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 activities.

This journal page covers September 4–5, 1960. In his entry for September 4, 1960, Indiana records that "while yesterday was hot and still summerish, today spoke of fall and coming winter—rain and sodden orange leaves in Jeanette [sic]." He notes that he finished taking pictures in his loft before the rain started, and was even able to get one of John (Kloss, his partner) holding Particci (Indiana's cat).

In his entry for September 5, 1960, Indiana writes that his friend Daniel came over to pick up his phonograph and to press some shirts. After his departure he began working on a black construction: "my last longer-cut beam, one I had left downstairs for a long time, because when I found it on Water [Street], it was in a broken condition, and that start was to mend the tongue end, gluing several pieces together."

He records that he and Kloss then got ready and went to the Village, where they ended up at the Mexican Village, and Kloss had his "first experience with authentic chili." After they went to see Fritz Lang's 1931 film M, starring Peter Lorre. Indiana writes that it was his second time seeing "the sadistic classic," and that he enjoyed it more this time, especially after seeing Lang's The Last Will of Dr. Mabuse.