THE COLUMBUS INDIANA ARCHITECTURAL ARCHIVES
  • Home
  • About
    • General Info
    • Mission
    • History
    • Bigley Award
  • Collections
    • Architecture
    • Landscape
    • Planning
    • Public Art
    • Digital
  • Support
  • Visit
  • Contact
Picture
On the northeast corner of Third and Washington streets in downtown Columbus, Indiana, stands a late nineteenth century brick building with limestone lintels, cast iron columns, and an iron cornice emblazoned with "IRWIN'S BANK 1881." A brushed brass box with smoked glass penetrates the porch's glass-tiled wall and serves as the Washington Street entrance. Locally the building is known simply as "301" for its street number.
The building at 301 Washington Street — more than any other in Columbus —  tells the story of the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family. While many families have contributed to shaping Columbus over the last two hundred years, the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family holds a unique position for its involvement in business, religion, politics, art, and philanthropy locally, nationally, and internationally.
​
Through this five-part exhibit, explore the 301 Washington Street, a building that has played a cornerstone role in the history of Columbus’ prominent families, businesses, and mid-century modern design.​
Picture

301 Today
​

Wonder what’s behind the brass doors of “Irwin’s Bank”? Tour J. Irwin Miller’s office suite through color photographs.
Picture

Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Family

Uncertain how the Irwin, Sweeney, and Miller families are related? Study the family tree, see individual portraits, and read biographical sketches.
Picture

Businesses at 301

Curious about the businesses the family ran at 301? View letters, photographs, and postcards related to seven different businesses.

​
Picture

A Century of Design

Interested in how the building has changed since its construction in 1881? Examine postcards and photographs spanning 100 years, study architectural drawings, and swoon over vivid textile samples selected by Alexander Girard.
​
Picture
Picture

Documenting 301

Can’t get enough of designer Girard? Learn what it took to publish his 1972 redesign of 301 in Interiors magazine and read articles about Girard’s life and work.​
 
This digital exhibit highlights materials from the Bartholomew County Public Library, the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives, and the Bartholomew County Historical Society.

This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Indiana State Library. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this online exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture