1925/01: Joy Morton to Clarence Godshalk (3.101445)
Date: January 1925Creator: Morton, Joy
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joy Morton to Clarence Godshalk saying he was glad to receive letters from Godshalk and sharing details about his trip. Guests' arrival was delayed due to floods in Georgia, and Morton has had a fine trip and caught numerous large fish. He encloses photos of some of them (not included in record).
Extent: 2 sheets
1928/04/04: Clarence E. Godshalk to Joy Morton (3.101505)
Date: April 4 1928Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to Joy Morton. He has 6 gangs for a total of 30 men working. They are moving 200 larch at the Residence: 50 to Lake Marmo and the rest to Puffer Lake area. One gang is working at the Residence yard, and another is getting the flower garden in shape. The lilacs and honeysuckles are coming out and should be springlike when he returns. Fred Berg's winter wheat did not do so well. He hasn't heard from Wirt about the hiring of a new chauffeur. Godshalk will be glad to come in to Chicago to help him out if there isn't a new chauffeur by then.
Extent: 1 sheet
1926/03/16: Wirt Morton to Joy Morton (3.101509)
Date: March 16 1926Creator: Morton, Wirt
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Wirt Morton to Joy Morton, who is in California. Wirt heard that his Uncle Joy was disappointed at the slow progress of work on Thornhill. He updated his uncle about the work that was being done at Thornhill.
Extent: 3 sheets
1953/11/16: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.101900)
Date: November 16 1953Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk, dictated on 3 different dates. He would like additional copies of the report to give to Mr. Hamill and Wirt. He feels the Holabird & Root plan for the gallery has too much glass and would be hard to heat. He will talk with Mrs. Zurcher about other ideas. He would like the Trustees to get more involved to lighten the load on himself and Godshalk. He remarks that he and Wirt are the only two left from the beginning of the Arboretum, and Wirt is inactive. He is looking for recommendations for a new Board Member. On 12/08/1953, he discusses in great detail a Skilsaw chainsaw as well as a pneumatic tree trimmer.
Extent: 2 sheets
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
Arboretum Landscape Teaching Aid Series: Three Norway Spruces (3.19506)
Date: 1940 – 1960Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Drawing
Description:Primarily textual teaching aid depicting Arboretum landscape. This material describes the three Norway spruce trees planted by Joy Morton, Wirt Morton, and Sterling Morton, including a pasted Arboretum map of their location on the grounds.
Header: THREE Norway Spruces [image of three stylized trees] were planted by THREE Mortons / JOY MORTON / WIRT MORTON / STERLING MORTON
Text and illustrations from top to bottom:
- [Depicted in stylized scroll] THE RECORD: Three Tall Trees [Illustration of three trees] On Forest Road [followed by an arrow pointing downward to map below]
- map: the 3 spruces [arrow pointing downward to spot on map where trees are located, on Forest Road]. Label in lower right: GUIDE MAP of THE MORTON ARBORETUM LISLE, ILLINOIS
- text below map: *these trees are one answer to the ever occurring question: HOW FAST DO TREES GROW?
Extent: 1 sheet
Sterling and Wirt Morton on horse-drawn carriage (3.3093)
Date: 1890Creator: Trimble, R. W.
Type: Photographic image
Description:Cabinet Card of Sterling and Wirt Morton on horse-drawn carriage
Extent: 1 photograph (2 copies)
J. Sterling Morton with grandsons, Wirt & Sterling (3.3104)
Date: July 17 1901Type: Photographic image
Description:J. Sterling Morton with grandsons, Wirt (left) & Sterling (right), on horses in front of Overland Theatre
Extent: 1 photograph (2 copies)
Wirt Morton at desk (3.3106)
Creator: Stoller, Blank
Type: Photographic image
Description:Wirt Morton at desk
Son of Carl Morton and nephew of Joy Morton
An original trustee of the Morton Arboretum
Extent: 1 photograph
Lunching & Learning with Suzette Morton Davidson: A Morton Family Album - Personal Reminiscences of the Morton Family (3.31581)
Date: January 19 1978Type: Audio
Description:Lunching and Learning program presented by Suzette Morton Davidson on the topic of Morton family history. Introduction by Charles Lewis.
Extent: 1 audio cassette
Arbor Lodge, Morton family on porch and along drive (3.3201)
Date: 1893Type: Photographic image
Description:Arbor Lodge, Morton family on porch and along drive
Along drive: Wirt Morton on donkey; Bruggman with horse
On porch: Carl Morton; Boatie Payne Morton in chair beside him; Emma Morton; Molly French
Extent: 1 photograph
Joy Morton's children and nephew, in front of Thornhill residence greenhouse (3.3523)
Type: Photographic image
Description:Joy Morton children and nephew, in front of Thornhill residence greenhouse
L to R: Wirt Morton, Jean Morton, Sterling Morton
Extent: 1 photograph
Indenture, The Morton Arboretum (3.36415)
Date: December 14 1922Type: Document
Description:Indenture establishing and outlining the creation of The Morton Arboretum
Extent: 6 sheets
Joy Morton's children and nephew, in front of Thornhill residence greenhouse (3.37645)
Type: Photographic image
Description:Joy Morton children and nephew, in front of Thornhill residence greenhouse
L to R: Sterling Morton, Jean Morton, Wirt Morton
Extent: 1 photograph
Request to Illinois Secretary of State from the proposed Board for incorporation of The Morton Arboretum (3.63987)
Type: Document
Description:A document consisting of a request to Illinois Secretary of State from the proposed Board for incorporation of The Morton Arboretum.
Extent: 2 sheets
1944/02/11: R. L. Young to C. E. Godshalk (3.84390)
Date: February 11 1944Creator: Young, R. L.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from R. L. Young (Morton Salt Company) to C. E. Godshalk requesting that the bulletin be sent to Wirt Morton directly since he hasn't been connected to this office for two years. He believes Mr. Sterling Morton could furnish Wirt Morton's present address. Young also asked for a purchase source and cultural information for red and sugar maples.
Extent: 1 sheet
1944/02/15: C. E. Godshalk to R. L. Young (3.84391)
Date: February 15 1944Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to R. L. Young (Morton Salt Company) confirming they will change Mr. Wirt Morton's address on their mailing list. He goes on to share the requested information about red and sugar maples including cultural information and purchase sources.
Extent: 1 sheet
1944/09/16: D. H. Mulloney to C. E. Godshalk (3.84399)
Date: September 16 1944Creator: Mulloney, D. H.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from D. H. Mulloney (The Pure Oil Company) to C. E. Godshalk requesting Mr. and Mrs. Wirt Morton's address. He would also like their son Carl's address if he is no longer living with them. As they were at the Dawes Arboretum in 1927 when the J. Sterling Morton tree was dedicated, Mr. and Mrs. B.G. Dawes would like to send them the announcement of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Wirt Morton's address is handwritten on the lower left corner of the letter.
Extent: 1 sheet
1944/09/22: C. E. Godshalk to D. H. Mulloney (3.84400)
Date: September 22 1944Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to D. H. Mulloney including Mr. Wirt Morton's address and saying he does not have Carl Morton's address. He suggests Mulloney contact the Morton Salt Company, giving the company's address.
Extent: 1 sheet
1929/02/26: Wirt Morton to Frank Williams (3.84666)
Date: February 26 1929Creator: Morton, Wirt
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Wirt Morton to Frank Williams concerning particulars of carriages sent to Arbor Lodge including cost and manufacturer.
Extent: 1 page
1936/03/01: Wirt Morton to Clarence Godshalk (3.84711)
Date: March 1 1936Creator: Morton, Wirt
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Wirt Morton to Clarence Godshalk inquiring about what type of fertilizer and grass seed should be used on his lawn.
Extent: 1 page
1936/03/06: Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton (3.84712)
Date: March 6 1936Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton with detailing outlining lawn care. First is analysis of the soil which can be done by sending in a sample. Vigoro and Scotts Lawn Seed are recommended for fertilizing and seeding of the lawn.
Extent: 2 pages
1936/11/03: Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton (3.84715)
Date: November 3 1936Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton concerning zinc plant labels that are currently attached with copper wire which causes a reaction that results in wearing through the zinc. He wonders if using aluminum wire would solve this problem and would like advice of chemists at Salt Company about this issue.
Extent: 1 page
1936/11/04: Wirt Morton to Clarence Godshalk (3.84716)
Date: November 4 1936Creator: Morton, Wirt
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Wirt Morton to Clarence Godshalk regarding label problem. The way to resolve the issue is use the same metal for the wire and the labels. Otherwise, an electrolytical action will take place.
Extent: 1 page
1937/10/14: Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton (3.84722)
Date: October 14 1937Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter of recommendation from Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton for Selma Johnson, daughter of Arboretum foreman Otto Johnson, for work in the Chicago office.
Extent: 1 page
1944/03/04: Evelyn Rasch to Wirt Morton (3.84725)
Date: March 14 1944Creator: Naser, Evelyn M.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Evelyn Rasch to Wirt Morton informing him that bulletins are being sent to the incorrect address and will be forwarded to his new California address in the future.
Extent: 1 page
1964/02/11: Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton (3.84733)
Date: February 11 1964Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton letting him know that he cannot find any books written about the Morton Salt Co. He is sending a copy of "Chicago's Highways Old and New" authored by Joy Morton. Miss Kerr, who edits the Morton Salt "Spout" is in the process of writing a book about Morton Salt. She will be contacting him. P.S. Suzette says there is a book about Morton Salt, "The Fifth Element."
Extent: 1 page
1937/04/25: Margaret Morton to C.E. Godshalk (3.84810)
Date: April 25 1937Creator: Morton, Margaret Gray
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Margaret Morton to C. E. Godshalk notifying him of her travel arrangements home and asking for assistance in transporting her baggage back to Thornhill.
Extent: 1 sheet
1938/02/05: Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton (3.84826)
Date: February 5 1938Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton inquiring about 5% Fleet Owner's Discount for Mrs. Morton's new Ford.
Extent: 1 page
1938/05/14: Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton (3.84827)
Date: May 14 1938Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence Godshalk to Wirt Morton advising him of order of shady mixture grass seed from O. M. Scott and Sons to be sent to him.
Extent: 1 page
1920/12/11: Joy Morton to Arthur Sherwood (3.92102)
Date: December 11 1920Creator: Morton, Joy
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joy Morton to Arthur Sherwood requesting 2 more copies of "Missouri Botanical Garden", which describes Shaw's Garden. Requesting that Sherwood visit Shaw's, then send the books to Wirt Morton who will give them to others to study while Joy is in Europe studying other gardens in preparation for beginning his own next year.
Extent: 1 sheet
1921/01/09: Joy Morton to Sterling Morton (3.92103)
Date: January 9 1921Creator: Morton, Joy
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joy Morton to Sterling Morton, sharing his observations on the economies in France and Austria. One contact suggested that he invest in teletype, but he's not interested. He detailed the rents and taxes on the Equitable Building in Vienna. Wirt Morton should have a good first quarter because so few purchased salt in 1920.
Extent: 3 sheets
1921/02/07: Joy Morton to Sterling Morton (3.92109)
Date: February 7 1921Creator: Morton, Joy
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joy Morton to Sterling Morton, discussing train vs. motor travel from Barcelona to Madrid. Sharing some of his experiences as a tourist in Spain. Detailed a plan for a small plot, once he returns.
Extent: 3 sheets
1921/03/03: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92111)
Date: March 3 1921Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Joy Morton, updating him on the varieties of trees to be purchased, along with planting details. The Arnold Arboretum paperwork is ready when Joy Morton returns. Wirt Morton says the plans for water piping around the grounds are ready for spring installation. Sterling feels a landscape architect should review their plans to date. He is also concerned that Lisle is too far away from Chicago for an arboretum.
Extent: 2 sheets
1921/03/03: Joy Morton to Sterling Morton (3.92112)
Date: March 3 1921Creator: Morton, Joy
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joy Morton to Sterling Morton. He describes the difficulty of travel in post-war Spain - trains are slow and you need a police pass to motor on the roads. He sent Wirt and Wyllie a sketch for plantings near Thornhill.
Extent: 3 sheets
1921/03/05: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92113)
Date: March 5 1921Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Joy Morton updating him on a recent trip to the farm. The ice is in. Should be able to hire men at a reasonable rate for spring clean up. Much detailed discussion of tree planting, varieties, locations, spacing. Detailed discussion of water movement throughout, using the ponds with a windmill which serviced the farm and an additional motor pump.
Extent: 3 sheets