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 daily life on Coenties Slip.

This journal page covers July 19–20, 1959, and July 19–20, 1960, with the two entries for 1959 on the left side of the page, and the entries for 1960 on the right. In his entry for July 19, 1959, Indiana records a trip to the Bronx Zoo, as well as a violent thunderstorm. The entry also includes a sketch of an untraced blue and green oil on Homasote painting, which Indiana refers to as "July I." 

In his entry for July 20, 1959, Indiana records seeing Fred Mitchell at lunch and dinner, a conversation with Chryssa, and that according to the New York Times the construction plans for The Battery had changed. The entry includes a sketch of an early version of The American Sweetheart, which Indiana refers to as "July II."

The entry for July 19, 1960, contains a sketch of a new construction, with a note added at a later date stating that the work became Ge in 1961. Notes around the sketch indicate that the work incorporates a beam end from Water Street and two of Steve Durkee's old wheels.

The entry for July 20, 1960, includes a sketch of a construction (M), with notes indicating that the work consists of a beam end from Water Street and a wheel from Fire Island. Notes added at a later date state that the work was on indefinite loan to Paul Sanasardo, and then went to the Milwaukee Art Museum. Indiana also records receiving a formal invitation from Martha Jackson to participate in the New Media—New Forms II exhibition, and that James Johnson Sweeney resigned (as director) from the Guggenheim.