Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

81. on the railroad that runs along here to the Yates coal docks; new ties being laid, gulls were sailing around in the air – a fresh breeze the aftermath of yesterday’s thunder showers, blew white tattered clouds across the fresh blue sky. All things seemed brave and exciting.

      Across to island to make study of a boat. It does not satisfy, and I decided to explore a bit – going southwards, I came upon exactly the kind of boat I first saw at the elevators in 1931 – it belongs the (sic) the Great Lakes Transit Corporation, and has a leaner more graceful look than most lake boats – make water-color & then eat lunch, after which I made a few pencil studies.

     The air is so invigorating and the whole atmosphere of the harbor so exciting that I am loath to leave it. I drive out to north end of island, and sit awhile, just looking. Some graceful birds about halfway in size & appearance between gulls & sand–pipers disporting themselves in the air.

Home, - to learn that Grant Wood had called and wanted to see me.