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.

Indiana's journal page for July 1, 1961, includes a sketch of Bardrock, a 24 by 22-inch painting, with a note that the work went to Museum of Modern Art curator Campbell Wylly. Below the sketch Indiana records a visit by the gallerist Rolf Nelson, who told him the painting The American Dream, I was at the Museum of Modern Art on Alfred H. Barr Jr.'s request, for possible acquisition. He also mentions taking the painting Terre Haute to Nelson's place.