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
1955/01/04: Sterling Morton to Mary Chapin DuShane (3.104938)
Date: January 4 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Mary Chapin DuShane stating that while his father's primary objective in creating the Arboretum was to build an outdoor woody plant museum, he has also, as she has mentioned, created a sanctuary for birds and men--although the birds are better behaved. She will receive some information about the Arboretum in the near future.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/01/12: Donald Wyman to Gentlemen (3.64470)
Date: January 12 1955Type: Document
Description:Correspondence asking for any final opinions on Malus species and a request to state irrelevance of some species in the publicaiton.
1955/01/19: Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84479)
Date: January 15 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Godshalk wanted to write last week, but his mother, at a Hinsdale nursing home for two years, passed away. He is now preparing a talk for tomorrow at the Indiana Nurserymen's Convention at Purdue. He is continuing tearing down buildings, and building galvanized fences at new entrance at South Farm the picnic area parking lot and new drive near gate by his house. The site behind the Administration Building is ready for the construction of the new building; putting in new septic tank designed by Holabird and Root so that old one will be torn out before excavating for the new building starts. That work starts tomorrow. Because of the delay in the decision about the Toll Road, we are undecided about our spring research plantings; we plan all these plantings for this spring northwest of Pine Hill where they will be out of the way for the three-year period which is the minimum time during which they should remain undisturbed. Mr. Larson from Hinsdale is a biochemist studying certain soil deficiencies for twenty years, is interested in helping us prove that many tree diseases are caused by certain soil deficiencies As a result of our research program, we should be able to have many enlightening exhibits here. The handling of mulch is one of the most inefficient operations here and it is for this reason that I have purchased a baler. We are trying to modernize all our equipment.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/01/25: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.104940)
Date: January 25 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk expressing sympathy on the death of his mother. He offers some suggestions for the proposed new buildings. He discusses the proposed new tollway; he is glad Mr. Larson, a biochemist, is taking an interest. He agrees with Godshalk's modernization of the machinery and equipment. He asks if Godshalk expects to attend the Shade Tree Congress. Morton gives his opinion about the housing project. He likes the continuous one-way road plan the best and goes on to discuss his opinion of the layout of the roads and entrances.
Extent: 3 sheets
1955/02/10: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84480)
Date: February 10 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton updating him on changes in the new laboratory wing. He also spoke of their preference for the position of the new toll road. Godshalk drew up a plan to eliminate left turns at the Route 53 entrance which he passed along to Powills. He encloses a suggested plan for the roads in the Arboretum's interior which could be carried out as soon as the Arboretum acquires the Jones land. The housing project will be moved 200 feet south giving a deeper screening area from the road. Godshalk may attend the National Shade Tree Conference this year, also visiting some experimental areas around the conference location. The have almost closed out the farming operations, selling the steers for a profit of $3968.85. They should have over $35,000.00 to transfer to the Arboretum after using the equipment sale money to modernize a lot of the Arboretum's older equipment. They are installing a new septic system for the Administration Building.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/02/16: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.104941)
Date: February 16 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk saying Ed is working on getting some things straightened out at the Arboretum. Morton is happy they are taking out the steps in the lecture room and sloping the entire floor which will give better visibility. He suggests that a platform be put behind the information desk, so the employee may be seated while interacting with the public, but be at their level while they are standing. He hopes it will be possible to go ahead and obtain bids for the project in March. He wants to give careful study to Godshalk's plan for the entrances. He says it is nice that Godshalk is so confident the Arboretum can secure the Jones land. The Shade Tree Conference is in September, and they would be happy for Godshalk to stay with them if he attends, but would understand if he would rather stay at the headquarters. He congratulates Godshalk on the liquidation of the farm. The toll road situation seems somewhat fluid, but Morton is happy there will be 618 feet from Warrenville Road for the south boundary of the toll road.
Extent: 3 sheets
1955/02/22: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.104942)
Date: February 22 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk giving him his thoughts on the proposed entrances, the underpass, widening Route 53, and a new bridge north and west of the housing project, commenting on the traffic flow issues. He agrees that there should only be one entrance to the Arboretum on normal days. On the whole, he thinks that the plan has been very well worked out.
Extent: 3 sheets
1955/02/28: Clarence Godshalk to Suzette Morton Zurcher (3.85873)
Date: February 28 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:A letter from Clarence Godshalk to Suzette Morton Zurcher discussing acknowledgments.
1955/03/01: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.84481)
Date: March 1 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk asking if Godshalk or Kammerer could take a photograph of Mark Morton's portrait in the Thornhill Building and send him a 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 copy. He would like to have a new portrait of Paul Morton painted for the Board Room of the Equitable.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/03/08: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84482)
Date: March 8 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton saying he will meet Morton in Chicago to discuss the road suggestions. Godshalk is currently in the hospital after surgery, but expects to be released the next day. Mr. Larson has analyzed the soil under several different plants, and he has offered his opinion on what is wrong with the soil. Godshalk thinks his conclusions are reasonable. He will give the report to Morton when he sees him. These tests may become the basis for future major research. Tony will take the photo of Paul Morton's portrait that Morton had requested.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/03/10: Clarence Godshalk to Mrs. Victor Zurcher (Suzette Morton Davidson) (3.85874)
Date: March 10 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:A letter from Clarence Godshalk to Mrs. Victor Zurcher (Suzette Morton Davidson) discussing various forms and printing jobs for the Arboretum.
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
1955/03/24: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84483)
Date: March 24 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton enclosing a letter from Mr. Tikalsky who is proposing a peony test garden at the Arboretum including 300 of the best varieties. Godshalk thinks it would be as attractive to visitors in June as the narcissus are in April. The peonies would take some maintenance, but Godshalk will see what can be done about establishing the garden if Morton approves. Godshalk is sorry Morton had the flu while he was in Chicago. He is also enclosing a couple of the many letters they receive stating appreciation for the work of the Arboretum.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/03/29: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.104945)
Date: March 29 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk sharing his reaction to Mr. Tikalsky's proposal about adding peonies to the Arboretum. He is sending Tikalsky's proposal, along with a copy of this letter, to Mrs. Zurcher who will distribute them to the other trustees. Morton's reaction is unfavorable since the Arboretum was created for woody plants, and peonies are perennials which seem out of line with the Arboretum's purpose. The trustees need to decide whether or not they want to get into perennial gardens as well as woody plants.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/03/30: Clarence Godshalk to Suzette Davidson (Mrs. Victor Zurcher) (3.85875)
Date: March 30 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:A letter from Clarence Godshalk to Suzette Davidson (Mrs. Victor Zurcher) discussing new acknowledgements.
1955/03/30: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.104946)
Date: March 30 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk noting the memo of additional points from Mr. Root's office. He encloses two nice letters from people who appreciate the Arboretum. He was pretty miserable flying back with a bad cold, but is rapidly recovering in the California sunshine.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/03/31: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84484)
Date: March 31 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton enclosing bonds Morton needs to sign for the DuPage County Sheriff's office. He also discusses the possible peony test garden proposed by the Peony Society. Dr. Ensweller, from the U.S.D.A. in Beltsville, Maryland, will send azaleas to the Arboretum for testing. Dr. Milton Carlton of Vaughans wants to send some roses for testing. They are doing some planting, getting other outdoor work done, and laying our some new research studies. Godshalk will attend Mr. Parmelee's funeral.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/04/05: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104948)
Date: April 5 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Jasper E. Crane of Wilmington Delaware has confidentially contacted Morton for advice on starting a small arboretum. He is a former Vice President of the duPont Company. He may want to visit the Arboretum in June.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/04/05: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104947)
Date: April 5 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is neutral about adding peonies to the gardens, but he hopes they could be planted far enough apart to be cultivated with the small tractor. The study of feeding to control disease, filling around larger trees, pruning, etc. could make a lasting contribution to homes and gardens in Chicago. He's willing to buy the Jones' land for less than $1000 an acre. With that parcel and one other small piece you will be able to lay out the road system with more freedom. He is sorry to hear of Mr. Parmelee's death, a fine and reliable man. He also mentions Colonel McCormick's death as a loss to Chicago and beyond.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/04/12: Sterling Morton to Chicago Tribune Editor (3.104949)
Date: April 12 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:A copy of a letter in which Sterling Morton thanks the Chicago Tribune for the fine editorial on April 10 praising the work that is being done at The Morton Arboretum. With the coming blossom season will come increased traffic jams in all directions. What is needed is an underpass under Route 53 to connect both sides of the Arboretum. The proposed coming of the east/west toll road should also have an impact. He requests continued coverage by the automobile editor, Hal Foust. He also suggests the Tribune airplane could fly over and document the traffic backups. He appreciates the coverage and exposure the Tribune has given them. Copies of this letter were sent to Godshalk and E. H. Baker, Jr.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/04/25: Margaret Gray Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104950)
Date: April 25 1955Creator: Morton, Margaret Gray
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Margaret Gray Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. On board the S. S. President Wilson with them is Milo Perkins, who will be sending Godshalk a sample of his new Zoysia grass to try in Illinois. She includes an article on the grass. She comments on changes in Honolulu since their last visit 20 years ago. The changes in Japan are even greater. They hope to see Suzie in Rome. They may try to get a Pan Am flight home.
Extent: 5 sheets
1955/04/26: David F. Barrett to Morton Arboretum (3.107182)
Date: April 26 1955Type: Document
Description:Letter requesting information for their news service.
Extent: 1 page
1955/05/05: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84485)
Date: May 5 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton saying he has been busy with spring work and checking the drawings from Holabird and Root. The contract was given to Carroll Construction Company; he thinks they will do a good job as they did good work on the Thornhill Building. Jones has accepted a down payment on the eleven acres. The Arboretum is at least two weeks earlier in the blooming season. They have started test fertilizer and mulch plots. They are also running tests with salt on grass and trees. They have started an area showing the public how to grow fruit trees and bushes. They had one of the largest crowds ever this past Sunday. They took pictures to show what the traffic is like during busy times. He had to get after the Howard Fischer outfit, as not much seemed to be getting done. Having the equipment they need is a great advantage.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/05/05: Evelyn M. Naser to David F. Barrett (3.107183)
Date: May 5 1955Creator: Naser, Evelyn M.
Type: Document
Description:Letter in reply to the requested information about Arboretum construction project. The contract has been awarded to The Carroll Construction Company at 333 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago.
Extent: 1 page
1955/05/10: Pat Adams to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.109022)
Date: May 10 1955Creator: Adams, Clayton J.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Pat Adams to Clarence E. Godshalk. Ed Baker asked him to review the insurance coverage on the present buildings and equipment. Adams requests an inventory with approximate valuations of this equipment. This request is made in conjunction with the new construction being planned. Adams enjoyed his visit last week to the Arboretum.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/06/07: Clarence E. Godshalk to C. J. Adams (3.109023)
Date: June 7 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to C. J. Adams. He encloses an inventory of equipment and valuations, with the exception of cars and trucks which are included on their own policy. The insurance coverage is for $25,000. He placed full value on items recently purchased, and a lower valuation on older items. He keeps an updated list for the auditors, and he will now include Adams to receive the list. Auditors asked him for an updated list of farm equipment, but not for the Arboretum equipment because it is not operated for profit and depreciation on such equipment was not considered.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/06/09: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84486)
Date: June 9 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton stating how much he, Mrs. Godshalk, and Arboretum staff are enjoying his reports. Due to the rain, they are having trouble keeping up with the outside work. However, it looks like most of the sod will be saved. He updates him on the progress of the new building. Mr. Hubbard said the plans for the South Farm remodeling are almost ready for bids, and the data for the architecture competition for the new housing project is ready for printing. The Supreme Court has cleared everything for the new toll road; Godshalk has collected numerous pictures of the heavy traffic due to the Arboretum. Mr. Hattis, who is working on the new water system, has requested a complete topographic map. Tony Tyznik completed the project. The Arboretum had a great many visitors this spring. Heman Howard, Assistant Horticulturist of the Arnold Arboretum, was much impressed during his visit. The purchase of the Jones property is almost completed. Mr. Wallack is trying to sell his 2.05 acres in the middle of the Arboretum. Godshalk believes he will have a difficult time due to the high asking price and the questionable right of way.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/07/05: J. Hopkins Smith, Jr. to Sterling Morton (3.84488)
Date: July 5 1955Creator: Smith, J. Hopkins, Jr.
Type: Document
Description:Smith refers to Morton's recent around-the-world trip and asks for a summary of it; refers also to Russia's present peace initiative, saying that it is suited to their ambition to dominate the world and therefore shows no change in their objective. Plans to do some reforestation on his Colorado ranch at 8,000 feet and asks for advice about publications on trees suitable to his climate. He wonders particularly about the Canadian hemlock. He discussed his mother's deteriorating health and the good news about the announcement of her granddaughter's engagement to William Willis of New York.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/07/06: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.84487)
Date: July 6 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Morton has enclosed letter from Jim 'Smith in which Smith inquires about trees for his place in Colorado at an elevation of 8,000 feet; Godshalk may have friends schooled in Alpine flora who can advise Smith about trees appropriate for his elevation. In a discussion about John Root and axis, Morton considers it careless of Root not to tell him that the omission of the courtyard will put the Administration Building off axis; he has also discussed this negligence with the Building Committee.
On Gotshalk's upcoming trip to the Shade Tree Conference, Morton has invited Godshalk to spend time with him to tour Santa Barbara; in addition he has invited Godshalk the use of his Chevrolet during this trip.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/07/07: Clarence E. Godshalk to J. Hopkins Smith, Jr. (3.84489)
Date: July 7 1955Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Godshalk answers Smith's letter of inquiry about unusual trees to plant on his Colorado ranch with a special inquiry about the native Hemlock, about which Godshalk is doubtful. The best source of information is Mr. Robert E. More, an attorney at First National Bank Building in Denver. Since he has a private arboretum called Glenmore Arboretum in Buffalo Creek with a wide variety of trees based on planting tests, he would be the best resource of reliable information for you. Please do not hesitate to call on us for any further information.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/07/19: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104951)
Date: July 19 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Dr. Van Rensselaer asked Morton to introduce Godshalk at the Shade Tree Conference. He needs some details to include in his introduction. Godshalk can then plan his talk about the Arboretum and his work there. He invites Godshalk to stay with him, at least the night before the conference begins.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/07/19: Sterling Morton to M. Van Rensselaer (3.104954)
Date: July 19 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to M. Van Rensselaer, Director of the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation, in Saratoga, California. He will be pleased to introduce Clarence Godshalk at the August 3 dinner. "I consider Clarence Godshalk an outstanding man in any company. He has been the guiding spirit of the Morton Arboretum ever since my father founded it, and its success is largely due to him." If visitors would also like to come to our place in Santa Barbara, we would welcome them. Your invitation to Godshalk to speak on the Arboretum will give him "an excellent opportunity to review things here." With all of our recent building, this reflection will serve the Arboretum also. Other guests to include are Mr. Bullard and Dr. Muller of the Botanic Garden.
Extent: 1 sheet
1955/07/22: M. Van Rensselaer to Clarence Godshalk (3.104953)
Date: July 22 1955Type: Document
Description:Letter from [Maunsell] Van [Rensselaer] to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is delighted that Sterling Morton will be introducing Godshalk at the meeting. Morton said that is was a favor to introduce Godshalk. Dr. Shantz will also be there, and he is one Godshalk should talk with about his plans. Please send a photo.
Extent: 2 sheets
1955/07/23: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104952)
Date: July 23 1955Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Glad to hear Godshalk family are all enjoying Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. He discusses the travel plans for Godshalk to arrive in Santa Barbara: planes, bus, and alternatives, to stay with Mortons on Saturday evening. They will tour on Sunday and take him to the Californian Hotel that evening. Morton will be introducing Godshalk at the conference on Wednesday. Morton is pleased to be able to show Godshalk around.
Extent: 2 sheets