1926/08/09: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92169)
Date: August 9 1926Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Joy Morton. He suggests other possible tenants for the Morton Building, with the idea that the entire building be identified with the electrical communication industry. On a family vacation in southern France, they enjoy horseback riding. Extensive details and ideas in response to his father's idea of vacation cottages on the Puffer Farm area (Letter : 1926/07/28).
Extent: 4 sheets
1926/07/28: Joy Morton to Sterling Morton (3.92168)
Date: July 28 1926Creator: Morton, Joy
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joy Morton to Sterling Morton, who is in France. Based on the amounts for vacation rentals in France, Joy proposes the idea to Sterling to build and rent vacation cottages on the Puffer Farm area. That would bring in more money than farming. Updates him on the construction of the Morton Building, with the Telephone Company as a prospective tenant on 6-8 floors. Three employees have new baby boys, with one named after Joy Morton. His horses, Tangerine and Big Boy are growing.
Extent: 3 sheets
1923/03/07: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92164)
Date: March 7 1923Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Joy Morton. He and Simonds surveyed "the farm" after the first winter. Roads and plants had minimal damage. Teuscher is mounting specimens in the herbarium. VonGommert is propagating plants, especially willows. Clarence's house is almost ready. Library work is slowed because of the weather. Some discussion of Morkrum clients and issues. Preston is feeling better.
Extent: 2 sheets
1922/03/16: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92160)
Date: March 16 1922Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Joy Morton. Ragan will work to complete the lake, continue with roads and banks of the river. Plants are arriving but the ground is too wet to plant. George will be coming back as chauffeur. Much discussion of the large fire near the Burlington Building in Chicago.
Extent: 2 sheets
1921/08/10: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92138)
Date: August 10 1921Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton, in London. He's working with Murray on sales of teletype machines. He mentions Reid Brothers, Reagan, Broccard, Kleinschmidt, the Post Office, AT+T, and Western Union as potential buyers of teletype machines or printers. He discusses his family's recovery after Carolyn's death.
Extent: 13 sheets
1921/08/08: Joy Morton to Sterling Morton (3.92136)
Date: August 8 1921Creator: Morton, Joy
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joy Morton to Sterling Morton. He hopes that Sterling will return soon to resume control of the Morkrum business. He describes in detail his current plans for the arboretum: the contract to build the lake, and a road around the new lake. He'll start tree propagation in the old hog barn. He shares family news.
Extent: 3 sheets
1921/08/01: Joy Morton to Sterling Morton (3.92135)
Date: August 1 1921Creator: Morton, Joy
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joy Morton to Sterling Morton, in which he shares his thoughts on Sterling's and Sophy's European trip. He had a slight attack of gout. Based on this summer's drought he will expand the water system at Thornhill. Very pleased with Mr. Simonds work on the Arboretum. He plans to incorporate South Farm buildings into the Arboretum. There will be a black pony waiting for Sue when she next visits.
Extent: 2 sheets
1921/07/21: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92133)
Date: July 21 1921Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Joy Morton. In Paris he bought a car for their trip to Switzerland. He is upset with Western Union and their dealing with teletype machines. He is working with Brocard on the teletype.
Extent: 2 sheets
1921/07/17: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92130)
Date: July 17 1921Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Joy Morton. He gives positive comments on a wide variety of previously discussed topics. He thinks incorporating a lake on the arboretum property will be attractive.
Extent: 3 sheets
1921/04/27; 1921/05/02; 1921/05/07: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92125)
Date: April 27 1921Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter, continued on 3 separate days, from Sterling Morton to Joy Morton. Carolyn's condition has not improved. Details about progress in tree planting. Unpaid rental bills from Pennsylvania Railroad. Discussion of patents and Kleinschmidt Electric and Western Union. He is very pleased with the library plans, which will "bring people to Thornhill for the architecture as well." Updates on various mutual acquaintances and projects. Carolyn's death and funeral were too sad to write about.
Extent: 7 sheets
1921/04/25: Sterling Morton to Joy Morton (3.92124)
Date: April 25 1921Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Joy Morton. He regrets that he won't be able to meet in Boston about the Arnold Arboretum visit. Carolyn is not doing well. He and Preston are at her bedside daily. He is hopeful for teletype orders from Western Union. Post Office is asking for a quote on a Multiplex, with 2 lines from Chicago to New York. Another teletype application is for car record work by Big Four. Also teletype on New York Central Railroad.
Extent: 3 sheets
1921/02/01: Joy Morton to Sterling Morton (3.92107)
Date: February 1 1921Creator: Morton, Joy
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Joy Morton to Sterling Morton. He is enjoying the service at the Hotel Ritz in Barcelona. "The more I have thought of the Arboretum, the better I like it." He shares his vision for spring plantings of trees. "Confine our efforts to trees, not flowers, and only a few shrubs for effect." Check catalogs from Everyman Nursery in Sturgeon Bay, and Van Oven in Naperville.
Extent: 3 sheets
1962/02/13: C. E. Godshalk to Mrs. Sterling Morton (3.86105)
Date: February 13 1962Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Mrs. Sterling Morton stating Mrs. Zurcher suggested that if there is any of Mr. Morton's photography equipment the Arboretum could use Mrs. Morton might be happy to donate it to the Arboretum. Therefore, Godshalk asks if Mrs. Morton would be willing to send the Arboretum Morton's Contaflex camera which would be used in the new photography room. Due to winter weather, the Arboretum has not been able to start on the new houses or library. Building the new library will start as soon as the snow is gone. He is grateful to Mrs. Morton for the library.
Extent: 2 sheets
1961/05/02: Evelyn Naser to Mrs. Sterling Morton (3.86104)
Date: May 2 1961Creator: Naser, Evelyn M.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Evelyn Naser to Mrs. Sterling Morton informing her that Reverend Hugh MacWhorter is the minister for Saturday.
Extent: 1 sheet
1961/03/27: C. E. Godshalk to Mrs. Sterling Morton (3.86103)
Date: March 27 1961Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Mrs. Sterling Morton stating the stone for Mr. Morton has been ordered and will be ready several days before the memorial service. It is a duplicate of Mrs. Joy Morton and Mr. Mark Morton's stones. Mrs. Zurcher is arranging with Ed Baker for an Episcopal minister. He is glad Mrs. Zurcher accepted the Chairmanship of the Arboretum Trustees. He is sure it will be a pleasure to work with her.
Extent: 1 sheet
1960/04/11: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86084)
Date: April 11 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton thanking Morton for his help in planning for his expense money for the upcoming trip. He was happy to hear that Morton transferred some securities to the Arboretum. Godshalk believes Morton's father would be happy with the progress at the Arboretum and that these last few years will go down in Arboretum history as outstanding ones. The Bird Construction Co. will soon be ready to start cleaning Lake Marmo. They took the temporary columns down today. He describes the progress on the new control house. He asked Tony to make some sketches for the area in front of the Arboretum Center. They are making the 3 foot square pebbled blocks for the terrace by the rotunda. They will plant trees from the street tree collection in the new parking area. Work on Route 53 will begin again tomorrow. He shares where Morton can send letters to him while Godshalk is in Europe, and he hopes Mrs. Morton is improving rapidly.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/03/30: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86083)
Date: March 30 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton sharing information about the itinerary and finances for the upcoming European trip and his quest to determine the cost per day of the trip, so he knows how much to bring in traveler checks. He asks for Morton's advice. The fountain Morton sent arrived safely, and Mrs. Watts continues to improve. Godshalk's wrist is still a little sore at times. He's happy Mrs. Morton is doing well. Godshalk and his wife Margaret are grateful to Morton for the upcoming trip.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/03/10: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86082)
Date: March 10 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton saying he is pleased to know Mrs. Morton is recovering rapidly. He talks about car rental plans for their upcoming European trip and shares the proposed itinerary. He has given the itinerary to Mrs. Watts to look over and offer suggestions, especially for southern France. He has also received suggestions from Mr. Theidel, owner of Hinsdale Nursery, and an English couple for Scotland and England. He will send a more detailed itinerary next week. The contracts have been signed, and work is progressing nicely in the area west of Lake Marmo. Work should be done before June 30. Gravel removed will be used for a detour road at the Odgen Avenue bridge and for a haul road from the pit to Parking Lot #2, work to be completed by September 30. Mr. and Mrs. Watts are vacationing in Arizona to aid in her recovery. There aren't any broken bones in Godshalk's wrist from a fall on an icy step. They are getting snow regularly.
Extent: 3 sheets
1960/02/23: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86081)
Date: February 23 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton stating he hasn't received the copy of the letter Dr. Carlton wrote to Morton. He's enclosing a slide of the informal Christmas tree they had in the rotunda with the four columns in the background. He's asked Mr. Ward to prepare some elevations for the control house for Morton. Mrs. Watts is making steady improvement recovering from her stroke. Miss Turner is doing a splendid job filling in for her. Although they don't have a signed contract yet, Bird Cartage Company will begin work tomorrow on digging the catch basin and cleaning out Lake Marmo. He then discusses details of the arrangement. He shares information about their upcoming European trip, thanking Morton for his generosity in making the trip possible. He's sorry they won't be able to meet with Morton in Europe, and he is happy Mrs. Morton is feeling well again.
Extent: 2 sheets
1960/02/08: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86076)
Date: February 8 1960Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton responding to his ideas about the control house. He believes Dr. Carleton would like the Arboretum to participate in a training program for gardeners, propagators, etc. Mrs. Watts suffered a slight stroke while teaching a class at the Arboretum. The doctor expects her to make an almost complete recovery, but she will have to do nothing for six weeks to a couple of months. Miss Turner and some of her best helpers are filling in. The contractors seem interested in getting fill from Lake Marmo, but they have other options. Plans for the European trip are progressing. He is enclosing a sketch of the AABGA exhibit. He hopes Mrs. Morton will soon be well.
Extent: 3 sheets
1959/09/21: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86071)
Date: September 21 1959Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton stating Mrs. Zurcher and Godshalk discussed putting a fountain, rather than a sculpture, for the terminal feature for the top end of the hedge garden view. After visitors climb the 1500 foot hill, there should be something attractive for them to see. He is happy Mrs. Morton is doing well on their trip. They will soon be grading the shore lines of the new lake, and there is plenty of water boiling up from the bottom.
Extent: 2 sheets
1959/9/11: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86070)
Date: September 11 1959Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton stating Arboretum staff have made up sample paving blocks. He updates Morton on the progress on the steel for the north bound lane river bridge and the road construction going on around the Arboretum. Tony named the new lake Meadow Lake, but this can be changed if necessary. Godshalk and Lowell will soon begin planning their upcoming trip to Europe. He shares his plan for the Amsterdam Horticultural Show exhibit. Retired AABGA member Carl Wedell will set up and look after the exhibit. Any monetary contribution Morton could give to the show would be helpful. He is glad to hear Mrs. Morton is much better.
Extent: 2 sheets
1959/08/24: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86069)
Date: August 24 1959Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton saying he is sorry Mrs. Morton's digestive upset makes it impossible for them to go on their Africa trip. He sympathizes as he has digestive issue of his own. He discusses using crushed stone as a solid base, the size of the remodeled Thornhill terrace, the wooden treads on the rotunda terrace steps, and the replacement of Thornhill's revolving door. He has a traffic pattern worked out for the fall. The contractors are trying to get steel to finish the bridge. He updated Morton on the Route 53 project. He related that Tribune writers (Mr. Orr and Miss Knock) are not doing write-ups about the Arboretum since Mr. Spencer began handling the publicity. Families have enjoyed swimming in Arbor Lake this summer. Godshalk has been asked by the president of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboretums to chair a committee to prepare an exhibit for the the AABGA at the International Horticultural Exhibit at Rotterdam, March 25-September 25, 1960. Would the trustees like to contribute?
Extent: 3 sheets
1959/08/10: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86068)
Date: August 10 1959Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton detailing the issues he sees with the plans from the Carroll Construction Co. bid Morton sent to him. The work on the road is going pretty well. The river bridge will be done two to three weeks after the steel strike ends. They are trying to work out some sort of system to handle the fall traffic since the underpass and Route 53 work won't be completed by that time. At the Arboretum they are building new cement curbs around the new ten minute parking lot and blacktopping new and repaired roads. He wishes Morton and his wife a pleasant time on their upcoming trip.
Extent: 2 sheets
1959/05/05: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.86064)
Date: May 5 1959Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton discussing the slides Morton sent to him. Everything is in full bloom at the Arboretum. The heavy rain brought up the lake level, but didn't seem to do much damage to the crabapple blooms. They have started selling the sod from the new lake site and will remove the black dirt next Monday. It was nice to see him and Mrs. Morton this past Sunday.
Extent: 1 sheet
1957/02/08: C. E. Godshalk to Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Morton (3.86024)
Date: February 8 1957Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Morton informing them that he has sent the requested slides for the upcoming talk and enclosing a description of each slide. He arranged them from winter, to spring by bloom times to fall color, numbering them in red. He suggests either slide #49 or #50 as the final slide in the program.
Extent: 1 sheet
The Morton Arboretum Annual Report of the Chairman: November 30, 1961 (3.85880)
Date: November 30 1961Type: Document
Description:An annual report that discusses the death of Sterling Morton and provides a brief memorial for him, updates on Arboretum Staff, visitors, and the education program. This report also discusses the future creation of the Sterling Morton Library.
1942/06/29: Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk (3.85087)
Date: June 29 1942Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to Clarence E. Godshalk, discussing various plant purchases (list attached) and their locations at Lake Forest. Mrs. Morton has been ill with back issues, but he issues an early invitation for a visit to Lake Forest.
Extent: 1 sheet
1938/10/03: Sterling Morton to C.E. Godshalk (3.84927)
Date: October 3 1938Creator: Morton, Sterling
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Sterling Morton to C.E. Godshalk asking him to make arrangements to have Mrs. (Preston Owsley) Morton's horse picked up at Knollwood stables and taken to Lisle for the winter as she is suffering from lumbago and won't be able to ride for several weeks.
Extent: 1 sheet
1937/09/22: C. E. Godshalk to Mrs. Sterling (Preston Owsley) Morton (3.84879)
Date: September 22 1937Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Mrs. Sterling (Preston Owsley) Morton confirming her horse will be picked up the afternoon of September 28. He requests that he keep her horse at South Farm for a month or so this fall, so he could ride her occasionally to accompany his young daughter on her pony.
Extent: 1 sheet
1937/09/17: Mrs. Sterling (Preston Owsley) Morton to C. E. Godshalk (3.84878)
Date: September 17 1937Creator: Morton, Preston Owsley
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Mrs. Sterling (Preston Owsley) Morton to C. E. Godshalk requesting he send for her horse, so she can ride on September 28 and asking him to confirm the arrangements. Includes envelope.
Extent: 2 sheets
1941/10/21: P. O. Morton to Clarence Godshalk (3.84724)
Date: October 21 1941Creator: Morton, Preston Owsley
Type: Document
Description:Postcard from P. O. Morton to Clarence Godshalk inquiring about a box spring and mattress in cottage from the house.
Extent: 1 page
1935/10/02: Clarence Godshalk to Mrs. Sterling Morton (3.84710)
Date: October 2 1935Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from Clarence Godshalk to Mrs. Sterling Morton letting her know that arrangements have been made to have horse picked up.
Extent: 1 page
1935/09/29: Mrs. Sterling Morton to Clarence Godshalk (3.84709)
Date: September 29 1935Creator: Morton, Preston Owsley
Type: Document
Description:Postcard from Mrs. Sterling Morton to Clarence Godshalk concerning arrangements for getting horse.
Extent: 1 page
1956/04/26: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84516)
Date: April 26 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton telling him the hemlocks and bigleaf wintercreepers are planted, and it is finally raining. At the Arboretum new wells are being dug, the new buildings are completed at South Farm except for some finishing, things on the research wing are progressing slowly, and the work rooms of the greenhouse are pretty well done except for finishing and some floors that need to be poured. The lawn east of the Administration Building is cleaned up where the septic tank was installed. They created a terrace around the rotunda. They are adding many plants to their group planting and are clearing out the old nurseries and started the new nurseries next to the toll road site. He will have many interesting things to show him and the trustees when they come out.
Extent: 2 sheets
1956/04/03: C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton (3.84515)
Date: April 3 1956Creator: Godshalk, Clarence E.
Type: Document
Description:Letter from C. E. Godshalk to Sterling Morton telling him of the work they have done at Morton's home pruning plants and moving a viburnum and a Washington thorn. Godshalk marked the locations for the new hemlocks and bigleaf wintercreepers. He updates him on the progress of the construction at the Arboretum. The new toll road has been restaked in the position the Arboretum wanted. He includes a bill for work done on Morton's property, explaining the specifics. Also included is the cost for freight and attachments for a tractor. The tractor looks and runs like new. He asks Morton if he would give an illustrated talk of his trip on their picnic or field day at the Arboretum.
Extent: 4 sheets