1945/01/26: C. E. Godshalk to Joseph Cudahy and Jean Morton Cudahy (3.99608)
Date: January 26 1945Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Joseph and Jean Morton Cudahy stating he would try Jones as bookkeeper. They had agreed he be paid an extra $25 per month for the bookkeeping. Most of the bookkeeping typing will be eliminated when they dispose of the pure bred business. Perhaps Miss Rasch can handle the petty cash to cut down on the interruptions during the day. Mrs. Jones, while improving, is still confined at home, but is doing the urgent typing for Mrs. Watts.
Extent: 1 sheet
1945/01/26: C. E. Godshalk to Joseph Cudahy and Jean Morton Cudahy (3.99607)
Date: January 26 1945Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Joseph and Jean Morton Cudahy saying their letter was clear about their feelings about future development at the Arboretum. He hopes they believe he doesn't have the impression that the Arboretum has unlimited funds and his job is to spend them, as he has been consistently under budget. He wrote his letter for three reasons: He had the impression a set of nature school buildings would be built after the war; Mrs. Dynes told him there would be no more flower shows at the pier, and from questions she asked, he presumed she had assurance that the show would be moved to the Arboretum; At the trustees meeting, it was proposed that Mr. Holabird head a committee to formulate a building plan, including employee housing. For these reasons, Godshalk had the impression many changes were coming to the Arboretum, and they would welcome his thoughts on them. Since this is not the case, he will not bother them again with such matters. He asks for clarification from them on what they want done about the hog business.
Extent: 1 sheet
1945/01/30: Joseph M. Cudahy to Sterling Morton (3.99606)
Date: January 30 1945Creator: Cudahy, Joseph M.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joseph Cudahy to Sterling Morton saying he believes Clarence (Godshalk) took silence for consent on several subjects discussed by him and Mrs. Watts in Jean's presence. Everything is clearly understood now. He says the Ward case has been popularly resolved in Florida and asks how it has been received in Santa Barbara. He has declined an offer from Marshfield Steel & Co. to purchase stock owned by Jean and the Arboretum.
Extent: 1 sheet
Master Tree Finder: A Guide to Identifying North American Trees (3.96915)
Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Book
Description:A published compilation of May T. Watts' and Tom Watts' Tree Finder booklets including: Master Tree Finder by May T. Watts, Pacific Coast Tree Finder by Tom Watts, Winter Tree Finder by May T. Watts and Tom Watts, Rocky Mountain Tree Finder by Tom Watts, and Desert Tree Finder by May T. Watts and Tom Watts.
May T. Watts home, winter (3.96911)
Type: Photographic image
Description:A view of the front and side of May T. Watts' home in Naperville, Illinois in winter.
Morton Arboretum Map (3.94831)
Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Map
Description:Undated copy of map created by May T. Watts in 1943.
Detailed map of Arboretum grounds, showing roads, paths, landscaping, shelters, structures, enlargement of some specific features, hedge garden, some specific trees, and trails with markers numbered 1 - 42. Other features include a scale, a calendar, and a compass rose consisting of directions depicted with leaves. A highly ornamental border includes grid marks, as well as drawings of animal tracks and detailed drawings and labels of plants. The Morton Arboretum encompassed 813 acres at time of map.
Handwritten note in top-left corner of map: "This map must have been done in 1955 C.D." [Carol Doty]
Extent: 1 sheet
1958/05/13: G. Hoyt Whipple to May T. Watts (3.93945)
Date: May 13 1958Creator: Whipple, G. Hoyt
Type: Document
Description:Letter from G. Hoyt Whipple to May Watts asking about about a Korean Red Pine that he became interested in when he visited South Korea. Mr. Whipple says he hasn't been able to find much information about the tree but that he enjoys the unusual aesthetics and wants to know if it could grow in Michigan and if so where to obtain it.
1958/02/05: Ethel May Norton to The Morton Arboretum (3.93926)
Date: February 5 1958Creator: Norton, Ethel May
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Ethel May Norton to the Morton Arboretum indicating enclosed payment for the Bulletin of Popular Information for 1958 as well as two books by May T. Watts that were mentioned in the Chicago Tribune: "The Flower Finder" and "The Tree Finder." She also expresses interest in the description of Ginkgos in the Bulletin, and asks if it's possible to obtain a staminate Ginkgo and not risk getting a pistillate one.
1947/01/25: E. L. Kammerer to George W. Kelly (3.93782)
Date: January 25 1947Creator: Kammerer, E. Lowell
Type: Document
Description:Letter from E. L. Kammerer to George W. Kelly declining his request for them to help with developing a new Oak key due to lack of time and of familiarity with his local Oak species. Mr. Kammerer says that Mrs. Watts recommends making a separate key for the Colorado Oaks. He also says that her key took a great deal of time and effort because it shows scientifically accurate information in a way laypeople can understand, which is a difficult task.
1947/01/21: George W. Kelly to E. L. Kammerer (3.93781)
Date: January 21 1947Creator: Kelly, George W.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from George W. Kelly to E. L. Kammerer asking if he and Mrs. Watts would be willing to update a key to different Oak species that was included in the 1944 Nov./Dec. Bulletin of Popular Information to include 8 species that grow in Colorado but were not on the key (Q. ilicifolia, Scrub Oak; Q falcata, Southern Red; borealis, Northern Red; prinoides, Dwarf Chinickapin [Chinkapin]; montana, Chestnut; novomexicana, New Mexican; utahensis, Utah White; undulata, Wavyleaf). He also thanks Mr. Kammerer for the Bulletin which is a valued addition to their growing library.
1936/11/19: E. L. Kammerer to Principal of Downers Grove High School (3.93708)
Date: November 19 1936Creator: Kammerer, E. Lowell
Type: Document
Description:Letter announcing a series of lectures to be held at the Administration Building at the Arboretum.
1936/11/17: E. L. Kammerer to Mrs. T. L. Powell (3.93707)
Date: November 17 1936Creator: Kammerer, E. Lowell
Type: Document
Description:Letter announcing a series of lectures to be held at the Administration Building at the Arboretum.
1936/11/16: E. L. Kammerer to The Elmhurst Press (3.93706)
Date: November 16 1936Creator: Kammerer, E. Lowell
Type: Document
Description:Letter announcing a series of lectures to be held at the Administration Building at the Arboretum.
1936/11/16: E. L. Kammerer to Elgin Courier News (3.93705)
Date: November 16 1936Creator: Kammerer, E. Lowell
Type: Document
Description:Letter announcing a series of lectures to be held at the Administration Building at the Arboretum.
1936/11/17: E. L. Kammerer to Mrs. Maurice E. King (3.93704)
Date: November 17 1936Creator: Kammerer, E. Lowell
Type: Document
Description:Letter announcing a series of lectures to be held at the Administration Building at the Arboretum.
1936/11/16: E. L. Kammerer to Des Plains Suburban Times (3.93703)
Date: November 16 1936Creator: Kammerer, E. Lowell
Type: Document
Description:Letter announcing a series of lectures to be held at the Administration Building at the Arboretum.
1936/11/16: E. L. Kammerer to The Evanston Review (3.93702)
Date: November 16 1936Creator: Kammerer, E. Lowell
Type: Document
Description:Letter announcing a series of lectures to be held at the Administration Building at the Arboretum.
12/10/1935: Mrs. Arthur H. Boettcher to E. L. Kammerer (3.93590)
Date: December 10 1935Creator: Boettcher, Mrs. Rose K.
Type: Document
Description:Letter on behalf of the Garden Club of Illinois, mentioning that they have been working with Mrs. Watts on providing educational classes and would like E. L. Kammerer, Clarence Godshalk, and John van Gemert to also teach and conduct field trips.
1936/11/16: E. L. Kammerer to the Downers Grove Reporter (3.93580)
Date: November 16 1936Creator: Kammerer, E. Lowell
Type: Document
Description:Announcing a series of free lectures at the Arboretum, given by May Watts, Clarence Godshalk, John Van Gemert, E. L. Kammerer, and O. M. Schantz.
Women's History Month: May T. Watts (3.92714)
Date: March 2020Creator: The Morton Arboretum
Type: Video
Description:A video celebrating the accomplishments of May Theilgaard Watts.
Reading the Landscape of America Book Cover (3.92359)
Date: 1999Type: Photographic image
Description:Image of book cover of May Theilgaard Watts' Reading the Landscape of America.
Reading the Landscape of Europe Book Cover (3.92358)
Date: 1971Type: Photographic image
Description:Image of book cover of May Theilgaard Watts' Reading the Landscape of Europe.
Reading the Landscape Book Cover (3.92357)
Date: 1957Type: Photographic image
Description:Image of book cover of May Theilgaard Watts' Reading the Landscape.
Tree Finder: A Pocket Manual for Identification of Trees By Their Leaves (3.92353)
Date: 1939Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Book
Description:Image of cover of May Theilgaard Watts' Tree Finder: A Pocket Manual for Identification of Trees By Their Leaves.
Flower Finder: a guide to identification of Spring Wild Flowers and Flower Families (3.92345)
Date: 1955Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Book
Description:Image of book cover of May Theilgaard Watts' "Flower Finder: a guide to identification of Spring Wild Flowers and Flower Families."
1960/08/30: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86092)
Date: August 30 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton updating him on the construction plan for the control houses and options for staffing them. He also shares his plan for repairing the Lake Marmo bridge. Mr. Swink has been hired and will work under the direction of May Watts. The plan is for him to take over her duties when she retires if everything works out. The work on Lake Marmo and the settling basin is almost complete. The Arboretum will get about $17,000.00 for the fill from Meadow Lake in addition to the beautiful lake. They are working to make their entrances beautiful. He responds to Morton's request about leveling the fountain.
Extent: 3 sheets
1960/08/11: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86090)
Date: August 11 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton talking about whether to hire Mr. Swink to take over for May Watts. While Mrs. Carton was not too enthusiastic about Swink, Watts thinks he is the best person to carry on her work. Godshalk doesn't believe that the change to the entrance to the parking lot should be made as walkers who use the parking lot should pay, too, as the lot requires maintenance as well as the roads. Tony has gone to Boston to the National Shade Tree Conference and the AABGA Convention. He sent Tony with 140 of Godshalk's slides of the Floriade and the botanical gardens of Europe. Godshalk has an idea for the front of the Arboretum Center, and he will have Tony prepare the map Morton suggested on his return. The rotunda terrace steps have been fixed, and work on Lake Marmo and the settling basin is progressing.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/03/30: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86083)
Date: March 30 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton sharing information about the itinerary and finances for the upcoming European trip and his quest to determine the cost per day of the trip, so he knows how much to bring in traveler checks. He asks for Morton's advice. The fountain Morton sent arrived safely, and Mrs. Watts continues to improve. Godshalk's wrist is still a little sore at times. He's happy Mrs. Morton is doing well. Godshalk and his wife Margaret are grateful to Morton for the upcoming trip.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/03/10: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86082)
Date: March 10 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton saying he is pleased to know Mrs. Morton is recovering rapidly. He talks about car rental plans for their upcoming European trip and shares the proposed itinerary. He has given the itinerary to Mrs. Watts to look over and offer suggestions, especially for southern France. He has also received suggestions from Mr. Theidel, owner of Hinsdale Nursery, and an English couple for Scotland and England. He will send a more detailed itinerary next week. The contracts have been signed, and work is progressing nicely in the area west of Lake Marmo. Work should be done before June 30. Gravel removed will be used for a detour road at the Odgen Avenue bridge and for a haul road from the pit to Parking Lot #2, work to be completed by September 30. Mr. and Mrs. Watts are vacationing in Arizona to aid in her recovery. There aren't any broken bones in Godshalk's wrist from a fall on an icy step. They are getting snow regularly.
Extent: 3 sheets
1960/02/23: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86081)
Date: February 23 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton stating he hasn't received the copy of the letter Dr. Carlton wrote to Morton. He's enclosing a slide of the informal Christmas tree they had in the rotunda with the four columns in the background. He's asked Mr. Ward to prepare some elevations for the control house for Morton. Mrs. Watts is making steady improvement recovering from her stroke. Miss Turner is doing a splendid job filling in for her. Although they don't have a signed contract yet, Bird Cartage Company will begin work tomorrow on digging the catch basin and cleaning out Lake Marmo. He then discusses details of the arrangement. He shares information about their upcoming European trip, thanking Morton for his generosity in making the trip possible. He's sorry they won't be able to meet with Morton in Europe, and he is happy Mrs. Morton is feeling well again.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/02/08: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86076)
Date: February 8 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton responding to his ideas about the control house. He believes Dr. Carleton would like the Arboretum to participate in a training program for gardeners, propagators, etc. Mrs. Watts suffered a slight stroke while teaching a class at the Arboretum. The doctor expects her to make an almost complete recovery, but she will have to do nothing for six weeks to a couple of months. Miss Turner and some of her best helpers are filling in. The contractors seem interested in getting fill from Lake Marmo, but they have other options. Plans for the European trip are progressing. He is enclosing a sketch of the AABGA exhibit. He hopes Mrs. Morton will soon be well.
Extent: 3 sheets
1959/12/04: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86073)
Date: December 4 1959Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton sharing his thoughts about the feature to be built at the top end of the hedge garden. He discusses the pros and cons of column number and arrangement. He also proposes a sundial in the rotunda or as an alternative, a water feature.
Extent: 2 sheets
1959/07/09: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86067)
Date: July 9 1959Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton stating Mr. Ward and Mr. Bartsch examined the terrace near the rotunda and the upper end of the hedge garden. Mr. Bartsch felt there should be a tower for a bird's-eye view of the Arboretum. Mrs. Watts feels that the present stack room size in the library is adequate. The two discussed plans for the library, then Godshalk discussed the plans with Ward and Bartsch. Mrs. Watts would like the little office which is in the upper northwest corner. While she is eligible for retirement, she would like to stay in active service for a while, then become naturalist emeritus at the Arboretum which Godshalk fully supports. Godshalk suggests that they get the ventilating system for the big lecture room fitted with a cooling system. He would also like to get the rooms in the basement connected to this ventilating system and their lighting system revamped, then classroom size would be adequate. Ward and Bartsch thought these items could be done. He updated Morton on the progress on the Route 53 project. The new lake is filling nicely. They have the best crew of workmen they have ever had; he expects to accomplish a great deal before fall. Godshalk will be on vacation for the last two weeks in July. Tony will be in charge while he is away.
Extent: 3 sheets
1957/03/05: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86026)
Date: March 5 1957Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C.E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton enclosing a copy of the requested class schedule marked with classes that will have a charge. The Arboretum acreage is 1300-1350 acres. He is mailing the Arboretum information folders today. Mrs. Watts was on Window to the World (WTTW), and she will be starting a new television series around May 1. He expects to have Morton's home landscaping done this week except for plants ordered for spring delivery. Godshalk asks for Morton's opinion on which slides would appeal to Arboretum customers.
Extent: 2 sheets
1957/02/18: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86025)
Date: February 18 1957Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Godshalk had lunch with Mrs. Zurcher and discussed many Arboretum problems. He checked on the plantings at Morton's home. Godshalk, Mrs. Zurcher and May Watts decided to charge $1.00 for one class; some classes no charge. Discussion of future gate charges. Slides sent to Morton needed for publicity.
Extent: 2 sheets
1953/02/17: Clarence E. Godshalk to Jean M. Cudahy (3.85989)
Date: February 17 1953Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to Jean M. Cudahy at Passavant Hospital in Chicago. The very early warm weather started buds, but they weren't hurt by the new snowfall. Updates on remodelling the cottage and the Redwood building. Mrs. Watts has a new idea for a mechanical lighting exhibit. Dr. Voigt is hosting a meeting in Thornhill lecture room for 300 participants. Their topic will be turf problems. Tell Garfield is she would like some branches brought in to the hospital for forcing.
Extent: 2 sheets