Nov. 16, 1924
     To Persia and Cattaraugus Creek.  It was a noble heroic day.  Awakened by the early morning alarm.  I saw by the day’s first gray twilight that the streets and sidewalks were shiny, and the gaunt black trees swaying in a chill wind.  Depressed, I lay awhile trying to decide whether to go or not; but finally the prospect of the wild Cattaraugus country under chilly November sky overcame the depression caused by the rain and I got up.
     I went, prepared to paint, with portfolio, paint case and all.
     Early morning in the railroad yards – black locomotives moving about obscured with steam and smoke.  The smoker was crowded and I was deprived of a window seat. It was difficult to see much looking around men’s heads thru the haze of smoke so I passed the time in reading the Sunday papers which “Barney” the train storekeeper sells, together with magazines, cigars, fruits, peanuts, chewing gum, chocolate bars, etc. etc. Barney is an ordinary type of fellow, who fits into or maybe creates some odd position sometimes and eventually becomes the incarnation of his peculiar calling; such fellows seem apart from other people.  He is short, wiry, with a wrinkled leathery face and big black eyes and long hands that are mottled with brown spots.  My first impression of him when I saw him a couple of years ago was when he strolled blandly thru the coaches blowing a silly toy whistle.  I have often wondered about his status, if he lives by what he sells or is he hired by the railroad.  It is so seldom he sells anything.
     It started to snow before we reached Gowanda – large soggy flakes, true Thanksgiving snow.  Even then I was wondering whether to take the first train back from Dayton.  I finally decided in favor of Persia– it might stop snowing.  At Daytonexcitement caused by three deer brought in – it increased my interest in the woods nearby.[i]