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.

This journal page covers February 28, 1959, and February 28, 1960. In his entry for February 28, 1959, Indiana writes "the plan began to fall apart today," explaining that gallerist Norman Tafner visited his studio and liked the mural (Stavrosis), but that "it soon developed that the gallery's intentions and my expectations did not coincide. They plan to make no concrete commitments: no promises whatsoever. . . . I want my work shown by people convinced and enthusiastic: not half-hearted and uncertain."

In his entry for February 29, 1960, Indiana writes that he cleaned his loft with help from J. (his partner, fashion designer John Kloss), who "mopped [the] worst half," while he converted the tower back into an exhibition room and repaired the plastic in the skylight. He had cleaned the loft for a visit by collectors Lilian and Herbert Ross, who ended up not coming.

Indiana records calls from collector and clinical psychologist Arthur Carr, who was back from Chicago, and gallerist Rolf Nelson (who at the time went by Ralph). He mentions making his first lamb stew, and watching Paul Sanasardo's dancing on television. He also notes putting a second coat of gesso on his last large (72 by 60-inch) canvas.