Charles Burchfield, Journals, February 13, 1920

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 –

Bradley the other day was recalling memories of his school-days in Leetonia – He told of a gang of boys and girls who used to hang out at a saloon which was called “Big Charlie’s Little Gem” – He recalled the names of the young peoples, names that had such a racy flavor that they seemed like a fresh breeze off of the melting ice-fields: Such as:

Flossie Fisher, Katie Shen, Clottie Bates, Nucker Tormey, Fat Starr, Big Jack, Joe Zook, and Sadie Walsh – He related how the mother of Katie Shen got drunk one Spring-time and fell down a stair breaking her neck.

Charles E. Burchfield, February 13, 1920