Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

108. phalt road, the gas-station and the September sky beyond. Then south to the Tram-sen market for fruit, then to Springbrook by way of the (CD) road. We parked by the bridge in the valley; sit on rocks by water-fall awhile - then explore along the north side of the bridge for a way - bouquet of wild sunflower, which in great colonies, all facing the afternoon sun, were a gorgeous light.[i]

                   Sept. 12 (Saturday) -

     A deliciously mild day, with a blue and white dappled sky - a delightful moist quality to the soft breeze, - foretelling rain.

     Art and I to get the chickens - Mrs. Kercher full of the crashing of a plane at the Curtiss-plant which caused the death of 11 people and injuring many others - (it was our first news of it - tho Cathie, picking flowers at Bengert's, saw the pilot bail out, and the smoking plane, without realizing what was happening.).

     All day on frames - enjoying the air and sunlight. But it was not until late afternoon, when I sat down under the willow tree, that the cloud of depression which has lowered over me for a couple of weeks, suddenly lifted, and the world seemed too beautiful to endure. Clouds were gathering in the west, at first long dapped masses, thruwhich the sun still managed to send its rays - but they increased rapidly, and soon the sun had gone, and the sky took on a grimmer note - Bengert's ash-tree, standing trembling, was inky black within