Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

Mar 30 – 1929 – cont

smooth stones – an adjoining lot had a magnificent huge willow tree on it – the kind we associate our childhood with—
With the Ford to Bennington – sketch a house – on to Attica – the fields have the smooth flat toned velventy (sic) appearance of March – a wonderful feeling – Attica set in the hills – coffee & “sinkers” at a lunch wagon.
Back to house – a short walk before supper Meet Gene Austin & his son Myron – Gene a jolly old gentleman with snow white hair & a careless lackadaisical manner toward life – what we all need – covered bridge – S. points out house he could have bought – it had a mill & two huge pine-trees in front of it – It was too near the creek for his children’s safety – along bank – looking down on creek – the little rapids formed patterns—
Dinner was cheerful & homey – Gene Austin and his son were down – a pleasant evening – the atmosphere of early spring lent romance to the event
Trip home uneventful—

Mar. 31, 1929—

A spring of torture, despair & doubt – I have come to the end of things – a new life must commence – I cannot go on longer not living a full blooded life of freedom – with time to meditate – time to play with my wife & children—