Alexander and Susan Girard established the Girard Foundation so their extensive folk art collection could be maintained after their death. Alexander Girard’s letter to Irwin Miller asking for Miller’s support of the Girard Foundation before it all “gets thrown to the wolves.”

Alexander H. Girard to J. Irwin Miller, 30 January 1973, 2/12, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana.  (MHG_Ia_B002_f012_055-056)

Responding to the 1973 energy crisis, O. D. Hungerford advised J. Irwin Miller to lower temperature in the house, carpool, and reduce use of Cummins airplanes. Hungerford adds that adopting some of these measures both will show Miller’s conservation of energy and set an example for neighbors and business associates.

Owen D. Hungerford to J. Irwin Miller, 19 November 1973, 7/59, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ib_B007_f059_060-061)