Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

where I secured a room.; I got a glass of beer at the “Tap” room, and then took a little stroll around the turn before looking for dinner. Though it was only half-past six (half-past five by Emporium time) the sun had already gone behind the high hills, throwing a premature sort of twilight over the valley.; I saw many interesting things on my walk – old houses, railroad buildings, etc. – in fact, the afternoon’s walk seemed to have set my mind attune to everything. ; The garden of dahlias and gladiolas (The huge dahlias); After my walk I eagerly went to my room, to look at my afternoon work, hoping that a rest from it would reveal some venture in it, that the heat of the work obscured. So it proved, – it now seemed to have possibilities, and already I longed for the next day’s work. ; The hotel clerk recommended “The Coffee Shop” across the street, and there I got a reasonably good meal. I bought a newspaper and sat down on the hotel veranda awhile, where were gathered some other men, presumably hotel guests. I found the street scene mildly interesting, but I can remember no outstanding point, except that it took me back to the Salem days in spirit. ; I toyed with the idea of going to a movie for diversion, altho the program was not interesting. When I learned it was “bank nite” however, I made my decision easily, and went for a stroll. ; Half of the town is built on the hill-slope, the side streets leading upward from main St at a rather acute angle. I walked up one of these