Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, September 3, 1958

P.M.- Dr. and Mrs. Braasch’s visit. Very enjoyable & stimulating- Some time ago he had written he wanted to see the Sweet Pea Mood (1917) again, so Bertha had brought it downstairs- He was enthusiastic about it. After a brief visit in the house, to studio. I showed all my recent work. They were enthusiastic about most of them- altho he said he liked his “Cicada song in September” better than the “Cicada Woods.”- We discussed the “July Drought Sun”- He suggested that the barn was too realistic- (Perhaps this is the crux of the matter, altho it still seems to me that the maple tree is too “busy” & top-heavy-

In the midst of the proceedings, I happened to look up and saw Vic standing outside the door. For a joke I said to Bertha “There’s that man you’ve been looking for” (we had expected them- Vic, Clara & Mary- later in the day)- and she did not know him when she went to the door, so old and worn-out does he look)- Bertha went and talked with them awhile then.

The last picture I showed the Braasches was the “Song of the Bluebird” (1919-1958)- Dr. Braasch said he thought it the most beautiful of all the pictures I had shown them- all at once he started pacing up & down, as if agitated by something. I thought he was mustering his courage to ask the price of the Bluebird, but suddenly he said “I know it’s a mean thing to ask, but could you possibly let me have the Sweet Pea picture?” I told him I would sell it to [no] one but him, but if he wanted it so badly he could have it. I named $500 as the price and he gave me $100 as a deposit. When they left he said he had never felt so happy.

Evening- Bertha took the Ohio folks and Martha to the Chestnut Lodge for dinner, while I stayed home and reflected upon the Braasch’s visit.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals,September 3, 1958