Charles Burchfield, Journals, February 13, 1921

The “wide open” February Thaw weather continues – Street corners on filthy main streets, take on a mysterious thrill.

Clusters of “Town loafers” gather at convenient street corners, and appraise the bevies of short-skirted giggling girls who go mincing past – Dark yawning doorways exposing stairs leading to second floors hint at something more mysterious in the rooms above, than the dull routine of small town business. The mid-winter sunlight falling on the bizarre architecture is like forked tongues of fire. And as evening brings on a sudden chill, the buildings, in the afterglow still have a warm look –

Charles Burchfield, February 13, 1921