This is an architectural drawing of the Millers’ “THRONE ROOM,” or commode room as it’s referred to in other correspondence.  In 1999, the Millers requested a grab bar be installed in this portion of their master bathroom and called upon none other than Kevin Roche to oversee the design. While YES, it’s funny to come across a drawing of a toilet within the archival collection of an architectural masterpiece, this document is telling of how carefully any addition or change to the house was considered. It also serves as a reminder that Miller House functioned as a family residence.  Structural changes such as these allowed the Millers to live in their home until the end of their lives and design quality was always considered alongside functionality.

Drawing of 2760 commode room , sent by Irwin Management to Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo and Associates, 28 January 1999, 09/82, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ib_B009_f082_045)

Blueprint (29 x 41 in.) of Sheet Number A-6, Miller House Exterior Elevations by Eero Saarinen and Associates and Alexander H. Girard, 18 February 1955, FF41, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_III_FF041_012)

Blueprint (29 x 41 in.) of Sheet Number A-5, Miller House Roof Plan & Details and Skylight Details, Addendum #2 by Eero Saarinen and Associates and Alexander H. Girard, 26 April 1955, FF41, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_III_FF041_010)

Blueprint and bluelines (29 x 41 in.) of Sheet Number A-4, Miller House Reflected Ceiling Plan, Addendum #2, Bulletin #1 by Eero Saarinen and Associates and Alexander H. Girard, 8 July 1955, FF41, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_III_FF041_007-009)

Blueprint, blueline, and photocopy cutout (29 x 41 in.) of Sheet Number A-3, Miller House First Floor Plan, Addendum #2, Bulletin #1 by Eero Saarinen and Associates and Alexander H. Girard, 8 July 1955, FF41, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_III_FF041_005-006, 020)

Once again, we’ve begun the process of photographing architectural drawings of Miller House and Garden. We will continue to feature them on Documenting Modern Living for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

Blueprint and blueline (29 x 41 in.) of Sheet Number A-2 Miller House Basement Plan & Details, Addendum #2, Bulletin #1 by Eero Saarinen and Associates and Alexander H. Girard, 8 July 1955, FF41, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_III_FF041_003-004)

This week we began photographing blueprints and bluelines! For the next few weeks we will be featuring the architectural drawings.

Blueprint and blueline (29 x 41 in.) of Sheet Number A-1, Miller House Drawing Index, Addendum #2 by Eero Saarinen and Associates and Alexander H. Girard, 26 April 1955, FF41, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_III_FF041_001-002)

The Millers attended a White House dinner honoring Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato on 14 November 1967. Entertainment was provided by Tony Bennett, and for dessert there was something called “Strawberry Yamaguchi.”

Ephemera from White House dinner in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, 14 November 1967, 3/22, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B003_f022_002-003, 010, 008-009)

President Lyndon B. Johnson responded to J. Irwin Miller’s 19 December 1968 letter thanking Miller for his friendship and support during Johnson’s presidency.

Photocopy of letter from President Lyndon B. Johnson to J. Irwin Miller, 30 December 1968, 3/22, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B003_f022_026)

As President Johnson’s term was ending, J. Irwin Miller wrote to Johnson to thank him for his service to the country and for allowing him (Miller) to serve Johnson. The Post Office mentioned by Miller would be designed by Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo and Associates.

J. Irwin Miller to President Lyndon B. Johnson, 19 December 1968, 3/22, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B003_f022_025)