Robert Indiana kept a series of illustrated journals during the late 1950s and 1960s, in which he discusses the development of his work as well as his daily life on Coenties Slip.

In his journal entry for December 10, 1961, Indiana notes that the early morning snow "fairyscape" had become "drab and sullen" due to cold rain. He records that gallerist Rolf Nelson came over for lunch and to see his drawings, and that Nelson called Martha Jackson, who came down to look at his work. Regarding her visit Indiana writes, "makes noises and picks out constructions but decides on nothing."