We were surprised to see this 1979 invoice from Charles H. Beckley, Inc. for two reasons. First, the letterhead has a vintage feel to it that suggests the 1950s. Second, the Millers purchased the house’s original mattresses from the same company!

Invoice from Charles H. Beckley, Inc., 22 March 1979, 10/95, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ib_B010_f095_044)

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)

Georg Jensen’s Milton Monas wrote to Mr. Miller about the missing salt shakers from a shipment of what was supposed to be 24 salt and pepper shakers. 

Milton Monas to J. Irwin Miller, 26 November 1956, 1/4, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B001_f004_018)

Ernest LoNano’s company made the original cushions and slip covers for the conversation pit. LoNano also made pit pillows, bedspreads, and curtains for the Millers. Mr. Malfatti’s scheduled visit to Columbus was to measure for the curtains.

Joseph J. Hennessey to Wanda Truitt, 22 June 1956, 1/5, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B001_f005_064)

As this letter makes clear, the Steinway piano was custom made for the Millers, and it fullfilled Mr. Miller’s wish “to have a bigger tone piano than a fellow feels he can have.” Although the Steinway Contemporary (designed by Walter Dorwin Teague) was manufactured as a Medium Grand piano, the Millers’ piano is a Music Room Grand piano.

Frank O. Wilking to J. Irwin Miller, 11 May 1956, 1/3, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B001_f003_031)

When the Millers were not available to accompany Girard shopping, Girard went on scouting trips for them. Here Girard writes that he has found decorative items and furniture at Sheba Taylor’s and at French Company.

Alexander H. Girard to J. Irwin Miller, 6 October 1956, 1/4, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B001_f004_078-080)

When Girard learned pieces from the Monroe-Kleijkamp collection of Santos were for sale, he wrote to the Millers and advised them of his top choices. They purchased San Acacio and Santiago bultos.

Alexander H. Girard to J. Irwin and Xenia S. Miller, 23 May 1956, 1/6; Office of Alexander Girard to J. Irwin Miller, 13 July 1956, 33/386, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ia_B001_f006_004, MHG_Ic_B033_f386)

In 1970 the Millers were considering replacing their stove top with a newer Thermador. These are a few pages from a brochure which Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo & Associates sent to the Millers. In the end, the Millers decided against replacing the original stove top.

Three pages from 12-page Thermador brochure, 1960s, 7/63, Miller House and Garden Collection, IMA Archives, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. (MHG_Ib_B007_f063_054-055, MHG_Ib_B007_f063_064)