s –
[The next paragraph, extending over two pages, is outlined with a note in the margin: Note on Juliana Force]
Mrs. Force there for cocktails (Frank says she is like a cocktail—and it is a very apt comparison, for she is stimulating and exciting. But back of it [there] is a more solid foundation to her charm. Her ideas & outlook are real; and she has the incredible ability to say exactly what she thinks. She has many enemies, but as many firm friends. She told of being at a dinner of the World’s Fair committee, at which Jonas Lie told some risqué stories. As he proceeded, he went from bad to worse until the situation verged on the intolerable. Seeing that Mr. Goodyear was growing very embarrassed, Mrs. Force, to put him at ease, turned to him and said “Turn me — this side is cooked” – which broke the tension. Another incident she told of Lie bears repeating. At some function, Lie going up to Mr. & Mrs. Forbes Watson, greeted Mrs. Watson thus “Hello, Ann.” (her name is Nan, well-known to Lie) – Instantly, Watson turned and said “Oh, hello, ‘onas” (Watson & Lie do not “get on”, and the implied Latin “onus” was particularly apt). I marvel at anyone who can retort so quickly.)
A very pleasant dinner (the fish course was a fish pudding which was new to me, and which was delicious) – and a gay hilarious evening. Everyone did or said just what he wanted to, and acted as foolishly as possible, like kids. Once in a while a serious mood would settle down, as at dinner when we men sat alone. John Anderson the dramatic critic talked on the Jewish situation in Germany & here. He talks well and interestingly.
--Charles E. Burchfield, January 6, 1939