Charles Burchfield, Journals, May 18, 1926

May 18, 1926

In the evening I take Mary Alice & Martha in the buggy over on the Seneca Creek Road to get some onion shoots. A delicately beautiful May evening. The busy turmoil of work in the factory, in the steamy heat, had ended, followed by a standing up ride down Niagara St to Shelton Square, a hurried half-running trip to the Seneca line, and a final sprint around a block to head off the car that was just starting up; a sweaty ride out Seneca on the crowded car trying to read David Grayson, and finally a peaceful ride on the Gardenville Ebenezer trolley (they had the windows open, and it was pleasant to feel the cool wind coming in from the cool green fields & flower covered trees—)  I had hurried home bent on going out on Union Rd. & sketching some elm trees whose tops had been cut off, stopping a moment to note with satisfaction that the farmer had plowed up the back-yard. Then deaf to the entreaties of Mary Alice & Martha I had gone out, meeting Frank on the way who brought me a letter from J.J.L. (the letter containing a proof each of “Mellow Autumn Afternoon” & “Cain” that excited me greatly) I had proceeded to my sketching and accomplishing my purpose I had come back home, where Mary Alice reproached me with my failing to take them for a walk. I had met Fritz Javer who had said both his grandmothers had plenty of onion sets. So I had decided to give the babies an airing and get the onion sets all in one operation.

            The evening was delicate & dreamy. The long-delayed unfolding of leaves was taking place swiftly & silently. Toads calling from unseen ponds. A yellow warbler. Robins. The babies chattering with delight & taking in everything.

M. A. “Oh see the covers.” Covers? Oh yes I saw! with pride at her figure of speech.
      They were plowed feilds (sic), the rows looking like stripes on blankets.
Martha “Oh see the moon.” (we all look).
M. A. – “I see tiny bit f (sic) moon. Who broke the moon Daddy (it was scarcely past the
     first quarter stage)
I – I don’t know who did
M. A. I guess the clouds did.
I point out big red pink farm to them.
M. A. “Oh, barn goes most up to the sky.
            Seneca creek road is delightful with its elm trees & old farms.
            The culvert:
M. A. – See the little house for dogs.

            A rain gloom was spreading out over the sky. I’ve met Fritz Javer again who volunteered to go on his wheel for the shoots. After quite awhile he returned with them, having had to go to several places.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals May 18, 1926