Establishing the Move-In Date. The handwritten note at the bottom of the page establishes the “cut off date” for reporting deficiencies to the contractor as April 6, 1958. We know, then, the Millers moved into their house on April 6, 1957.

Memo from George Newlin to Larry Hoffman, 17 March 1958, 2/11, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B002_f011_036)

Establishing the Move-In Date. With Girard’s plans finalized to assist with the Millers’ move, there were still many construction items yet to be completed. This memo from March 28, 1957 lists encourages Mr. Miller to set a move-in date so that the trades must complete necessary work.

Memo to J. Irwin Miller, 28 March 1957, 2/9, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B002_f009_051-053)

During the survey of their property, the Millers discovered they may not be purchasing as much land as they had originally thought. Working to find a solution with land owner Clyde Marr, Mr. Miller writes to George Newlin (Miller’s business associate) that he has the “Latest Hot Dope on Clyde Marr Deal.” 

J. Irwin Miller to George W. Newlin, 8 July 1953, 1/2, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B001_f002_134-135)

“Let’s get a ladder, hammer, chisel, and …”

Owen D. Hungerford to W. J. Schmeckebier, 27 June 1975, 7/50, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ib_B007_f060_056)

George W. Newlin urges the Millers and others to read Paul Brodeur’s New Yorker articles on the unknown health effects of microwaves. 

George W. Newlin to Owen D. Hungerford, 28 December 1976, 7/59, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ib_B007_f059_063)

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)

Claude Monet’s Waterlillies (1919) fell from its place above the piano in the living room. Fortunately, only the frame was damaged.

Owen D. Hungerford to Xenia S. and J. Irwin Miller, 22 November 1974, 3/21, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_IaB003_f021_084)