Browsing by year: century:
Residential street lined with American elms (3.104901)
Date: 1950sCreator: Ware, George
Type: Photographic image
Description:Black and white photograph of a residential street lined with American elms prior to destruction by Dutch elm disease. This image was used in an article for The Morton Arboretum Quarterly, volume 29, number 4 (December 1993), titled "Developing Better Elms: The Plant-resistance Component of Integrated Pest Management." The caption for the image reads:
Before the late 1950s, the streets of many American cities, like the one shown here, were lined with American elms. The beautiful cathedral-like avenues were devastated by Dutch elm disease.
1956/01/28: Sterling Morton to Samuel A. Lichtman (3.104977)
Date: January 28 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Samuel A. Lichtman, President of American Institute of Architects. Morton Arboretum does not fit into the proposed resolution, therefore we will not join. We are not contractors or builders, and we do not train building or landscape architects. Morton wishes them well in trying to improve the standards of training for their profession.
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/01/25: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104978)
Date: January 25 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He's glad to hear of progress on buildings. He is sorry to hear of several deaths: Martin Carroll, Joe Burgee and John Holabird. He is aware of discussion about the new tollway. Being able to acquire several miles of right-of-way at once, should make the highway department be sensitive to positioning it favorably to Morton Arboretum. He has landscape sketches from Wagstaff to make the Lake Forest place nearly maintenance-free. In the plan could an Alpine currant hedge substitute for some of the yews? Parking spaces need to be longer and longer as the American cars are getting so much bigger. There were compliments about Godshalk's talk at the Shade Tree Conference.
Extent: 3 sheets
1956/02/28: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104979)
Date: February 28 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. In view of the ongoing construction and Godshalk's heavy workload, he suggests postponing the library reclassification and relocation until a later date. He appreciates making the library a more useful adjunct to the Arboretum. Mrs. Hinson, the Downers Grove librarian is interested in library work. He is forwarding the library ideas to Mrs. Zurcher for further study.
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/02/29: Sterling Morton to Clarence Godshalk (3.104980)
Date: February 29 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:A letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence Godshalk discussing the potential hiring of a new laborer.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/03/02: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104983)
Date: March 2 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Morton Salt people have sent him information on underground cable for his lighting project. He put together a program of 180 slides from his around the world trip. He can pare it down for a 45 minute presentation at Morton Arboretum, to include slides of botanical interest. He is interested in the 16 mm films which were taken on a cruise ship. His previous projector was stolen from Mrs. Zurcher's car in Grant Park. He has upgraded his slide projector to 500 watts for a brighter picture. He upgraded his Gravely tractor over the one he sent to the Arboretum. He likes the roller, which is a huge improvement over the cement roller that took two men to pull. Did you get the reel mower and the governor? He will present them with a roller, if useful. He and Mrs. Zurcher will be at Morton Arboretum on March 17, after attending the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/03/07: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104984)
Date: March 7 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He has been going over the drawings for "my place" [Lake Forest] and he likes the suggestions which Godshalk has made, especially to cut down on maintenance. Wagstaff has submitted a drawing similar to Godshalk's, although he hasn't compared the planting list. He thanks Godshalk for the time and effort he has put in, but he urges Godshalk to spend his time on the large job at the Arboretum. Morton hopes to move in during the spring when he'll be on hand to oversee implementation of the plans. A [reporter] from SPOUT was out asking for details and taking pictures of the construction. He is quite in agreement with Godshalk's idea to make the Arboretum the center of Dutch elm disease research for the Chicago area. Based on the work they have done so far, the Arboretum is well positioned to assume that lead.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/03/12: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. (3.104985)
Date: March 12 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence Godshalk regarding the potential hiring of new laborers.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/03/20: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104986)
Date: March 20 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is summarizing his decisions concerning "my place" [Lake Forest]. With C. D. Wagstaff senior largely retiring, Morton doesn't have much confidence in Wagstaff junior to do much more than planting. Working with the architect, Ralph Milman, they agree on a wall around the motor court. Morton likes the idea of a large evergreen wall to provide a year-round screen, with flowering shrubs and trees in front. He continues with very precise detail about specific trees to be moved or planted and exactly in which location. He describes the precise plan worked out with the man who will grade the property. Excess topsoil will be put in the depression where the old house was. He would like some hemlocks to be planted between his property and "Suzie's". Also he would like Godshalk to order 3 or 4 wintercreeper to soften the corners of the house, even though they will be painting it. "You are authorized to have the local landscape or nursery people do any or all of the work." He thanks Godshalk for helping with his goal of having a small place with low maintenance. He still has not yet received a bill from the Arboretum for previous work done.
Extent: 3 sheets
1956/04/05: Sterling Morton to Edward H. Baker, Jr. (3.104987)
Date: April 5 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Edward H. Baker. He discusses in detail his thoughts on the tollway and its impact on Morton Arboretum. "The stretch of right-of-way the toll road authorities can secure from the Arboretum is probably one of the longest to be secured from private individuals." That should give extra bargaining power and leverage in location and other requests. The land to the south of the tollway should be disposed of. Property values are increasing here, which should be to their advantage. It appears that the Arboretum boundaries are largely determined. Godshalk can proceed with fencing plans, road development, housing and water development.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/04/07: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104988)
Date: April 7 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is sending two checks, one for the Gravely tractor and its shipping, which are his gift to the Arboretum. The other check is for work done at his Lake Forest property while he was traveling, for which he promises to reimburse the Arboretum. He also is offering to gift the Arboretum a sprayer and a reel mower. He will bring slides of his trip, which can be shown at the picnic in the large room in Thornhill. He thanks Godshalk for taking care of the plantings in Lake Forest, as he mentions specific plants. He has ordered a brick wall to avoid hedge clipping. He's sorry that the greenhouses are delayed. He discusses location ideas concerning the toll road, including center of median plantings. He is pleased with interest from Illinois Institute of Technology in the small house competition. He is grateful for the publicity this will bring the Arboretum.
Extent: 3 sheets
1956/04/09: Edward H. Baker to Sterling Morton (3.104989)
Date: April 9 1956Creator: Baker Jr., Edward H.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Edward H. Baker to Sterling Morton, in reply to his letter of April 5, 1956. The course of the toll road is roughly as Morton wanted, but there is no final agreement yet. There are several problems. The cloverleaf will permit exit and entrance from the east only. The turnoff curve as proposed will take too much land. Morton is proposing that Rte 53 will be four lanes under the tollway. The Highway commission will only put in a tunnel under an existing road [Rte 53] and not under the proposed tollway to access the Lacey land . There have been no discussions of land acquisition or right-of-way, none of which is the domain of the State Highway Engineers. He contemplates a visit in Springfield with the Chief of the State Highway section, but doubts the success there. Also he mentioned DuPage County Representative, John King, but this is an election year. For the property south of the tollway, Baker has several ideas which he will discuss the next time he and Morton can meet.
Extent: 3 sheets
1956/07/11: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104990)
Date: July 11 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Mrs. Zurcher, Mr. Fisher and Morton selected 7 houses to build, plus a few extras. Building is slow now, and perhaps they can get "some efficient operator" to build them to provide much needed facilities for staff. He asked Fisher about the Jaffrey house, with the idea that the second floor be removed to make it a "large commodious single family house in a commanding position in the operating center of the Arboretum." If the highway cloverleaf requires the removal of the two south houses, there will be a greater need for another house in this location. Mr. Fisher has heard that the highway department will pay up to $1/per yard for "good accessible fill". This might help pay for the underpass. He is pleased to get back to a house [Santa Barbara] where everything is in working order. Lake Forest has problems. He won't bother Godshalk with plantings for Lake Forest, but would like some of the crabapples, yews and thorns for someone else to oversee.
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
1956/07/28: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104992)
Date: July 28 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He suggests that Godshalk many not want an Addressograph machine. Instead, he should investigate something lighter which uses plates and stencils that could be maintained in the office. He's also interested in the results of the core samples that the highway department drilled. He wants to know the composition of the material that they would sell to the highway department, if they were to have the highway department excavate the lake for the Arboretum. When he returns, he'd like Godshalk to help him select some thorns and yews for Lake Forest. But he wants to have someone else bring them over and plant them. Perhaps Mr. Lipp could do it.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/08/11: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104993)
Date: August 11 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is sorry that Godshalk has been held up by a strike. He hopes the fire door between the old and new buildings will be installed for the dedication. The lobby, general office, curved hall and lecture room are important to be finished for viewers. He is sorry for the overhead door trouble at South Farm. He had to install a motor and remote control for Mrs. Morton to open their door at Lake Forest, but that shouldn't be needed at South Farm. What should be done with the Jaffray house? He likes the idea of having independent contractors [Price] do the tree trimming as opposed to the full wages of an employee [Sharpless]. Ask the Salt Company to donate an addressograph machine that they no longer are using rather than buy one for the Arboretum. He is surprised that the Dutch elm disease has taken hold in the Arboretum, but is assured that Godshalk will identify, remove and burn them as quick as possible. He questions how the beetles can travel so far so fast. Mrs. Zurcher is working on plans for the September 27 dedication. He is pleased that she is getting so energetically involved. He hopes that Morton family member stay involved for years to come.
Extent: 3 sheets
1956/09/22: Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.104994)
Date: August 22 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton, updating him on construction. The fire door between the existing building and the new building will not be delivered in time for the dedication. The rest will be ready for [September] 27th. Laboratory work is nearly complete. The service drive to the greenhouses and the service entrance to the new wing is complete. The overhead door installers will be trying a new spring to solve that problem at South Farm. Mr. Price has finished trimming, removing and relocating 427 trees for $520. Godshalk details the amounts paid to Ralph Miller, Sharpless and Price for this work. The Toll Road Commission bore three test holes where the lake would be. They struck rock at 28 feet and the soil is silt and gravel. They struck water at 9 feet, so the new lake might fill on its own with water to the level of the river. Howard Fisher will check with experts. The men are removing Dutch elm trees as fast as they show signs. He comments that the beetles are likely carried by the wind. He is anxious for the labs to be finished so he can begin some experiments. Argonne Laboratory might partner with them to trace circulation in trees with radioactive materials.
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
1956/09/19: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104996)
Date: September 19 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He's pleased the fire doors arrived in time for the [Sept] 27 meeting. His elm tree [in Santa Barbara] is showing signs of Dutch elm disease and will likely have to be taken down and burned immediately. The water system has turned into quite a job, but it shouldn't cause trouble for many years. He's not surprised that Salinas' system for treating Dutch elm disease has not been successful. Comparing photos of trees, especially acacias, eucalyptus and Monterey pine, that were planted in "original heavy adobe soil" with those planted at the same time in "the same kind of soil that had been scraped up to make fill", the difference in size is remarkable. Franz Lipp, who is doing the terrace work at the house in Lake Forest said, "If you had $10 to spend for a tree, put $2 into the tree, and $8 into digging the hole." He suggests an idea for a future demonstration using the same tree in different size holes. He is sure that photos and measurements will prove the difference.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/10/17: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104997)
Date: October 17 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. His retired gardener kept a mulch of straw and manure around the trees. Morton doesn't want to stimulate these trees too much for fear they might get "leggy." Mrs. Zurcher has noticed a small elm between the houses that is shaded by other trees and not strong. The next time Godshalk is [at their Lake Forest property] he might look to see if it should be taken out.
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/10/25: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104998)
Date: October 25 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. "Due to rather protracted Morton Salt meetings, I was unable to get to the Arboretum." He suggests alternate dates, as "there are quite a few things I want to talk with you about." When the auditors are finished, we can plan a date for the annual meeting to discuss preliminary figures. He found some photos of plantings in Baden, Germany that he thought Godshalk or Lowell might enjoy seeing. He wants to look at some of the large Hawthornes in the Johnson place, plus another 1/2 dozen good-sized yews, when they can be dug. The rest of the plantings he will get locally [Lake Forest] to "save you the bother of handling it."
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/10/31: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.104999)
Date: October 31 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. "The picture you mentioned was from Mr. Hanns S. Gutenstein, 303 Loy St, Lombard, Illinois. I'm sure he would appreciate a letter from you." They made good progress on "my problems" but none on Arboretum business yesterday. Camera experts recommend a 35 mm camera to take 35 mm slides, for excellent colors and little distortion. He likes the Contaflex. If Godshalk's camera experts agree, Morton would "be glad to give the Arboretum one."
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/11/06: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105000)
Date: November 6 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is sending a Contaflex camera, carrying case and instructions. It has a sky filter, and should take excellent black and white photos. For larger projects he suggests that Godshalk talk with other camera experts. The workmen that Godshalk has assigned to the Morton's Lake Forest installation have been excellent. He suggests they take out the only-good soil in the beds and replace it with black dirt to be ready for Morton's planting ideas. Compared with the other problems they have had in the construction of the house, he and Mrs. Morton have been very pleased with the landscapers. Mr. Synnestvedt will continue working on Monday, planting the euonymus. Morton will visit the site on Saturday.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/11/13: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105001)
Date: November 13 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is sending Franz Lipp's original plans [for the Morton Lake Forest house landscaping] on which Morton has pencilled in many changes. He asks for Godshalk's opinion and ideas on several other plantings. He comments on the price of each plant.
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
1956/12/03: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105003)
Date: December 3 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He tells Godshalk to plan the Christmas party without him. He felt fine at the meeting but by lunch he began to feel badly. He's going to the doctor this afternoon. The doctor suggests some tests at the hospital next week. He thinks the meeting went well. He is glad the trustees agreed to some recognition of the increased cost of living and burdens on the director. Mrs. Zurcher will be out soon and he hopes to come with her. "The pictures will be in Chicago, but I don't want anyone else to show them...as they would not know about the subjects." A handwritten note says that he will do the picture show next time he's in Chicago.
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/12/07: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105004)
Date: December 7 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. On his doctor's orders, he was not permitted to drive to the Arboretum, share his slides and drive home. He hopes that everyone enjoyed the Christmas party. With reference to the herbarium, considering all the Arboretum has undertaken, Morton agrees that they should not commit to gathering materials beyond the local plants. However, he believes that "this is a particularly valuable collection as an addition to the Natural History Museum." He has donated there in the past, but I don't care to stand the whole cost of this addition to their collection."
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/12/13: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105005)
Date: December 13 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He's sorry that he won't be able to attend the Christmas Party on December 19. He'll be "cozily at our house in Santa Barbara at that time." He's sure Mrs. Zurcher will be a fine substitute. He has enclosed certificates and letters to present to the 4 men retiring.
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/12/19: Sterling Morton to Edward Westover (3.105006)
Date: December 19 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Edward Westover. He thanks Westover for his 26 years of service in helping to bring about the dream his father [Joy Morton] had. He remembers that Westover worked there when his father was alive. He's sure that Westover, among all who knew his father were "impressed by the strength and vigor of his personality."
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/12/20: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105007)
Date: December 20 1956Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Handwritten letter from Sterling Morton apologizing for not attending the Christmas Party. He also heard that "Suzie'" did not attend. He describes his DC-7 flight to LAX, and seeing little snow on the ground. He liked the 75 degree weather when he landed. There was a breeze, so no smog. They took another flight up to Santa Barbara. He saw a [? Smoke tree] mentioned in the August Bulletin. He asks Godshalk to find him one to be planted at the end of his [Lake Forest] driveway. He assumes that the weather was too bad for Godshalk to go to Wisconsin for the holidays.
Extent: 2 sheets
Berberis circumserrata (C.K.Schneid.) C.K.Schneid. (cut-leaved barberry), leaves on branches (3.105216)
Date: October 1956Type: Photographic image
Description:Berberis circumserrata (C.K.Schneid.) C.K.Schneid. (cut-leaved barberry), pink and gray-green leaves on branches
Extent: 1 slide
Berberis koreana Palib. (Korean barberry), fall color (3.105224)
Date: October 1956Type: Photographic image
Description:Berberis koreana Palib. (Korean barberry), red fall color of leaves
Extent: 1 slide
Berberis koreana Palib. (Korean barberry), branches (3.105231)
Date: June 1956Type: Photographic image
Description:Berberis koreana Palib. (Korean barberry), shrub with many flowering branches, yellow flowers, green leaves
Extent: 1 slide
1956/08/20: Clarence Godshalk to Mr. Howard T. Fisher and Associates (3.107127)
Date: August 20 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:A letter from Clarence Godshalk to Mr. Howard T. Fisher and Associates regarding the creation of Arbor Lake.
Extent: 1 sheet
1956/04/25: E. A. Simmons to Morton Arboretum (3.107185)
Date: April 25 1956Creator: Lord & Burnham Company , Simmons, E. A.
Type: Document
Description:Letter regarding a statement for contract for materials and labor for greenhouses.
Extent: 2 pages
1956/05/02: C. E. Godshalk to E. A. Simmons (3.107186)
Date: May 2 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter explaining that the delay of payment in the amount of $19,492.40 was due to the delay in erection. The material was lying on the ground for weeks and had no value. The bill is now OK'd for payment, as things are going along nicely.
Extent: 1 page