Inside Sandzen Summer 08

INSIDE SANDZÉN
This feature, highlighting a discovery relating to Sandzén from the archives, will be periodically updated on the website and is planned for each issue of Gallery Notes.

TRAVELS WITH DADDY

In July and August 1935 Birger Sandzén and his daughter Margaret traveled to Mexico City and Taxco for sightseeing and artistic refreshment. Sandzén in a letter dated July 7, just a week before they left, wrote to a friend that "A week from today Margaret and I intend to leave for Mexico City and Taxco to paint for about four weeks. It is eleven years since I made a long trip, and I believe it will do me good to get some new impressions." His wife Alfrida remained in Lindsborg and declared in a later letter, dated July 19, "Do you know, my dears, I am just feeling fine. I really think it was the very best thing for me to stay home. I am getting thoroughly rested."

Margaret's adventures began on the train the day of their departure (July 14), as she writes to her mother in her first letter: "I went to the ladies room and to the "johnny"--and got locked in!"

After she describes her release from the "2 x 2 prison," she continues:

"This train [the Santa Fe Ranger] is very comfortable. I asked the conductor to get me information on the trains to Mexico. He introduced me to a very nice-looking elderly man who stuttered as being able to give me good information. This man is a railway inspector and goes to Mexico several times a year. He advised taking the Sunshine Special by all means. . . . So I shall now try to convince my darling father, but I'll bet I don't get very far."

The next day, July 15, Margaret wrote again to her mother:

"As you might know, we are not on the Sunshine Special! The nice man who took such a kindly interest in our welfare and thought he had convinced Daddy to make the change, didn't know our Daddy as we do! Daddy had no use for San Antonio--so we are on a funny little local train--but out sleeper is air-cooled. The diner was not, however! Funniest little diner I've ever been in--but everyone was so nice and friendly. . . . Oh--I did so want to go on that nice train, see San Antonio, and ride in elegance--maybe meet someone nice! But this is all so much fun--we are like one big family!"

An on July 16 Margaret wrote to "Dearest, darling little Mother:"

"We're on the last day of our journey. Daddy is in seventh heaven. . . .

I think this country has already lived up to our expectations! Beautiful mountains, willows, fantastic cactus, adobe thatch-roofed huts (all have bird cages on either side of the door and potted geraniums) --and the people fitting into their own landscape so beautifully--big straw hats, bright dress, shawls-- and we've seen one oxen team and goat herd after the other. Daddy has made many, many sketches-- he sits here and plans one painting after the other."

More of these early letters appear in the Summer Issue of Gallery Notes, distributed to all Gallery members. Other letters from this trip will continue in the Fall issue.