Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Passing Trains, c. 1920; watercolor and graphite on paper, 11 x 13 inches; Image from the Burchfield Penney Archives
This has been another nice day. All day the warm sun has shown forth from a clear blue sky, still there was a chill in the air. This morning and last night I noticed how longer the days were getting and besides the sun has been rising and setting more and more towards the north. I noticed this from the fact that I could see neither sunrise of sunset from my accustomed windows.
Well, Day’s Conspiracy was successful. While they were giving out tickets for the Rival to us to sell, Day had election. The outcome was 11-9 in Smith’s favor.
After supper, Joe invited the Richies in to play cards. We had lots of fun, but in the last few games got too hilarious.
When they left, instead of going straight out to Schurrenberger’s we went out Lincoln to Euclid down which we went to the railroad. The full moon shone cold in the dark sky. At the foot of Euclid a train rushed past and I remarked on the beauty of the smoke which was white and ghostly in the still moonlight. Merle compared me to Wordsworth, and advised me to write and “Ode to Smoke!” We had lots of fun over this, but at the Depot when another train went by, the smoke of this being crimsoned by the light from the furnace even she thought it was pretty.
Charles E. Burchfield, Monday March 13, 1911