I’m pretty far behind the blogging curve, this being only the third item I’ve written. And thanks as always to Kate, without whose help I would still be working on the first one! I mention this lack of tech savvy because it was very much on my mind when I received a request to give a tour of the Miller House and Garden to a group of architectural bloggers whose itinerary and experience were being arranged by the Columbus Area Visitors Center.
Michael Shapiro of ModernCaptital (left) and Barrett "Baz" Crites of Atomic Indy (right)
Taken together, the participants constituted a pretty impressive group. (By the way, has there yet been coined a word for a group of bloggers?) Atomic Indy’s Baz was there, along with the Urbanophile (that’s some SERIOUS blogging), Apartment Therapy, and many others, about 15 in all. I had visited some of their blogs prior to the June 12 tour, but my own digital world is on the narrow side, I have to confess, so most were new to me. Suffice it to say that as folks were introducing themselves, I could only smile and nod, and reflect inwardly on my opportunity to see the Miller property act as one of the agents that would transform – if only for a weekend – a virtual community of iPhone-addicted hipster inhabitants of the blogosphere into a real-time, flesh-and-blood fellowship of Columbus, Indiana, architectural enthusiasts.
Group photo of bloggers at another mid-century modern residence in Columbus
It’s been great to have opportunities to conduct individuals and groups through the property; I’ve been able to get a sense of what has the greatest impact on people and of possible rhythms of a tour experience. For many people – and for a lot in the bloggers’ group (where’s that word I need?) – seeing the central living area of the Miller House for the first time is an experience that doesn’t require much chatter from the docent or tour guide. It’s pretty powerful.
Miller House interior
And that’s a hard one for me, having given tours of one kind or another since I was working at Nissley Vineyards before being old enough to taste the wine samples I was pouring. Left to my own devices, I will talk ‘til my mouth is dry and I am out of breath, but the Miller House has taught me the value of silence as an interpretive tool as nothing else has done.
Individuals find in that silence time to form their own responses, questions perhaps, or to remember and compare other sites they have visited. For some, the response can be quite deeply emotional. One of the bloggers – OK, it was Baz – mentioned to me at one point while lagging behind others that the house had brought tears to his eyes. I sympathized, having experienced the same thing many months earlier while viewing the landscape and feeling the impact of the soft green, near-perfect turf of the expansive west lawn stretching away beneath me in the glow of afternoon sunlight.
Miller House exterior
After having lived for almost 10 years in Indiana, the day of the bloggers’ tour was the hottest, most oppressive I can recall. Thank goodness for the air conditioning in the house (Mr. Miller originally thought that central air wouldn’t be necessary – glad he changed his mind). After seeing the interiors, we adjourned to the outdoors for a look at the gardens, and for some cocktails and refreshments. Beads of perspiration glistened on every forehead and moistened every hairdo, but in spite of the soupy atmosphere, folks seemed glad for a chance to linger in the garden.
Miller House exterior
With dinner awaiting at another location, the bloggers’ party at the Miller House eventually shifted its venue. Violent thunderstorms were just about to erupt in the superheated and saturated twilight. The bloggers and I took the property’s calm beauty away with us as the storms broke. The electricity of the experience later crackled through the blogosphere.
Filed under: Design, Local, New Media
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:32 am
A “bevy of bloggers”? a “brood”?
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:42 am
What rarity that an inanimate structure can elicit such a deeply emotional response. Its presence moves through you. Profound how every angle calls out. Subtly. Always subtly. Each moment flows into the next. Unfurling gently into a well-choreographed architectural waltz. I danced the dance. With tears in my eyes.
Thanks to Eero Saarinen, Alexander Girard, Dan Kiley, and Mr. Miller himself for shattering my soul in all the right ways. The earth moved.
Tossing out additional love to the IMA, Columbus Visitor’s Center, and Bradley Brooks for making the aforementioned evening possible. I rest well knowing Miller House is in your hands. And in my soul.
Cheers,
-Baz
http://AtomicIndy.com
P.S. I believe the word you’re looking for is: a “baggle” of bloggers. No? Just go with it.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:06 am
I have to echo all that has been said thus far. I too was in a humble state of reverence when we visited the Miller home. It was a once in a life time experience and I am very appreciative to the Columbus Visitor’s Center, and Bradley Brooks for organizing and sharing this amazing home.
Thankfully,
Tyler Goodro
http://www.plastolux.com
P.S. I almost cried….almost
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:09 am
Great post Bradley. Thanks again for the tour. The pictures of the house speak for themselves.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:08 am
Hi! A great blog – thanks for letting us know that we can now tour the property!
Also, you asked for a word for a group of bloggers – how about “blerd” – a herd of blogers!!! hahahahahaha
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Amen to everything stated and I feel so incredibly honored to have been amongst this fine group of people in such a magical setting. Indeed, you could hear a pin drop in there as we walked in with the wonder and awe of children on Xmas morning. Thanks Bradley for sharing that great experience with us.
And yeah, I think I may have been a bit “teary” at one point as well. I’ve never felt that kind of “emotion” toward a house I didn’t live in outside of maybe a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Truly amazing. The people of Indiana are lucky the IMA has taken the responsibility of preserving such an architectural treasure.
Best,
Amy Burger
St. Louis
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Great to have a post from you! I wish that I could have been part of the bloggers group. It sounds like a great collection of interesting, smart, hip people my age – PLUS they got a tour of an awesome property from you! I’m so jealous.
Hope everything is well with you, and with the IMA. I have an intern working with me this summer from the IUPUI public history program and all her tales of walking ’round the Oldfields gardens make me homesick.
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Donna:
Thanks for commenting… The house is not yet ready for public tours, but we are working toward a date in the spring of next year. Hope to see you then!
July 28th, 2010 at 9:57 am
A very interesting structure and an equally impressive list of bloggers. What’s funny is that if one were to travel in India there are so many examples of building that are just as impressive but no one knows that.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:14 am
PK:
Thanks; I greatly enjoy Derry Moore’s photos of architecture and interiors in India….
August 30th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
A gathering of bloggers = ‘blog-clog’ or ‘clog’ for short! Nice post.
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