Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

We first had supper then found rooms at a nearby Hotel – Then for a stroll about the town – A medicine show in progress on one corner, a “strong” man exhibiting his prowess; on another corner the town-band practising (sic), dole-ful (sic) sounding attempts at “Poet and Peasant Overture” A motley crowd at both events, men and boys of all races with blank faces and wide-open mouths In the background the sun-baked Main Street and the sultry twilight of the hills beyond - A heavy pall of what can only be described as pus-colored smoke (from tile works and brick kilns) which was mingled with the saline gas from the burning salt in the kilns. The latter kills all vegetation on the hills roundabout (trees stark and leafless) which only added to the sense of desolation – From a distance frogs and toads could be heard croaking; a freight train rumbled on its interminable slow progress thru the town – Even the lights from East Liverpool had a sinister look –; A black almost tangible stupor seemed to come down out of the night and