1960/01/09: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105083)
Date: January 9 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He reaffirms that he promised $1000.00 from the Morton Fund for a new hospital. He will not give any Arboretum land for the hospital. He suggested sites south of Lisle or west of the town on Warrenville Road. Tell Mr. Stingley that he is glad to have better hospital facilities in the neighborhood. The Holabird and Root sketches for the toll booths were too elaborate, his sketches are better.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/01/12: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105084)
Date: January 12 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is pleased that Godshalk's Kiwanis Club/Arboretum Christmas event went well. He is sure that the Bakers added to the enjoyment. He agrees that the Arboretum should be represented at the A.A.A.B.G. exhibit and Mr. Blood, but he feels that Mrs. Watts and Godshalk don't need that group to design the exhibit. If they want to submit 2 black and white photos and $100, he is comfortable with letting them keep the remaining money for a better opportunity. He appreciates the information on the compact camera tripod. He cites corrections to his letter of December 30, 1959.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/02/02: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105085)
Date: February 2 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Enclosing a copy of his reply to Dr. Carleton. He'll also make comments on Godshalk's excellent plans for the proposed toll houses. Thanks for the photo of Paul Morton, however he was President of Equitable, not Prudential. He is sending another copy of the photo, grandson of Paul Morton.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/02/04: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105086)
Date: February 4 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Mrs. Morton had another attack similar to the one last year that caused them to cancel their African trip. They need to remove the weak section of her intestine, and it's safer when she is well, and not as an emergency. He is not sure when they will be able to leave California. He understands about the overhead bridge at Ogden and Route 53. If the contractor can clean out Lake Marmo and dig a settling basin to the west of it, we can keep the land in its present shape. The fact that the dam has been opened since the fall has allowed the water to drain out so that it's not quite as soggy. He approves this deal, if Godshalk can get it.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/02/04: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105087)
Date: February 4 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He likes Godshalk's plan for the entryway. He shared it with Mrs. Zurcher. The wall map over the areaway should have a grid overlay system, so the attendants can direct visitors to a specific area. There is no space for someone to park and get more information without holding up traffic. The desk should be arranged so the attendant can do some routine work while awaiting customers. There should be tight shutters all around, which could be put up at night and taken down each morning, but they would need storage space. There should be a substantial overhang, especially to shield the east station from the western sun. The west station should not be bothered by the sun. This plan will be sent to Mrs. Zurcher. After she reviews and returns it to you, make sure the architects get these ideas.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/02/15: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105088)
Date: February 15 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He's sorry to hear of Mrs. Watts [medical] misfortune. He will write her in the hospital. He is in favor of working with Dr. Carleton for students to work at the Arboretum in "a practical manner." Work with Ed [Baker] to make sure the "Arboretum doesn't get the short end of the stick". He saw the sketch plan for the Exhibit in Amsterdam. He is pleased that Morton Arboretum is well represented. He's also glad that Godshalk will get his long-awaited trip. Morton plans to attend the International Chamber of Commerce Congress in Copenhagen in the spring of 1961. The steel for the river bridge on Route 53 is in place, so with good weather the concrete can begin to complete the underpasses and approaches to let the Arboretum settle down to normal. He hopes the contractors will take fill from Lake Marmo, but the silt there might not suit their needs. Mrs. Morton is home from the hospital and is improving.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/02/18: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105089)
Date: February 18 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Thanks for sending the flowers to the funeral of Mrs. Barnett. He will reimburse for the flowers. Do not burn the old letters from Grandfather [J. Sterling Morton]. He will sort through them. Some have historical value and should be sent to the Nebraska Historical Society where the rest of his papers are. Morton remembers rescuing an old letter from William Jennings Bryan to his Grandfather, asking if Nebraska was a good place for a young lawyer. Glad to see the contractor wants 50,000 yards of fill. This should take Lake Marmo deep enough to prevent the current scum formation. It should also create a settling basin to catch silt. Godshalk has authorization to offer the contractor half the amount they estimated to clean the lake with a drag line.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/03/02: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105090)
Date: March 2 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Dr. Carleton's letter outlines his proposal very well. Work with Baker to create a contract or memo. He will proceed with making the columns a permanent feature and give the eye a focal point in looking over the garden. It is fine news that Mrs. Watts is recovering so well. The $6,000 to Bird Cartage Company will make Lake Marmo good and deep. It will stay that way with the settling basin above and the change in land use up on the headwaters of the creek. For Godshalk's European trip, Morton recommends that he work with A.A.A, through the Chicago Motor Club. He mentions the Flower Show in Turin and the myriad flower boxes throughout Europe for Godshalk to see.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/03/07: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105091)
Date: March 7 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Mrs. Morton is making great improvement. However, he doesn't feel he can commit to speaking at Commencement. He will write Father Kucera to find an alternate speaker. Pleased to hear of the progress in clearing Lake Marmo. He'd like to see Godshalk's European itinerary, perhaps he can make some suggestions.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/03/09: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105092)
Date: March 9 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Mrs. Zurcher tells me you have had a sprained or broken wrist. Be sure to take care of it so as not to have a handicap on your trip. Be careful driving. Mrs. Morton came through the operation and is making a splendid recovery. We are fortunate to have been in such good hands. Before long you should be able to get Spring work underway. I know nothing of Morton Hall in Norfolk County, England nor of Thomas Trench Berney. You should have a look at it while in England. Our people came from Yorkshire; the first of any note was George, a banker, who acted as agent for the Pilgrims while they were in Holland. He chartered the Mayflower for them. His brother, Thomas, came to Hingham, near Boston and got in wrong with the Puritans. The opera, Merrymount, is largely based on his escapades.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/03/25: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105093)
Date: March 25 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:In letter of March 18 I said Lausanne instead of Lucerne; Lucerne is more beautiful. For some years I have wanted a good portrait of Paul Morton at the Arboretum. I've found a good artist. Are there two portraits of Paul at the Arboretum? Please put aside any good -sized photos of him; put these together and tell Tony or Mrs. Maser where they are so I can come to get them. The man I have in mind is a good portrait artist. From materials available, I'm sure he can show Uncle Paul's force and character.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/06/08: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105094)
Date: June 8 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Clarence's European trip brings back memories for Morton : Interlaken, Grindelwald, Baden Baden. His next trip will be to Paris, London, and a long stay in the Bavarian Alps. He's interested to hear about Ireland, which he thinks is overrated. He offers many tips about travel in England, especially Kew Gardens. Tony suggested that the Arboretum add horses for better ease in trail patrol. The roads are in terrible shape. Perhaps should consider a weight limit for buses, and a speed limit. He has prices on smaller 3-wheel vehicles which could go on trails. The old bridge at Lake Marmo might be removed and replaced with a paved culvert, which would handle high waters. Tony says the existing bridge is unsafe and an eyesore. For toll booths he has a design underway. He likes the idea of rolling metal shutters. He has found some standard iron picket gates that would be effective. Tony deplores the present lack of gates. Locating all of these can be worked out when Godshalk returns from his trip. Morton will spend a day with Godshalk around July 4. "Make sure to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. If you should happen to see Liz or Phil, say hello" for him.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/06/14: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105095)
Date: June 14 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk, who is on vacation in London. Morton spent time at the Arboretum, planning for locations of gates and toll booths. Ed [Baker] said that the "map shelters" need to wait until later, to be "a little careful on expenses." "So that you can be thinking these matters over [while you are on vacation], I go into some detail." In great detail, he tells locations for gates, fences, roads, entrance roads, parking spaces, traffic flow, signs and more. Much of this work is underway, but he will wait until Godshalk returns before finalizing the plan because "you have given this matter careful thought for a long time, and you may have good reasons for changing some of the suggestions above." Ed suggests steel pipes, filled with concrete and painted white to channel drivers at "diverging roads."
In a handwritten note at the top of page 1, Morton mentions that the Ritz has no connecting single rooms on the quiet side, so they might try the Stafford their next time. He requests that Godshalk ask if the Stafford has 2 single connecting rooms on a quiet side for September 7. Please bring a plan of the hotel also. They have stayed at the Savoy many times but it's not near the kind of shopping Mrs. Morton wants to do.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/06/28: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105096)
Date: June 28 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He talked with Arthur Myhrum about the proposed fountain. Mrs. Zurcher thought the fountain should have some architectural input. He details the height, spread, pumps, basin lining, and locations of the fountain and pumps. For the Arboretum entrances, he suggests removable posts or a chain to prevent "gate crashers" when the Arboretum is closed. Godshalk can proceed with the plan to have a deputy, with headquarters in a car, at the gatehouses. He feels they should consider having a constant patrol during various parts of the day.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/07/05: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.105097)
Date: July 5 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk saying he finds himself in agreement about the picnickers. Morton believes the Arboretum should have a patrolman on practically all the time, especially during the summer. He could stop the picnicking. He is glad to hear the confusion over the clover leaf will be cleaned up this weekend with additional men at the entrance and more signs. He suggests that Godshalk, Tony, and other staff members create a simple code of rules. He is turning over some stocks to the Arboretum to pay for the pillars, director's trip, and other improvements.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/07/05: Sterling Morton to Edward H. Baker, Jr. (3.105098)
Date: July 5 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Edward H. Baker, Jr. informing him that he has transferred shares of Morton Salt Company stock to the Arboretum to pay for the Four Columns, the director's upcoming trip, and other current projects. He signed contracts covering the erection of the Four Columns.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/07/09: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.105099)
Date: July 9 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk offering his suggestions for improvements on the terrace area outside the rotunda. He asks Godshalk to make sure Morton's Thimble fountain is on its way. He asks Godshalk's opinion about men in cars at the locations of the future gate-houses. He hopes Godshalk has arranged to see Mr. Boehmer (gates) and the architects to work out a plan for the gates and gate-houses. Handwritten on back of letter: "Holabird & Root (Mr. Ward) on designing the gate posts for the clover leaf. Mr. Morton mentions in his letter that a Mr. Beohmer is furnishing the iron gates.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/07/13: Sterling Morton to C.E. Godshalk (3.105100)
Date: July 13 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk approving the purchase of two trucksters and giving his opinion about the options on them to buy. He has turned in his donation for Godshalk's trip, the new pillars, and the gates and gatehouses.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/07/15: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.105101)
Date: July 15 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk telling him that City Investing Company has developed a residential area with research, engineering, and science centers in New York. It includes a 125-acre tract of native woodland. The Vice President in charge of this is a colleague of Morton's at Equitable Life, so he has asked him to let Morton know how attendance works out and if there are any complaints about the changes.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/07/18: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.105102)
Date: July 18 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk stating it is not necessary to provide any further accounting of the expenses of his trip abroad; Morton is satisfied with what he has seen and believes the Arboretum will benefit from Godshalk's trip. He is sorry to see the cleaning of Lake Marmo was suspended. With respect to the parking lots, Morton would like to see strips between the rows of cars planted with trees and shrubbery. He notes that the Holden Arboretum charges 35 cents admission. While some of the trustees are dubious about charging an admission fee at the Morton Arboretum, Morton thinks it is the only way to pay for necessary expenses like gatemen, patrolmen, etc. He asks him to keep after Mr. Ward on the gate house plans. There is no sign of the Thimble fountain. He goes on to give his opinion of the Los Angeles convention. Other than the gate houses and gates and improvements to the Hedge Garden, he is unwilling to take on any further projects at this time.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/07/21: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.105103)
Date: July 21 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk saying while he supports the proposal to set up a course at the Arboretum for training professional gardeners, he was not envisioning the much more ambitious plan proposed in the letter from Mr. Carleton. The Arboretum has sufficient funds in its endowment to operate it along its present lines, but that may not be true in the future. The Founder wanted a privately endowed, privately maintained, and privately managed organization, with no affiliates. Morton does not want political or university control of any part of the Arboretum. If Carleton, or others, wishes to establish a school outside of the Arboretum, students could get experience at the Arboretum, but under the direction of the Director. Morton makes it clear that as long as he is Chairman, there will be no affiliates connected with the Arboretum. A P.S. states that the German fountain has arrived and been installed.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/07/22: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.105104)
Date: July 22 1960Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton stating Morton's letter is exactly what he wanted to use to answer Roy Nordine and Dr. Carleton about the proposed training school. Godshalk has done little about it due to time constraints. He has been thinking of something more along the lines of the program at Longwood Gardens where they take on 9-10 students, and they rotate them throughout the organization. They had a final inspection from the State Highway Department on the Route 53 job, and all was ok. They hope to have Lake Marmo cleaned by the end of next week, ready to deepen it. The settling basin work has been going well. Tony has the parking area nearly ready for the curb man. Holabird & Root says the gate and Control House drawings will be ready by August 1. Mr. Boehmer will have the iron gates ready in time. Mr. Ward met with Mr. Carroll to get the work on Thornhill completed before fall classes.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/07/26: Clarence Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.105105)
Date: July 26 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Clarence Godshalk appreciated receiving a copy of Sterling Morton's talk for the Directors of the Illinois Manufacturer's Association in November 1959. Many thistles and Dutch Elm Disease trees to be taken down. The Arboretum has purchased two tracksters. Route 53 contractors are not through; because of rain cannot apply premix black top at intersection with Park Boulevard. Rival Cartage people not happy with rain at Lake Marmo. Have been considering a mix of people to replace Mrs. Watts who feels she must work only about two days a week. Mr. Floyd Swink seems the most desirable.
Extent: 3 sheets
1960/08/01: Thomas J. Malloy to Sterling Morton (3.105106)
Date: August 1 1960Creator: Malloy, Thomas J.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Thomas J. Malloy to Sterling Morton stating the urgent need for a hospital in Lisle, therefore they have worked out a sketch for a 280-bed hospital and are looking for a sizeable donation.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/08/10: Sterling Morton to Thomas J. Malloy (3.105107)
Date: August 10 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Thomas J. Malloy, in response to the request for a "sizeable donation to build a Morton Memorial Hospital in Lisle, Illinois." Morton was personally willing to give $1000 toward the hospital.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/08/03: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105108)
Date: August 3 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He will forward copies of the recommendations for Floyd Swink, from the Chicago Academy of Science and University of Illinois. He hopes that Dr. Thieret of Chicago Natural History Museum will put his recommendation in writing. Morton would like the Education Committee to consider whether Godshalk can approach Swink about a job teaching classes. Morton is not concerned that Swink doesn't have a PhD. He is pleased that the Cushman Trucksters are useful, and will save wear and tear on roads and large trucks. He's sorry that American-Marietta Company has been slow about getting the foundation for the columns done. Godshalk has his permission to find a local concrete man to help. Call Mr. Ward to speed them up on the gates, gate posts and toll houses. He asks about Godshalk's final decision on parking at the entrances. He is not in favor of bare parking lots, and suggests that plantings go in between cars.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/08/07: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105109)
Date: August 7 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Mr. Malloy assumed that Morton was interested in [a large donation for the hospital] when Morton commented that 'the sisters' run a good hospital and putting a hospital next to a major highway was a bad idea. The Board Committee on Education should meet Mr. Swink. He's glad the work on Lake Marmo is progressing, as well as the grass along the highway. He wants to bring the entrance to the Center back into the main stream of traffic. He asks for detailed drawings with very specific criteria. In addition to his own ideas, he wants to get input from Godshalk, Tony, Mrs. Z., and others.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/08/08: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105110)
Date: August 8 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk regarding the Arboretum's parking lots, admission, and gatehouses.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/08/11: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105111)
Date: August 11 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk on various topics including Arboretum visitors and an old bridge.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/08/22: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105112)
Date: August 22 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk expressing that he is willing to employ Mr. Swink and that Mrs. Zurcher should also see him. He is glad that Tony has gone to National Shade Tree Conference. He notes about the parking lots that there is a problem with people parking in the "short term" parking place for the Arboretum Center and continuing on to the Arboretum. He also notes a public relations angle to parking lots: if charges made for cars only and pedestrians are free, this fee can be justified by the fact that patrolmen needed to control traffic and that cars cause wear and tear on roads. Such a plan could determine if later they might need to charge everyone. Sending letter to Ed Baker because there may be legal aspect concerning tax exemption; we need his advice before deciding about parking lot. He will have Ed call Godshalk about parking lot. He is glad to see work coming along well on Lake Marmo, that Godshalk has an idea for front of Arboretum Center, and that the rotunda terrace steps have been fixed.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/08/26: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105113)
Date: August 26 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. In Holabird and Root's drawings for the gate posts, he questions the gates swinging in opposing directions. He prefers they swing in the same direction, with a center post of 6-8 inch pipe filled with concrete and set in a concrete base that they could be fastened to. He also discusses the creation of a fountain.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/08/28: William M. Henley to Morton Arboretum (3.105114)
Date: August 28 1960Creator: Henley, William M.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from William M. Henley to The Morton Arboretum where he compliments the Arboretum and sends well wishes.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/09/03: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105116)
Date: September 3 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He sent approval of the gate house changes to Mr. Ward. Curbs with plantings are better than platforms. Posts should be 6 inch pipe, fitted with eyes for chain and filled with concrete. He cautions about trailer heaters with unsightly tanks. Electric heaters may be too costly. But proper ventilation would be required for LPG heaters, and conceal the tanks. He approves the change in location of the west gate house, which might be good if they start to charge for parking. Consider the same for the east gate house. He is pleased with the Meadow Lake dredging deal that Godshalk negotiated. He hopes the same for Lake Marmo, and that they both should not need cleaning for a long time. For the bridge he agrees to "put a new arch on either side, after cutting away all of the crumbling concrete." Also a new arch at the back of the old dam is a good idea. He suggests a new deck to tie it all together and he likes the look of a wooden railing to give a better view. He sees many changes to the map and roads in the past five years. He can't find the 'Bird Bath' on the map. He looks forward to meeting Mr. Swink, who has a big job to fill Mrs. Watts' shoes.
Extent: 5 sheets
1960/09/08: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105117)
Date: September 8 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Included is a postcard of Shoenbrunn Palace in Vienna. Morton indicates the Gloriette and fountain which will be put in at Morton Arboretum, although much less "pretentious". The postcard was sent to Mrs. Sterling Morton.
Extent: 3 sheets
1960/09/20: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105118)
Date: September 20 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:A postcard from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. The photo is of the Hanover Inn at Dartmouth College. On a road trip, they are enjoying the New England fall colors. He prefers the smaller roads to the turnpike.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/09/28: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105119)
Date: September 28 1960Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Letterhead is Bonnie Oaks Inn and Bungalows, Fairisle, Vermont. They were shocked to see the dead and sick elm trees in Indiana and Ohio. Lesser damage in New England, which would lose much of its charm if their elm trees die. They will continue their museum trip with several more east of the Hudson, then Philadelphia and Baltimore before heading home. He is using Ektachrome film but will also take a roll of Kodachrome to be sure of the colors.
Extent: 2 sheets