After a nice chat over coffee this morning we hugged and waved goodbye to Heather, Tanya, Rettie and Layne and headed to Columbus, Indiana.
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Columbus is a 1-hour drive south of Indianapolis. Although it is known for it's mid-Century Modern Architecture, this is primarily in large public builds. Although there are some residential houses in the mid-Century style, there are many more interesting houses from other architectural styles.
As for it's major fame however, it is a must see stop for those interested in mid-century architecture. Here is a place that demonstrates how the passion of one man can change an entire town. J. Irwin Miller and his family owned Cummins Manufacturing (engines). Here are some photos around the lovely office buildings that Miller built for his company.
Miller loved modern architecture and in 1942 convinced Eliel Saarinen to be the architect for the new First Christian Church.
Then he offered to pay for architect’s fees for two new schools. Soon Columbus became known as the place that the best modernist architects wanted to get commissions ( I.M. Pei, Eero Saarinen, Eliel Saarinen... ). Then came the landscape architects ( Daniel Urban Kiley ) and the sculptors ( Henry Moore, Jean Tinguely, ... ).
Soon Columbus became known for its mid-century architecture. The modern building boom continues today along with the revitalization of fine examples of post civil war architecture including the 1874 Second Empire style Courthouse.
It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures and the mid 40s and perfect for a walk throughout the downtown streets and lunch at a beautifully restored 1900 soda fountain.
Then we drove a couple of miles to the Eero Saarinen’s 1964 North Christian Church where we were able to view the interior.
Finally, we found a couple of mid-century modern residential houses, none of which were as interesting as the ones we have in Lexington.
Of course there is the J Irwin Miller House which we did not see and which is a gem and wonderful example of mid-century modern with the pedigree of the best architects , interior designers and landscape architects (Eero Saarinen, Alexander Girard, and Dan Kiley). I have included some pictures I found on the web to complete this slideshow.
Certainly, the Miller House is a landmark in mid-century modern residential design, and we will have to come back to Columbus IN when we can see it.
That was it for today. Three hours of driving later we are in our hotel in Effingham, IL.
That was it for today. Three hours of driving later we are in our hotel in Effingham, IL.