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 7, 1961, Indiana records receiving two invitations in the morning mail, one from the Museum of Modern Art for the "New Acquisitions" (Recent Acquisitions: Painting and Sculpture) show opening, on December 18, and another from "dauntless Ann [Steinbrocker] for an Xmas party, to be attended by such prominent artists as Zorach, Poor, etc.!" He writes that "apparently #1 is confirmation of the acquisition of American Dream. J. [his partner, fashion designer John Kloss] seems most pleased of all."