Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

Mid P.M. we drive Clara to Akron, to see her children, who during Vic’s illness are with their grandmother –; A dark, sullen day – Akron seemed to me to be a grotesquely hideous place –; To see Kate & her baby –; All house’s we were in had dark green shades that permitted no light to seep thru – these accentuated the gloom.; Evening to Salem – 1st to see Mary Davis & Uncle Jim. The living room with its solemnly ticking grandfather’s clock seemed the same as in my childhood – I realized suddenly that this was indeed the very last link with my old life.; Mary & Uncle Jim both seemed just a little older & a little more faded – but they seemed in good spirits; (Suddenly in the midst of a conversation Uncle Jim: “I have to go to the bath-room” – struggles to his feet with effort, on acct. of his rheumatism “- don’t know whether I’ll make it or not” – “yes I guess I’ll make it all right” – as he went into the kitchen Mary called, as to a child – “You can turn on the light” –); Next to Mary’s, but no one at home – so to Will’s – By calling up, assemble most of the rest (Emma, Walter, Helen, Martin, Dick, Mary, Mary Frances.) – evening in talking etc.; B & I each, to our delight have separate beds – sleep well –; ; ; ; ; Dec. 1 –; Up late – rainy day – with Olive to barn getting corn & apples stop. Stop awhile at Emma’s and Walter’s – they, had found the head