Brief biography on May Theilgaard Watts (1.4232)
Type: Document
Description:Brief biography on May Theilgaard Watts (Mrs. Raymond Watts)
Naturalist, Teacher, Author, Artist, Poet
Includes personal background, educational background, professional roles and accomplishments, honors received, a bibliography of published work by May Watts and articles about May Watts.
Extent: 4 sheets
May T. Watts Instructing (3.100469)
Date: May 19 1959Type: Photographic image
Description:May T. Watts instructing a class circa 1959.
Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott (Jack-in-the-pulpit), habitat (3.101163)
Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Photographic image
Description:Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott (Jack-in-the-pulpit), at the base of a moss covered tree, surrounded by a carpet of green leaves, stands a solitary stalk of Jack in the Pulpit, topped with a brilliant head of of red berries.
Extent: 1 slide
1953/11/17: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.101901)
Date: November 17 1953Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:The budget for next year needs to provide for additional scientists and technicians, assuming the building is completed. He talked with Mr. Ward about changes to the classroom. He is returning the most interesting letter to Mrs. Watts.
Extent: 1 sheet
1954/02/02: Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.101910)
Date: February 2 1954Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton. He further explains the plans for Research Projects and the numbering framework they established to index the projects. It was purposely very broad to accommodate future ideas and plans. He cites examples, hinting at the possible future need for a plant pathologist on staff. They are experimenting with various rates of root cutting and girdling on ash, red oaks, and white oaks, also factoring in a variety of sizes of new holes for transplanting. He looks forward to hearing from Mr. Drury about California tree research. He details their plans for a small Field Day Project to encompass the Chicago area. Winter classes are being taught by Mrs. Watts, Nordine, Kammerer, Tyznik and Godshalk, with 175 attendees on Monday. Using Arboretum men, they planted 11 pine trees at his Lake Forest property, with more planned for Spring. Ted Smith asked for $3.50 for the planting work. A temporary workroom for Crowley and Tyznik was created at South Farm. Godshalk would like to purchase for his Wisconsin cabin, the 1929 Ford, and a small water heater and the heatilator that were salvaged from the old cottage in the bird sanctuary.
Extent: 3 sheets
1954/02/20: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.101914)
Date: February 20 1954Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He approves of the planting and research project. He suggests that for demonstrations the Barberry and Amur Privet hedges are more affordable than the superior Japanese yew. Seeding new farmland will help when visitors eventually walk the property. Delay of an equipment demonstration is a good idea. He suggests a nursery of plants and seedlings that could be cultivated by mechanical means that would provide replacements and for future land planting at an economical price. He is waiting for information from Winpower about the problems he is having with the motor. He is enclosing a dollar and requests a package of the note card with Mrs. Watt's sketches. He is charmed by them and will use them for short notes and maybe Christmas cards. He and Mrs. Morton have suffered with a virus infection. Because of that they cancelled their trip around the world. They will come to Chicago in March and then go to Europe, and then to the International Chamber of Commerce meeting in Tokyo in the spring.
Extent: 2 sheets
1954/06/20 : Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.101924)
Date: June 20 1954Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Detailed letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton in Santa Barbara. He lists in detail the budget and expenses of the first 9 months, ending June 30, with projections of expense needs for the final 3 months of the year. Details concerning the Labor Budget, Grounds Committee, House Committee, Road Committee, Fence Fund to finish fencing the entire Arboretum property, Staff Travel expenses for Nordine, Kammerer, Eickhorst, and Watts, and the Chairman's Fund. He suggested working with Public Service and Dr. Tehon of the Natural History Survey, and Dr. Mills and Dr. Decker on a mutually beneficial plan to exchange fencing for maintenance for security and fire protection access.
Extent: 4 sheets
1954/08/18: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.101926)
Date: August 18 1954Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk, thanking him for taking care of the Lake Forest plants. He's glad to see Mr. Baker is back from his ranch in Wyoming. Now that the Lacey and Johnson lands are clear Godshalk can begin to work on them. "It will be interesting to see what comes back in the way of underbrush in the Johnson woods which have been so heavily pastured for so many years." The fall classes look very interesting. Mrs. Watts is 'most ingenious.' Please keep on Mrs. Zurcher and Mr. Baker on the building program. He compares flights on several airplanes.
Extent: 2 sheets
Rita Hassert oral history interview, 2022 August 10 (3.102504)
Date: August 10 2022Type: Audio
Description:A digital recording of an oral history interview with Rita Hassert, library collections manager of the Sterling Morton Library. This interview was conducted by Kristin Arnold and took place on August 10, 2022 in the conference room of the library at The Morton Arboretum. This is the second of two interviews.
The interview focuses on Hassert's observations of how the Sterling Morton Library has developed during her employment at The Morton Arboretum, which began in 1986. Topics include changes to the library's physical space, such as the construction of the Special Collections addition and the library's collections. Hassert also discusses library exhibits and events, like the Leafing Through The Pages book discussion group as well as major projects such as the retrospective cataloging project and the launch of ACORN (Arboretum COllections and Resources Nexus).
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (L.) G.L. Nesom (New England aster), habit (3.104060)
Date: October 1958Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Photographic image
Description:Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (L.) G.L. Nesom (New England aster), habit: purple flowers, stems and leaves, prairie in background
Extent: 1 slide
List of People Matched with Prairie Plant Names (3.104810)
Type: Document
Description:A list of 14 people matched with prairie plant names.
Extent: 1 sheet
Reading the Landscape of America (3.104846)
Date: 1975Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Book
Description:Originally published as Reading the Landscape.
1957/01/07: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105008)
Date: January 7 1957Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is pleased to hear that the Christmas Party was such a success. He can bring his travel slides to the summer picnic instead. Suzette mentioned the wonderful talk that Arnold gave. Morton appreciated the work ethic of the men Godshalk brought to help at his house [Lake Forest]. He inserts that if the President gets his troop authorizations we are sure to have a war, and other political comments. He is pleased that the tree planting at the house is moving along well, and "this will be a way to show people how to screen off noise and motion." Godshalk can get the key to the gate from the Zurchers, next door. Mr. Ryerson spoke of the wonderful work Mrs. Watts did on Channel 11. He doesn't want her to get too involved for fear she will not keep up with her Morton Arboretum duties. He's sure the person who would watch Mrs. Watts on TV is looking for information and not entertainment. He comments that he no longer feels like doing the brick-laying, plumbing, etc, but is content to do some occasional pruning.
Extent: 2 sheets
I Visit Dead Plants (3.10501)
Date: March 21 – June 20 1967Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Article
1957/01/20: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105010)
Date: January 20 1957Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He would like to see a copy of the flattering article about Mrs. Watts' work in the New York Times. He wants to make sure she keeps her focus on the Arboretum. It's raining in California, and he had to clear some septic lines. He has a man who will look after his plantings when he leaves.
Extent: 1 sheet
Undated: Clarence E. Godshalk to Morton Arboretum Trustees (3.105014)
Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Undated letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to Morton Arboretum Trustees. In talking with Mrs. Watts and Mr. Gordon Scott about fees to charge for classes, they suggest a 10 cents per person charge for visitors. Small gate houses at the entrances could be set up and manned during open hours. He gives many benefits for the charge. They feel it's unfair to charge those serious visitors who want to attend classes, but not charge the recreational visitor. Certain donors and those who help report problems on trails could be given a button to permit free entry.
Extent: 1 sheet
1958/09/05: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.105039)
Date: September 5 1958Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton quoting part of an air mail letter he received from Dr. Righter, Chief of the California Forest and Range Experiment Station, Berkeley, California. Dr. Righter asks Godshalk if he thinks Morton will be interested in donating funds for them to acquire additional land. Godshalk told Morton he thinks it is a worthy cause if he is so inclined. They are staking and grading new roads in the Arboretum. The new cyclone fence along the north side of the toll road is being built. The toll road is practically done. Ed Myers, the Arboretum's head mechanic, died on Labor Day. Mrs. Watts arrive back safely from her European trip. They look forward to hearing about her trip and seeing her slides. Godshalk hopes to attend the American Horticultural Council Meeting in Williamsburg and also visit several arboretums and a New York super highway.
Extent: 2 sheets
1958/09/18: Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.105041)
Date: September 18 1958Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C. E. Godshalk enclosing a flower, twig, and leaves of an unknown tree. He states he is willing to donate to the California [Forest and Range Experiment Station] for them to purchase land, but the donation will have to wait until he returns from Europe. He is glad Mrs. Watts had a good trip. Since Mrs. Morton is giving a lecture on European Pubic Gardens, perhaps she can borrow some of her slides. He infers the housing matter is going well, and he is sure he will see great changes. He suggests that Godshalk visit the arboretums in New York and New England before the conference; the weather will be better. He briefly goes over the itinerary of the rest of his trip and return home.
Extent: 3 sheets
1959/04/17: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105054)
Date: April 17 1959Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He's pleased to read of the variety of programs and classes planned for the spring. Mrs. Watson (?Watts) always draws a crowd. He is interested in the plans around Arbor Lake. He would like to review the drawings for the changes around the terrace with Mrs. Zurcher and Godshalk in person. He offers observations and suggestions to improve the precast pebble slabs, with sandblasting later to better showcase the pebbles. With work beginning April 1 on Route 53 and taking 5 months, this is time to discuss admission charges and toll gates, as he mentioned to the Trustees. He discusses his camera settings and photos of his trip to Longwood Gardens. It's important to settle the Herboth matter before they start building a lake. He is willing to purchase their land and give them life interest in the land. He gives a history of J. Sterling Morton High School and Morton Park.
Extent: 2 sheets
1959/07/28: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105061)
Date: July 28 1959Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. Commenting on the Holabird & Root memorandum, he is not in favor of custom built cabinets as was specified. He thinks that local craftsmen or cabinets from a catalog will do fine. He suggests Dr. Paul M. Angle, Director of Chicago Historical Society could provide ideas. He approves of a wall running parallel to the laboratory wing, but it should be made of ledge or Lannon stone. Franz Lipp has an excellent craftsman who put up the wall in the Lake Forest house. He feels this same material should be carried around the terrace where a wall is needed. He is not in favor of steps all the way around. He will veto any wall that is as rough outside as the walls of the laboratory building. He feels those rough walls were a mistake. For treads on steps, he favors wood strips with spaces between and bolted into concrete frames or brackets, with light concrete underneath to keep out grass. These would be self-cleaning and easily maintained or repaired. For Thornhill Building, he favors a low wall and narrower steps than exist there now. If they were pitched slightly outward that would prevent winter damage. He is curious as to the lookout tower that Mr. Bartch has in mind. As the trees continue to grow, would it need to be elevated? He feels there should be an architectural feature at the end of the long allee. He approves of Mrs. Watts taking the little office on the second floor of the stackroom portion of the library. When she is ready to retire, he would like to have her continue on a consultancy basis. He gives her great credit for the educational program and states that she will be difficult to replace. He equates her leaving the Arboretum with his feelings when Garfield King left the Salt Company. Because Thornhill is a formal building architecturally, he favors the terrace with slate blocks or rectangular stone. The grass could come all the way up to the low stone wall. He continues with detailed suggestions of stone type, mesh underlayment and source of stone. He's pleased to hear of progress on Route 53, the new lake, underpass, etc. They are enjoying California in the summer.
Extent: 3 sheets
1959/12/10: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.105081)
Date: December 10 1959Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk. He is enclosing "a copy of the notice sent to the Trustees with reference to the realignment of the Committees." He sends an extra copy for Mrs. Watts and another copy for E. L. Kammerer. They will be working with Mr. Pullman. "Express to both of them the sense of appreciation we have for the fine work they have done and hope that they will continue this excellent performance for years to come."
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
1960/02/15: 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
1960/03/02: 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
1960/08/03: 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
1960/09/03: 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
The Secret World of May Watts (3.10613)
Date: December 21 1971 – March 20 1972Creator: Etter, Alfred G.
Type: Article
Ed Hedborn oral history interview, 2023 January 25 (3.107010)
Date: January 25 2023Type: Audio
Description:A recording of an oral history interview with Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records, conducted by Kristin Arnold, archivist. The interview took place on January 25, 2023 in the Sterling Morton Library at The Morton Arboretum.
The interview focuses on Hedborn's experiences and memories of The Morton Arboretum's Collections Program during the curatorship of Peter van der Linden, which lasted from 1987 to 1998. Topics include the Arboretum's collections, the evaluation and rehabilitation of collections, the construction of the North-South Tollway (I-355), salt studies, plant labels, seed collecting, and the Arbor Day Plant Sale.
Branches: Newsletter of the Volunteers of The Morton Arboretum, Autumn 1989 (3.107038)
Date: 1989Type: Serial
Description:This digitized issue of the Autumn 1989 Branches Newsletter contains articles on the following: the establishment of the first Arboretum Historian, Carol Doty, who worked with many original staff members to gather history and documents; an article about May T. Watts which includes a detailed biographical sketch as well as a history of her work at the Arboretum. Volunteer opportunities, classes and events are highlighted along with lists of new volunteers.
Extent: 6 pages
Branches: Newsletter of the Volunteers of the Morton Arboretum, Autumn 1990 (3.107043)
Date: 1990Creator: Way, Carol, Halperin, Marilyn J.
Type: Serial
Description:This issue of the Autumn 1990 Branches Newsletter contains articles on the following: the compilation, publication, editions, layout and indexing, uses and documentation of Plants of the Chicago Region begun by Frank Swink and published by the Arboretum; and the Natural History Collection, organization, relocation and cataloging. Volunteer opportunities, classes and events are included along with information about existing and new volunteers.
Extent: 6 pages
Branches: Newsletter of the Volunteers of The Morton Arboretum, Summer 1993 (3.107055)
Date: 1993Creator: Stowell, Gladys
Type: Serial
Description:This digitized issue of the Summer 1993 Branches Newsletter contains articles on the following: the tree distribution programs run by the Arboretum, Members Cooperative Research Program, Arbor Day Tree Distribution and Big Trees; a profile of the career of retiring Arboretum Landscape Architect, Tony Tyznik; and a description of the East Branch of the Du Page River including changes to the river including the planting of trees along it's banks at the Arboretum. Volunteer opportunities, classes, programs and lists of new and continuing volunteers are included.
Extent: 6 pages
Lithobates clamitans (green frog) (3.107109)
Date: June 1959Creator: Watts, May Theilgaard
Type: Photographic image
Description:A single green frog on a lily pad.
1944/01/15: C. E. Godshalk to Robert Banghart (3.107179)
Date: January 15 1944Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter informing Bob Banghart, who is in the hospital in Sicily, about the latest news from the Arboretum: Mr. Kammerer entered the service then became very ill; Mrs. Watts took over writing the bulletins; Mr. Cudahy was taken suddenly ill and recovering in Florida.
Extent: 2 pages
Reading May Watts (3.10723)
Date: September 21 – December 20 1975Creator: Etter, Alfred G.
Type: Article
1944/02/04: Clarence E. Godshalk to Paul Franzen (3.109006)
Date: February 4 1944Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence E. Godshalk to Paul Franzen. The Delphinium Society would like the Arboretum to host a delphinium test garden. Mrs. Cudahy does not feel that a study of perennials falls within the province of the Arboretum, much as she likes delphiniums. Godshalk comments further that perhaps after the war, when labor is more available they might revisit the idea.
Extent: 1 sheet