Jervis McEntee Diaries

Sunday December 12, 1886

Jervis McEntee Diary Entry, December 12, 1886, from the Jervis McEntee papers, 1850-1905, in the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Sunday, Dec 12, 1886 A grey, mild day. Down to the mail. When I returned went over to my studio, built a fire and painted the drawing room window with the curtain on the right (having made first a hand sketch[)], looking over towards my house with the snow on the roofs and on the ground, the apple trees, the old cherry tree in the foreground and the sweet brier with its red berries in front of the window. I made a very attractive little sketch. It is for a cover to some doilies Sara is going to send to Lucy for a Xmas present. On the other cover I painted Xmas 1886. I know it will please Lucy and I was not more than two or three hours doing it. Reading the "Art news and Comments" in todays Tribune I was so exasperated by the sneering mention of the Academy that I sat down and wrote a sharp letter to Reid, but on reflection I think I wont send it. I shall have an opportunity some day to let Reid know what I think of his Art man. Visiting my father this evening I spoke encouragingly of the outlook for our property and real estate generally. He quite brightened with enthusiasm and said it made him feel good to hear that affairs were more encouraging. I said I wished I could buy this place. He said he wished I would, that he would let me have it cheaper than any one else and would like to have it kept in the family. He said I could buy it as well as not. I told him if I could I would buy it and perhaps I might after a while. I wrote to Mary and a short note to Bowyer.