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.
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.
301 Today
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Irwin-Sweeney-Miller FamilyUncertain how the Irwin, Sweeney, and Miller families are related? Study the family tree, see individual portraits, and read biographical sketches.
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Businesses at 301
Curious about the businesses the family ran at 301? View letters, photographs, and postcards related to seven different businesses.
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A Century of DesignInterested 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.
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Documenting 301
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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.
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.
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