1953/04/27: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.101886)
Date: April 27 1953Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. John Root will come to the Arboretum to see the site I have in mind for a permanent memorial to my sister. We are open to any suggestions you have. You shared that she always wanted to keep the Arboretum on an economical footing. This puzzled me, because she was never parsimonious. She wanted the best of everything." Mr. Zurcher will bring me to the Arboretum and we can pick up plants and visit before we go to Lake Forest to see the grandchildren.
Extent: 1 sheet
1953/09/16: Sterling Morton to The Trustees of the Morton Arboretum (3.101894)
Date: December 14 1954Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to the Trustees of the Morton Arboretum.
The architectural firm of Holabird & Root & Burgee are working on an addition to the Administration Building, to include laboratories, offices, and an adjoining propagating greenhouse. He feels this would be a suitable memorial to our late Chairman. Feeling that the active members of the Board of Trustees should in addition to their general duties, have special interest in particular phases of the work I am appointing committees as follows: Finances and Investments: Mr. King and Mr. Zurcher - Grounds, Roads, Plantings. etc. : Mr. Peterkin and Mr. Zurcher - Building and House Committee: Mrs. Zurcher and Mr. Baker. The duties of the first two committees are, of course, obvious. The third committee will have general supervision of the furnishings, decoration, etc. of the Administration and Thornhill Buildings. In addition, it will from time to time inspect all other buildings of the Arboretum, make recommendations on their usefulness. maintenance, repairs, etc. It will also be its province to recommend new structures, if needed, and to consult on the design thereof.
He welcomes recommendations of a suitable person to fill the vacancy of Chairman, and he spells out the qualifications to include residence in the Chicago area and interest in the basic objectives of the Arboretum.
Extent: 2 sheets
1954/03/15: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.101917)
Date: March 15 1954Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Confirming phone conversation. He is giving very detailed directions for digging holes and planting trees, with requests for involving Victor Zurcher in the plan [at their Lake Forest property, still in the planning stage. The Zurchers are neighbors.]
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/01/04: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.104939)
Date: January 4 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk attaching a copy of his response to a letter appreciative of the Arboretum written by Mrs. DuShane. He is glad the party on the 28th was a success,. He discusses how they will handle the potential new toll road that will impact the Arboretum. He is impressed with Mr. Fisher's study. He suggests that Godshalk not save any of the doubtful lumber. The work at Morton's house is progressing. Godshalk has cleaned out old equipment not being used and spent the money on new equipment the Arboretum needs. Morton believes the more they can do mechanically, the better. Morton states that the trustees have set an ambitious construction plan, and the additional funds will help. He notes that due to rising prices, the construction should be done sooner rather than later. Morton likes his Gravely tractor pretty well, describing its features. He is writing to Ed Baker about the toll road matter. Christmas in California was wonderful. He closes with a discussion of dangerous driving.
Extent: 3 sheets
1955/03/18: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.104943)
Date: March 18 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk returning the memos from the Salt Producers Association and Mr. Larson. He trusts that the salt treatment will save many elms, and it will increase the use of salt. They should encourage Mr. Larson in his experiments, but the Arboretum staff shouldn't put much time and effort into it. Morton has been laid up during the major part of his trip to Chicago, so he probably won't be able to make it out to the Arboretum. However, Ed Baker and the Zurchers have given him a general idea of what is going on. While laid up, he went over the final plans from Holabird & Root. He thinks that the Building Committee has done an excellent job straightening out the details. He thinks that the road and housing projects are under good control. The tollway location is still indefinite. He is glad Godshalk has completely recovered from his illness.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/03/21: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.104944)
Date: March 21 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk thanking Godshalk for the excellent picture of his uncle Paul. He hopes to use it to create a portrait of his uncle to replace the one for the Equitable which he doesn't like at all. He is sorry he didn't get out to the Arboretum, but he was ill. He went over the revised plans with great care with Mr. Zurcher, and he doesn't see any reason for further changes and hopes construction will get underway shortly. He talks about the progress on the construction of his house and his plans for landscaping the property.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/07/24: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104991)
Date: July 24 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He wants Mr. Fisher to study the houses and plan the orientation of them. Then the landscape layout will evolve, with perhaps a design competition. The exhibition will be both housing and landscaping. He is not surprised that Sharpless has quit. Morton felt he had been in a county job and would not work as hard as Godshalk would want. Climbing tree trimmers are best with an outside company because of liability, withholding tax and other things that are managed elsewhere. He's sorry that Dutch elm disease has affected Morton Arboretum and he's sure Godshalk has taken measures to control it. Ask Mr. Zurcher for other suggestions to do the work of the addressograph machine, which might be too big for Arboretum needs.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/09/03: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104995)
Date: September 3 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is pleased to hear of the progress on the new building. If a few items are left unfinished before the meeting, that will help people see the progress that has been made. Victor Zurcher was impressed with the efficiency of the new work center at South Farm. He is pleased that Godshalk will be able to cover the work on the trees at $10 per tree in the regular budget. He hopes the new climber will be a positive addition. Test holes where he would like to build another lake show the soil is just what the highway department will want for fill. Godshalk should work with Zurcher and Ed Baker to get a good price for it. He would not be upset if the lake only fills to the level of the river, but doesn't want to see any of the dirty river water enter the new lake. He details other measures connected to the new lake, including putting in a new dam. Because of the dire need for a solution to Dutch elm disease, he is willing to try any effort. Mrs. Zurcher reports Dutch elm disease on a tree on the Lake Forest property. Morton recommends that it be tested, as it might be drooping because of the 17 year cicadas. He will condense his speech to 10 minutes for the meeting so that guest will be able to give full attention to the main speaker. Help from Argonne Laboratories to trace the circulation within trees with radioactive materials would give insight in the Dutch elm problem.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/11/24: Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.105002)
Date: November 24 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton. He suggests having the Christmas Party on Thursday afternoon, December 13, "unless your recent upset amounts to much." Mrs. Morton and the Zurchers are invited, as well as any Trustees available. They would have the meal at noon, followed by Morton's program. He will wait to hear from Morton before proceeding with plans.
Extent: 1 sheet
1957/03/09: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.105022)
Date: March 9 1957Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk saying the three films arrived. He gives his thoughts on how they can be improved. He has projected the slides they are thinking of offering for sale several times; he will pick the five or ten he likes best and loan Godshalk some of his. He wants to put the folders on every second or third chair for Mrs. Morton's garden club lecture. Since the Zurchers have moved, they feel at loose ends; perhaps they will buy a place in the city, too. He like the idea of putting the Arboretum on film. He goes into detail about his opinion on the charges for classes and tours. He asks for botanical and common names of plants not usually used for hedges that would work as hedges.
Extent: 2 sheets
1957/08/12: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105032)
Date: August 12 1957Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk,delighted to hear of the progress at Morton Arboretum this summer. He mentioned that, unlike Godshalk who was pleased to see deer up north, in California deer are a pest, eating well watered garden plants. He likes the new contaflex and is considering buying one duty free in Shannon, Ireland. He suggests that Godshalk would enjoy seeing some of the gardens in Europe. He likes the relationship that Godshalk has established with the highway department. Exchanging large tree removal for permitting crushing and washing equipment seems a good deal. He's sorry to hear that the large elm near Lake Marmo seems to be diseased. He is willing to authorize the purchase of a more powerful sprayer if that would help. He suggests that Godshalk talk with the "salt treatment expert in the Chicago office" when he's ready to begin road building. "It has been found that salt added to the foundation of black top roads has a very good effect." The same with gravel roads. He is uncertain where the "new river bridge" might be, but he sees it as a good location to haul trees for the border of the road. That will help compact the gravel before eventually adding the black top. He laments news of Dutch elm disease in Hinsdale and Lake Forest.
Extent: 2 sheets
1958/11/17: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.105042)
Date: November 17 1958Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C.E. Godshalk enclosing a description of the Morgan Arboretum on Montreal Island from Victor Zurcher. Morton would like to go over with Godshalk the plat showing the location of the new highway, parking lots, etc. He is heading to New York, then Louisiana, but will be back on the job after Thanksgiving.
Extent: 1 sheet
1954/09/09: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84476)
Date: September 9 1954Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton. Godshalk, Ed Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Zurcher, and Mr. Ward met to go over the building plans. He summarizes the results of the discussion about the housing project for staff. He shares their proposed plan for the Arboretum to update the border of the Arboretum and for the Arboretum to cease farming, renting out any remaining farm land. White, their present farm foreman, would like to rent the land while remaining an employee of the Arboretum, with time off to plant and harvest. Extending the Arboretum boundaries will save on taxes. Godshalk plans to tear down the farm buildings. Tony (Tyznik) and Godshalk will have a plan drawn up by the Trustees meeting showing the recommended new boundaries of the Arboretum. He will do his best to get something lined up for the purchase of the Yackley, Herboth, McMahon, and Jones lands. Cases of Dutch elm disease have been reported in Aurora and Highland Park. He has arranged for Dr. Tehon or one of his men to speak at two meetings for professionals in the Chicago area about how to recognize Dutch elm disease and oak wilt and prevent their spread. They will demonstrate how to treat the trees. The Arboretum will also have exhibits showing how to recognize symptoms of these diseases and will give out sheets on control measures for visitors.
Extent: 3 sheets
1955/12/29: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84498)
Date: December 29 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton describing work they have done at Morton's place. They are moving 300 large red pines at the Arboretum, and the new digger is working well. He updates Morton on the construction going on around the Arboretum. The staff Christmas party was a huge success. He passes along the staff's thanks to Morton and the trustees for the party and the Christmas money. He read Morton's first report at the party and plans to pass the second one around.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/01/18: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84499)
Date: January 18 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C .E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton updating him on the construction going on around the Arboretum. They should soon know how the plans for the Toll Road will affect the Arboretum. Godshalk would like to interview Gordon Scott for the open position in public relations. Mr. Frye of Arthur Anderson & Company streamlined the bookkeeping. Godshalk then discusses staffing changes he would like to make. He would like to add a record keeping position. He hasn't yet had time to make up an order for plants for Morton's place but will soon do so for an early spring delivery.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/01/30: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84500)
Date: January 30 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton updating him on the planning he has done for Morton's property in Illinois. He also updates him on the progress of the construction going on around the Arboretum. The deal for the Jones land has been completed. Now they will work on purchasing the McMahon land. They should soon know how the new toll road will affect the Arboretum; it looks like they are still planning on going on the south side of the Arboretum. He explains why Jones, as a janitor, is also a good bookkeeper. Mr. Scott is due to arrive for his interview on February 8. Dr. Carter and Dr. Campana from the Illinois Natural History Survey were at the Arboretum to discuss plans for working together when the new laboratory is completed. Pat Chapman of the Morton Salt Company is writing an article for the "Sprout" on the new research program and the housing project.
Extent: 3 sheets
1956/02/04: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.84501)
Date: February 4 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk thanking him for the sketch. He is putting the matter on hold until he returns to Chicago in March. He's happy to hear they purchased the Jones land and hopes they can buy the McMahon land. He will soon get a first-hand report from the Zurchers on Mr. Scott as well as other matters going on at the Arboretum. He would like the name and address of the people who make the rotary saw; he would like to use one to trim the conical acacias around the pool.
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/02/10: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84502)
Date: February 10 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton enclosing a circular on the Kwik-kut power saw and talking about his experiences using it. Mr. Scott made a splendid impression while interviewing at the Arboretum. Mrs. Zurcher said Godshalk should immediately try to hire him. Ralph Miller, the Arboretum's tree surgeon, recently quit. Godshalk would like to replace him with the chief forester of the Cook County Forest Preserves.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/02/15: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.84504)
Date: February 15 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk asking his opinion on adding a deck to his Lake Forest home. His pictures have turned out beautifully. He asks Godshalk how many slides he used during his talk in California. He offers to do a slide show for staff and Arboretum friends at the Arboretum after the new lecture hall is finished, concentrating on botanical subjects. He is looking forward to the Zurchers' visit.
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/04/03: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84515)
Date: April 3 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton telling him of the work they have done at Morton's home pruning plants and moving a viburnum and a Washington thorn. Godshalk marked the locations for the new hemlocks and bigleaf wintercreepers. He updates him on the progress of the construction at the Arboretum. The new toll road has been restaked in the position the Arboretum wanted. He includes a bill for work done on Morton's property, explaining the specifics. Also included is the cost for freight and attachments for a tractor. The tractor looks and runs like new. He asks Morton if he would give an illustrated talk of his trip on their picnic or field day at the Arboretum.
Extent: 4 sheets
1956/09/07: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84525)
Date: September 7 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton saying Mr. and Mrs. Zurcher were out for the day, and the three of them checked over many things to be done before the 27th. The fire door will be here Wednesday. It looks like Morton's tree has the usual symptoms of Dutch elm disease; they are running a culture. The road blacktop patching is complete, so now the men will be able to grade and seed around the new building. They will move into the laboratory this week. He details the work that still needs to be done on the lecture room. The new water system is supposed to be completed by the 19th, but he doesn't see how it will be done. He is giving Dr. Salins' treatment plan for Dutch elm disease a try; so far it has proved nothing. The Natural History Survey have openly labeled Salins a quack. The invitations for the 27th are being mailed.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/12/27: Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84536)
Date: December 27 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton, thanking him for the staff Christmas party and cash Christmas gifts. Mrs. Zurcher showed slides of their Mediterranean trip. Trees are being moved in preparation for the widening of Rte 53. Mrs. Watts finished her 13 week program on TV11, with future plans to continue. The greenhouses are being put in operation. Wishing Mr. Morton improved health.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/12/04: Victor Zurcher to Clarence Godshalk (3.85876)
Date: December 4 1955Creator: Zurcher, Victor
Type: Document
Description:A letter from Victor Zurcher to Clarence Godshalk informing him of an article Suzette wanted to know if he saw (letter not included).
1955/12/05: Clarence Godshalk to Victor Zurcher (3.85877)
Date: December 5 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:A letter from Clarence Godshalk to Victor Zurcher thanking him for sending the article on Dutch Elm Disease. Godshalk mentions going to Sterling Morton's with Arnold Berg to stake out for planting. Godshalk also informs Zurcher of 10 more pines to be planted on Zurcher's property. Godshalk also says the South Farm building is coming along nicely and is nearly erected now that the steel has come.
1955/12/15: Victor Zurcher to Clarence Godshalk (3.85878)
Date: December 15 1955Creator: Zurcher, Victor
Type: Document
Description:A letter from Victor Zurcher to Clarence Godshalk expressing that he is glad the article was interesting, that there will be 10 additional pines, and that construction is going well.
1957/02/06: Clarence Godshalk to Victor Zurcher and Suzette Davidson (3.85879)
Date: February 6 1957Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:A letter from Clarence Godshalk to Victor Zurcher and Suzette Davidson giving his thoughts on charging for Arboretum classes and a gate fee. Godshalk expresses that it might be challenging to charge a gate fee with multiple entrances to the Arboretum. Godshalk also asks Suzette for a rough sketch of the speaker stand that she would like for the new lecture room so he could have Arnie make it before spring.