Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, August 15, 1913

This morning my pleasant slumber was broken by Mother arousing Jim. After he had gotten up I dozed off again and it only seemed a few minutes later until I heard mother tell Louise who was upstairs making up what beds were vacated, to call me. Tho I had heard Mother still I lay and let Louise come in and wake me. So I got up and, taking my bath towels from my trunk my B.V.D.’s from my chair, and my toothpaste I sleepily repaired to the bath­room. Hardly had I gotten in when Frances banged hurriedly on the door telling me to hurry up. First I proceeded to lay my burdens on the bureau, after which I spread a blanket on the floor near the bathtub, and then turned the cold water on. While the tub was filling I washed my face and teeth, not in one operation, however.

Oh, the ecstacies of the cold-water bath!  It is like a draught of ice-cold water on a hot afternoon. Getting up the sleepy, cross, and tired I come from a rub-down after a cold bath newly invigorated and with renewed good humor. It is a cure for all ills – especially those pertaining to the mind. Leaving the bathroom I entered my room and dressed.

This done I gathered up my knife, clip-clips, two fifty-cent pieces, quarter, and two pennies and put them in the right-hand side pocket of my pants, and then put my watch in the pocket provided for it. All ready I descended the stairs. Mother was in the kitchen and as I greeted her I also kissed her.  Breakfast followed during the consumption of which I joked profusely with Joe, Frances, and Louise. Breakfast done I found it was time to go to work. Before going I kissed Mother goodbye and took a look at the morning glories.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, August 15, 1913