Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

34. was taking place that evening. Young said he couldn’t go, that Beal would have to “hold the fort” then turning to me he said “you belong don’t you?” – and when I said I belonged to no organizations Beal said, as we walked away – “Yes you do – at least you’ve been elected” – and explained that I had just been awarded the Merit Medal, and $500 cash prize by the American Academy of Arts and Letter – ”- Then he doubted whether he should have told me. Delighted, I hurried to tell Frank the news.

     That evening dine at Michelle’s – the couple across the room – The fellow almost “gone” – so sleepy he could barely sit up and keep his eyes open. The girl was alert, and seemed worried about him. They were drinking black coffee as fast as they could, Frank said the man seemed familiar to him.

     After dinner, I that I would (sic) like to call Bertha + tell her my good news, - the phone booth was busy – By this time “our” couple had moved to the bar, near the booth. I soon had possession of the booth, and had a pleasant chat with Bertha. When I came out, I saw that Frank had joined the couple at the bar, and all three were drinking high-balls. The sight struck me as being highly ridiculous. Nothing could do but that I should join them. He turned out to be a Mr. Brown, a broker on Wall Street.

     Across the street to the “Normandre” to see “How Green was my Valley” – a magnificent picture.

     Thurs a.m. (Feb. 19) – To Whitney Museum to see “History of American water color Painting” exhibition. Museum closed, but I called up from the drugstore across the street, and they let me in. I had the place to myself – and enjoyed the show very much.

     Then by taxi – to meet Watson at 330 W. 42^nd. The driver