The Evolution of Arbor Lodge, 1855-1904

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Article Title: The Evolution of Arbor Lodge, 1855-1904

Full Citation: Gail DeBuse Potter, "The Evolution of Arbor Lodge, 1855-1904," Nebraska History 73 (1992): 54- 68.

URL of article: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/publicat/history/full-text/NH1992Arbor_Lodge.pdf

Date: 4/2/2013

Article Summary: Arbor Lodge, a Nebraska State Historical Park, began as a modest, frame dwelling in 1855. It was remodeled seven times until it became the present-day forty-two-room mansion. The author weaves the story of J Sterling Morton and his family into the development of the home.

Cataloging Information:

Names: Julius Sterling Morton, Caroline Joy French, Joy Morton, Richard Pell, William W Soper, James W Denver, Charles Henry Winslow, Kate Winslow Davis, Mrs Morrison, Mr Collins, Emma Morton, Louis J Meyer, A M Smith, J Henry Wischmeyer, C W Phillips, Moses Gunn, F O Cross, Emeline Morton, H McElhinney, Paul Morton, Charlotte Morton, Donald Morton, Carl Morton, H W S Cleveland, Rudulph Evans, W Hascall Coffin, Carlie Barr, Thomas R Kimball, George Prinz, Jarvis Hunt, Robert Seth Lindstrom, Warren H Manning, Paul Morton, Jean Morton, Joseph Cudahy, Joseph Twyman, William Morris, C E Dwyer, E Burnett,, President Grover Cleveland

Place Names: Detroit, Michigan; Nebraska Territory; South Table Creek; Nebraska City; Omaha; Arbor Lodge Farm; Washington, DC; Waukegan, Illinois; Lake Forest, Illinois

Keywords: Nebraska City News; Omaha Indians; Table Creek Treaty; Pawnee Indians; Gardiner and Company [Chicago]; Tobey and Company [Chicago]; The Nebraska Farmer; Wyuka Cemetery [Lincoln]; Lake Jopamaca; Belmont Schoolhouse; Table Creek Treaty [painting]; Brunswick; Tiffany and Company; Zuber and Company; Tobey and Company

Photographs / Images: Arbor Lodge, 1864; Sketch of Arbor Lodge, March 1878 [Nebraska Farmer]; Arbor Lodge, 1880; Arbor Lodge, 1887; Arbor Lodge hall, 1887; Arbor Lodge Red Room, 1887; Arbor Lodge remodeling 1903; Arbor Lodge 1905; Caroline Joy French Morton; Four sons of J Sterling and Caroline Morton: Paul, Mark, Joy, and Carl; Arbor Lodge first floor plan, 1855-1905; Arbor Lodge, second floor plan, 1855-1905; Aerial view of Arbor Lodge, 1970 THE EVOLUTION OF ARBOR LODGE, 1855-1904

By Gail DeBuse Potter

Arbor Lodge, a Nebraska State His events .... the family and home are convention in 1880 and 1888; and torical Park administered by the Ne integral parts of the State, and the served as secretary of agriculture in braska Game and Parks Commission, is records of those parts would be the President Grover Cleveland's adminis located on the outskirts of Nebraska annalized history of the State which tration from 1893 to 1897. City. It began as a modest, frame dwell they compose.'" Morton "practiced Despite his deep involvement in ing constructed in 1855 as the home of what he preached," keeping daily national and state politics, it was in the J. Sterling Morton and his young bride diaries, ledgers, and journals, and pre business world that Morton enjoyed Caroline. During Morton's lifetime the serving his correspondence throughout the most success. He frequently did house was remodeled seven times. The his life. Photographs of Morton and his legal and promotional work for rail final and most extensive remodeling (in family were made on a regular basis, roads, including the Chicago, Burling 1903-04) was undertaken by Morton's and much of the Arbor Lodge remodel ton and Quincy. Investments in real son, Joy, to create a summer home for ing was documented through the estate and railroad stocks, along with the Morton family. The resulting forty camera lens. income from his farm, provided the two-room mansion bears little resem Twenty-two-year-old Julius Sterling affluence to support his life as a gentle blance to the house that J . Sterling Morton came to Nebraska Territory man farmer and the status to become a Morton occupied before his death in from Detroit, Michigan, in 1854. Before leader in numerous educational and 1902. leaving for Nebraska, Morton married civic organizations, particularly those In the years since the state of Ne his childhood sweetheart, Caroline Joy seeking to improve agriculture. He braska acquired the house in 1923, French, on October 30, 1854. They served as president of the Nebraska some of its history has become con began their journey at once, arriving in State Board of Agriculture, the fused. Interpretation of the evolution Bellevue on November 11, 1854. American Forestry Association, and of Arbor Lodge has been based on the Like many young men before him, the Nebraska State Historical Society. incorrect assumption that each addi Morton came west to seek fame and Morton considered himself an tion to the house was made to the front fortune. The political climate in the experimental farmer and horticulturist of the existing structure, creating a territory was perfect for a young man and is credited with founding Arbor series of houses. Essentially there are interested in politics and business. In Day.2 only two structures, the house J. Ster April 1855 Morton accepted a job as In the first letter to her family in ling Morton built in 1855 and subse editor of the Nebraska City News for Michigan, Caroline described their quently remodeled, and the massive $1,000 a year. house at Bellevue: addition that Joy Morton constructed His arrival in Nebraska also marked II ami expecting in a day or two to be snugly (what in 1903-04, which represented a signifi the beginning of Morton's lifelong an expressive word) in a log cabin with two or three rooms in it. Kitchen, dining room· parlor cant departure from previous architec interest in politics. He was appointed and bedroom all on the same floor with rooms to tural styles incorporated in Arbor clerk ofthe territorial supreme court in let in the second story ... it is built of logs instead Lodge. February 1855, appointed secretary of ofpine boards as they are very scarce here ... I am very much pleased with this country.) In an 1893 address before the Ne the territory by President James braska State Historical Society Morton Buchanan in 1858, elected to the This cabin stood upon a bluff just stated, "Each family, every household, second territorial legislature, and above where the Missouri swept in a ought to have a record of its daily served as acting territorial governor wide and easy curve around the from December 5, 1858, to May 2, 1859. southeastern edge ofthe village. On the He was the unsuccessful Democratic river bank below the bluff the Omaha Gail DeBuse Potter is director of museum candidate for governor of Nebraska in Indians encamped in buffalo-skin collections at the Nebraska State Historical 1866, 1882, 1884, and 1892; was elected tepees. They were the Mortons' nearest Society. delegate to the Democratic national neighbors.4 The Mortons' first winter 54 Arbor Lodge

Arbor Lodge. 1864. Photo by Dr. A. M. Smith. (NSHS-A666-3).

55 -

: - - --~

Sketch ofArbor Lodge from the March 1878 Nebraska Farmer. (NSHS-A666-5)

Arbor Lodge, 1880. Photo by C. W. Phillips. (NSHS-A666-155)

56 Arbor Lodge

was spent in this log cabin in the house during the early 1860s. The his frequent absences. His wife, sister Bellevue. first known floor plan was drawn by Emma, various assistants, and each After moving to Nebraska City in Morton in his 1864 diary. It shows an L son as he came of age, recorded the April 1855, the Mortons lived in tem shaped cottage with eight rooms on the daily events. Corrections or additions porary lodging. Caroline, excited over first floor and two rooms - probably were often made by Morton after his the prospect of having her own home, bedrooms - upstairs, although Mor return from a trip. wrote, "There's a better time coming . ... ton indicated in his diary on January 4, Morton, his sons, and laborers were N ext fall we are going to have a house of 1865, that seventy-three pounds ofbuf often busy planting trees and orchards our own-the bargain is made, contract falo meat had been put upstairs to dry. on the farm. In 1860 the home farm with signed."5 The first floor included a parlor, a the house comprised 160 acres, and Morton had purchased a claim from family room, a hall, a dining room, a Morton owned over 1,000 additional Richard Pell to a quarter section ofland kitchen, two pantries, a woodshed, a acres with a total value of $20,000. By west of town, which was crossed by spare room, a boys' room, and a room April 1871 1,000 apple trees and 100 South Table Creek. The house, built by marked "Winslow" on the floor plan. A pear trees had been planted in a new William W. Soper in 1855, is described covered porch, eight feet wide, extend orchard east of the original orchard. in a reminiscence: "The house itself ed the full width of the house. The diary for April 10, 1872, mentions these two [the Mortons] had planned "Winslow" referred to Charles the first Arbor Day, as Morton together. It was a one-story frame Henry Winslow, who was hired by Mor bemoaned the fact that 800 new trees structure, ample and spacious for that ton in the fall of 1863 to look after the had not arrived in time for planting. day, and so arranged that if children livestock. Winslow, his wife, and two Beginning in 1874 Arbor Day would be should bless their union it could be daughters occupied the rear portion of observed annually in Nebraska and readily extended."6 The contemplated the Morton home. Kate Winslow Davis, subsequently throughout the United expansion would become necessary. the eldest daughter, described these States. The Mortons were to have four sons: living quarters as "a good sized room In addition to agricultural data, the Joy (1855), Paul (1857), Mark (1 858), with a closet and a room upstairs, diaries and ledgers recorded the social and Carl (1865). separated from the Morton house by activities of the family, their friends, The Table Creek Treaty, negotiated the woodshed."8 Winslow worked eigh and events in Nebraska City. On by U.S. Commissioner James W. Den teen months for the Mortons. January 1, 1866, a large surprise party ver and the Pawnee Indians on Septem The house was sixty-six feet long was held at the Morton home with ber 24, 1857, was signed a few miles without porches and forty-six feet wide music and dancing until two o'clock in north of the Morton farm. By this across the front.9 These exterior the morning. One notable family event treaty, the Pawnee ceded all their lands dimensions remained basically was making cider for the first time on in eastern Nebraska.7 The Mortons unchanged through 1893, with the October 9, 1869, using a cider mill were present at the ceremony, and interior rooms being enlarged, mod borrowed from a neighbor. "This even General Denver stayed with the ified, or altered. Pine shingles, zinc gut ing we eat pears and drink cider of our young couple. tering, and a marbleized iron mantel own raising and enjoy a grate fire An 1864 photograph of the Morton were added to the dining room in greatly." 12 house indicates that it had been stand 1865. \0 A chimney and coal grate were The second major remodeling of the ing for several years, and shows the added in 1869. house began in early 1874 when Morton 1855 house with an addition on the rear. The new furnishings for the house hired Louis J . Meyer to lay a new floor It was a central-passage house with two included a sideboard for the dining in the woodshed, located in the rear rooms forming the main portion. These room and 130 yards of carpeting portion of the house. The main two rooms did not change in size during purchased in Detroit. A new cook stove remodeling started in April when a load the next fifty years of remodeling, but was purchased in 1865, and a zinc-lined of lumber arrived from Gardiner and their functions changed. Today these sink for the kitchen in 1869. Mrs. Mor Company in Chicago. Two photo front rooms are the red parlor, ton sold her piano for $300 to a Mrs. graphs taken by Dr. A. M. Smith of originally the family room, and the Morrison in town. II A new piano was Nebraska City about 1875 show that library or billiard room, originally the purchased; the 1871 diary noted, three Gothic-style dormers were added parlor. "Collins tunes piano," on April 4, to the front of the house.)) A more Throughout the next decade the 187l. elaborate porch, with wooden balus Mortons lived in Nebraska City and During the 1870s Morton recorded trade, eave brackets, and gingerbread occasionally in Omaha, when Morton more and more information in his trim, also was added. A door on the had political duties. The family diaries diaries and ledgers. He began the prac second floor allowed access to the and journals contain few references to tice ofassigning ledger "duties" during upper porch. One of the photographs 57 Nebraska History - Summer 1992

shows a dormer window in the rear of vatory. During the construction of the remain in the house today. the house and further indicates that the conservatory, the sitting room, parlor, Although a great amount of remodel back rooms occupied by the Winslow and kitchen were plastered, painted, ing had already occurred in 1876, Mor family were built as additions to the and papered. ton began another project in original house. After the 1874 remodel Just as the conservatory was September. This one involved remov ing the one-and-one-half-story house finished, Morton decided that the ing the dining room roof and replacing could best be described as a Gothic family should have an indoor it, and perhaps adding a "bay window" Revival, I-type cottage, which became bathroom, and construction began on to the room. Additional work on the popular in eastern states during the June 5. The bathroom addition house included installing two new coal mid-nineteenth century among pros occupied most of the summer because stoves for the bath and dining rooms, perous farmers. Gothic Revival houses problems were encountered in making tinting the rooms with vermillion and were rare in Nebraska. the plumbing operate correctly with ocher, and adding additional windows The diary for 1874 describes the the lodge's cistern-fed water supply. A to the conservatory.20 interior furnishings ofthe dining room: bathtub, ordered by Morton from As 1877 began, Morton described wall paper, painted walls, an oiled floor, Chicago, arrived before the foundation the family situation: and wainscotting. Carpet was laid in was laid for the bathroom, or The head of the family is in Washington, D.C. act Mrs. Morton's room, the boys' room, bathhouse as itwas often called. Before ing as attorney for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Mrs. JSM at the lodge. Oldest the spare room, and the hall and stairs. the bathroom was completed, but as son IJoyl on the farm. Paul occupies an important J. Henry Wischmeyer was hired by soon as the water tank was partially position in the general office of the CB & Q in Morton for painting to be done at the filled and the bathtub installed, Mor Chicago, Mark in same office with Paul. Carl will be 12 ... a student at Nebraska College in Ne· house, including the south room ton tested the new fixture on July 8, braska City. Arbor Lodge is a farm of 160 acres upstairs, the hall, the dining room, and 1876, as noted by Joy in the farm about 60 of which is timber, land] the balance is furniture in the boys' room. Exterior journal. 17 improved with trees of various varieties planted by the proprietor and is well fenced and well painting included the upper porch floor During the summer of 1876 Joy Mor tilled. The place is generally conceded to be the and hand graining the front door.14 The ton was assigned to inventory the best of its kind in the state.21 carpet and china were purchased by household goods for insurance pur The Mortons began updating their Mrs. Morton in Chicago, and so began a poses. IS A new inventory was taken furniture in 1877, decorating the library relationship with Chicago furniture after every major remodeling of Arbor with Eastlake furniture from Tobey companies that continued until the Lodge. The 1876 inventory listed the and Company ofChicago. By the end of house was furnished and completely furnishings and contents of the follow 1878 the Mortons had added an exten remodeled by Joy Morton in 1903. 15 ing thirteen rooms in the house: 19 sion table, a second secretary book The Mortons had lived in Nebraska parlor downstairs, southeast room case, a bedstead, a dressing case, a for twenty years when they decided to southwest room downstairs Iknown as the washstand, and a medicine closet all in "spare room"l name their home. The name "Arbor bathroom the Eastlake style. Several of these Lodge" first appears in the 1875 diary, northwest room downstairs pieces can be viewed at Arbor Lodge when Morton referred to Arbor Lodge dining room room south of the dining room Ibedrooml today. However, the family was not a Farm. Morton began to use "Arbor kitchen west of dining room slave to any single style of furniture, Lodge near Nebraska City, Nebraska" south room upstairs Ibedrooml and had eclectic tastes. Queen Anne as a letterhead on much of the family north room upstairs bedroom hall upstairs dining room chairs and a table, and a and business correspondence. Paul conservatory, south of the parlor Iplantsl Turkish sofa and easy chair, were Morton gave his father stationery with men's house Ipossibly quarters for hired helpl purchased in 1878 from Tobey and cellar an engraving made from a photograph CompanyJ2 of the house taken in the summer of The inventory indicated that the The Nebraska Farmer included an 1876 by Dr. Smith. Morton comment house, furnishings, barn, and corncrib engraving of the Morton house in the ed, "Had the Dr. set his camera in the were valued at $10,000. The inventory March 1878 issue. The engraving was same place twenty-two years before it listed not only the types of furniture, captioned: would have been a picture of barren but sometimes the style, upholstery, To make a home and keep it, has been Mr. Mor· prairie as far as the eye could see and manufacturer. It listed the paint ton's ambition; and a glance at the illustration will without a tree in sight."16 ings, pictures, and photographs on the satisfy anyone that his ambition should be amply satiated. "Arbor Lodge" is a hospitable lodge, The year 1876 began with more walls by title and medium. The inven from whence no one ever turned away hungry, but remodeling. On January 15 Morton tory also included linens, floor all are made happy with the heart·felt benedic· hired Meyer to build a bay window coverings, decorative objects, and tion "Come again."n costing $150 on the south side. This clothing. The descriptions are impor Throughout the late 1870s work on room became known as the conser tant because many of the furnishings Arbor Lodge never seemed to cease. 58 Arbor Lodge

Arbor Lodge, 1887. (NSHS-A666-380)

Arbor Lodge hall, 1887. (NSHS-A666-11) .. .. (right) Red Room, 1887. (NSHS-A666-12)

59 Nebraska History - Summer 1992

Porches, chimneys, and interior modi "rheumatic attack" in December from Morton asked his unmarried sister, fications were done during 1879. In a which she never seemed to recover, and Emma, and his mother, Emeline, to letter to Joy on May 8, 1879, Morton it was finally determined that her ill come and live at Arbor Lodge.34 This stated, ness was related to the knee injury. Her marked a new beginning for the house. Work progresses very well. It will be a good job. health continued to faip7 Caroline's Emma became the "lady of the house" This is the best and most convenient farm house last journal entry in her own handwrit and assisted Morton in the last major in the sta te 62 x 42 without the porches. The west porch is 10 feet wide added to east porch makes ing on February 2, 1881, noted, "Leg remodeling of the house during his lR feet of porch added to length of house 62 fe et very painful still, guess it will be better lifetime, "completing it as Caroline makes just 80 feet by 42 on the ground2 4 when the fruit trees blossom and birds desired it in her lifetime and as she In the summer of 1879 another com begin to sing. Glad I have got a comfort planned it finally should be."35 The plete remodeling of the house began in able house and everything so pleasant project began in September 1884 and preparation for the Mortons' twenty around me."28 During the next six continued through early 1885. The fifth wedding anniversary in October. weeks Morton tried everything to cure roofs of the half stories were taken off The dimensions of the first floor rooms "Carrie," including bringing a surgeon, (the middle and rear portion of the began to change. Cherry and maple Dr. Moses Gunn, from Chicago. His house) and the entire house converted flooring for the dining room was efforts were to no avail. Caroline Joy to a two-story structure. Exterior ordered from Chicago. This flooring French Morton died in her room at decorative features included the addi was laid in alternate light and dark Arbor Lodge on June 29, 1881, at 8:30 tion of wrought iron railings on the roof strips and remains today. The dining A.M. Morton was consumed with grief. and second-story bay windows. A room is about one-and-one-half times Throughout the remainder ofhis life he telephone was also installed at Arbor larger than it was in 1874. The strip faithfully recorded in his diary the Lodge during this project. The rebuild flooring was also laid in the northeast anniversary of her death. The balance ing cost more than $6,000. 36 room or parlor.2' of 1881 was spent creating a monument The second inventory of the fur During 1880 Arbor Lodge took on a to his beloved wife. Morton hired the nishings was taken on April 22, 1885, completely new appearance. The small Chicago firm of F. O. Cross to build an and again included the names of all the cottage became a two-story, central impressive monument in Wyuka rooms in Arbor Lodge: 37 passage I-house with an Italianate Cemetery, Nebraska City, which library facade and a two-level veranda or remains today.29 parlor dining room Iwith Brussels rug 18 x 181 gallery. The front portion was enlarged During 1881 Morton became con father's bed and bath IJ. Sterling Morton's to two stories, including the parlor, the cerned with his own affairs, and felt room] lower hall library, the hall on first floor, and two that he needed to "put things in order." kitchen bedrooms on the second floor. The On July 26, 1881, he filed an entail deed china closet middle section of the house remained and last will and testament in the Otoe terra cotta room Ibedroom] brown room Ibed only] one-and-one-half stories containing County clerk's office; its intent was to clothes press la room] the dining room, bath, and spare room. "entail the northeast quarter of S7 T8 back hall second floor The rear portion of the house was also RG14 E of the sixth meridian in Ne olive room Ibedroom] blue room lEmma's room] one-and-one-half stories, but with a braska to my male heirs forever. "30 bedroom room off blue room higher roof pitch than the middle sec Morton also ordered his own casket "to center hall second floor tion. This area included the kitchen be made of willows . . .. I desire to be red room Ibird's-eye maple bedroom furniture] black room Ibedroom] and servants' room. The veranda was buried in Wyuka Cemetery close by the green room Ibedroom] added and the conservatory moved to side of my noble wife . ... The law of the rear of the house. A photograph of decay after death should not be The entire remodeling was docu mented not only by an inventory of fur the house taken by C. W. Phillips on impeded. And an example of economy nishings, but with exterior and interior June 21 , 1880, shows the house from the in burial cases is needed. I will make photographs made by H. McElhinney north side and illustrates the changes such an example."31 of Nebraska City. that had occurred during the 1870s. It Most of the work at the house during The Morton family shared a second also shows that when the house was 1882 related to memorials to Caroline. period of grief with the death of Paul approached from the east [the front], it Large vases were placed on the lawn in and Charlotte Morton's infant son, appeared as a very impressive two front of Arbor Lodge, inscribed with Donald, in 1885. Morton was upset that story mansion.26 the birth date ofeach son and the death Paul buried his son in Chicago and Caroline Morton injured her knee in date of their mother.32 The south door wrote Joy: July 1880 but paid little attention to it ofthe library was replaced by a window Perhaps he IPaul] will reconsider and remove the as she prepared for the weddings ofher on May 10, 1882, "just as Carrie said it child to be buried with his ancestors, on the two oldest sons. She suffered a ought to be."33 paternal side. The Wyuka lots were secured in the 60 Arbor Lodge remodeling, 1903. (NSHS-A666-366)

Arbor Lodge, 1905. (NSHS-A666-35)

61 Nebraska History - Summer 1992

names of each of my sons for this purpose, solely. year reign of the farm. "42 Shortly after of the house, and the driveway [andl ... And if now Paul finally determines to entomb those of our own name (who are taken away by wards the third inventory was made of the road on the north side."47 Cleveland death) among strangers rather than with our the contents of the house which con arrived at Arbor Lodge on April 9, 1894, name. he should relinquish by deed his interests tained the following rooms:43 and began work. The next day Carl at Wyuka. But I trust you can persuade him to see the propriety and beauty of a common burial red room ]a bedroom] decided that Cleveland was a failure place for the descendants of his mother and front hall, second floor ]sitting room or area] and on April 14, he discharged "the father who bear the name of Morton.'" black room ]a bedroom] green room lash bedstead] celebrated landscape gardener Mr. Morton wanted his family to live and mother's room ]mahogany bedstead] Cleveland and he left for Chicago. "48 In middle hall, second floor ]chiffonnier] die in Nebraska and until his death middle hall, first floor ]hall chair, chiffonnier] April 1894 poles for electric lines were encouraged his sons to build homes parlor set, and electric fixtures selected by near Arbor Lodge. front hall, first floor ]hall rack] Joy in Chicago were installed in Arbor dining room A small remodeling project was library Lodge. Although Morton was still in undertaken during May 1887. Morton J . S. M's room ]black walnut bedstead] Washington, D.C., his heart was in Ne ordered two stained glass windows to brown room ]mahogany bedstead] braska when he wrote: bathroom be installed on either side of the bay Sarah's room ]house maid, black walnut bedstead] There is nothing so potent in good influence upon window in the dining room. The win attic the family and its reputation, as a permanent, Emma's room ]single bedstead] substantial, and embellished home. The longer it dows contain the Morton crest and Annie's room ]cook, black walnut bedstead] remains in the family, the more its power for motto from Scotland and "some silver, china and glassware Ibutler's pantryl good, the greater its inspiration to a renewal of efforts, intellectual, and physical, which may Shakespearian quotations appropriate In the summer of 1893 the roof was demonstrate the capability and courage of a to Arbor Lodge."J9 painted a moss green and the rest ofthe race'9 The remainder of 1887 was spent house was painted white.44 In 1895 Joy Morton began plans to constructing a lake, a fish preserve, and Morton began urging his sons to build a public library for Nebraska a bathhouse. It was called Lake build homes in Nebraska City. In a let City. His father felt that the building Jopamaca, named for the four Morton ter to Joy on March 18, 1894, he should be constructed of brick and pre sons, using the first two letters of each stated: ferably located on the Arbor Lodge name. The lake was located southeast I hope thatyou can arrange with a landscape gar grounds between the east gate and the of Arbor Lodge and west of a bridge dener to layout the building sites and grounds as front of the house. Joy followed part of you wish them laid out for yourself and brothers, that crossed South Table Creek near his father's advice, and the building 4o so that the new homes for Mortons may be con the Belmont schoolhouse. A boat structed on the original quarter section, which was built of brick, but situated in house was built. Morton was convinced your dear and competent mother and myselftook from the aboriginal in 1855.45 downtown Nebraska City. Morton that there was no fish preserve equal to wrote a letter of introduction for two his in Nebraska. It was stocked with Morton wrote again four days later: young artists, sculptor Rudulph Evans black bass and German carp. The dam I am gratified .. . to know that you and your and painter W. Hascall Coffin, to meet which formed Lake Jopamaca broke in brothers have agreed as to the best way of establishing buildings at Arbor Lodge .. . . The with Joy to discuss employing their 1889 and again in 189l. It was rebuilt plans are hereby thoroughly, fully and skills in the proposed library building. both times. irrevocably approved and I hereby relinquish all right to revise or change them in the slightest Joy followed his father's advice and There was no exterior remodeling of degree, provided you proceed with the work ... at sent the two artists to Arbor Lodge to Arbor Lodge from 1889 to 1892. A few the earliest possible moment, and that you shall get ideas. Carl was not impressed: new pieces of furniture were have, by the close of this summer, finished the brick roads and other approaches about the This morning I finally got the young artists down purchased, including a "Home Com house ... nothing could gratify me more than to 'on the earth' once more long enough to have fort" wrought-iron range, two side have all four families regard Arbor Lodge as them do some real business in regard to taking their home'" the photograph of the grounds about where the tables, an extension table, and two treaty took place in 1857 ... I hope you will enter Smyrna rugs. Oak bookcases were built Improvements continued on the tain them in Chicago a couple ofweek s or so, and if into the north and east walls of the li grounds at Arbor Lodge during 1894. there are any more artists or musicians in 41 Washington that you want entertained I wish you brary in 1890. H.W.S. Cleveland, a landscape would send them out as it is an easy matterfor me In February 1893 Morton accepted architect from Chicago, was hired by to devote about two-thirds of my time to them, as an appointment to serve as secretary of Morton to take charge of the work. I have nothing else to do. 50 agriculture under President Cleveland. Morton discussed with Carl "the The importance of the first visit of Cof He and his sister, Emma, moved to understanding ... to reduce the grade fin and Evans was not evident for Washington, D.C. Carl and his family in front of the house as much as Mr. several years. About 1897 Morton com moved into Arbor Lodge on April 27, Cleveland thinks necessary ... then missioned Coffin to paint the Table 1893, "to take charge .. . until Father pave out as far as the hitching posts, Creek Treaty, and the painting was has finished his four year term .. . . Aunt also pave south of the house and hung in the Nebraska City library Emma departed for the east after a ten whatever is necessary in the yard back building until it was moved to Arbor 62 Arbor Lodge

Caroline Joy French Morton . . .. (right) Four sons of J. Sterling and Caroline Morton: Paul (top left), Mark, Joy (seated at left), and Carl. (NSHS M889-6I)

63 Nebraska History - Summer 1992

,------,

~ NORTH

1903-04 Addition

I CJ 1855 House I I ~ 1864 Addition I l2dJJ~ 1876 Addit'IOn I I ~ 1879-80 Addition I ~ 1885 Addition i r------~ L -.J 1903-04 Addition I L ______JI

Arbor Lodge, first floor plan, /855-/905. (NSHS-MS7) Drawing by Dell Darling.

64 Arbor Lodge

,------1 I I ~ I NORTH I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1903-04 I Addition I I I I I I I I I I ~ 1864 Addition I I f2ZI 1879-80 Addition I ~ 1885 Addition I I L-...J 1903-04 Addition I r------.-J I I I I L ______J

ArborLodge, second floor plan, 1855-1905. (NSHS-MS7) Attic spaces and third floor plan of1903-04 addition not illustrated. Drawing by Dell Darling.

65 Nebraska History - Summer 1992

Lodge in 1904. It can be seen there braska City. The plan for Joy's home the house. Robert Seth Lindstrom was today. included 5,000 fruit trees and 170 rose the superintendent of construction, Morton returned to Arbor Lodge in bushes planted at the old "Vincent and Warren H. Manning of Cambridge, March 1897 after the McKinley place," near Arbor Lodge, which had Massachusetts, was the landscape administration took office. He spent been purchased by Joy. Morton offered architect.54 several days getting settled in the to buy Jack Armstrong's residence on In its final configuration, Arbor house, arranging books in the library, the north side of Nebraska City for Lodge assumed the appearance of a unpacking furniture, and putting down Paul's summer home. Morton con Neo-Classical Revival mansion with rugs purchased in Washington. For tinued to stress to his sons the impor three large porticos utilizing Co months the wells and windmills had tance of land to future generations, rinthian columns on the north, south, been unable to supply enough water although the boys had chosen to seek and east sides. The mansion has nearly and in the fall of 1897, Morton had their fortunes in business. These "sum 17,000 square feet with forty-two water pipes laid to Arbor Lodge and mer homes" were never built or rooms, not including the hallway si tting connected with the city water system. acquired, but Morton's desire that areas or the attic storage rooms in the City water was turned on November 12, each ofhis sons have a "home" at Arbor "old house." Joy ordered enough furni 1897. Morton felt that no other Lodge may have been the basis for the ture to permit entertaining twenty or improvement at Arbor Lodge had final remodeling of Arbor Lodge. more. The housekeeper's account book added so much to the comfort and Morton became ill in December 1901 indicates that an average of thirty safety of the family.51 and his doctor felt a change of climate three people a day were served meals Morton hired Carlie Barr to paint would help him. Morton traveled with from 1904 to 1906, with the largest Arbor Lodge a canary yellow with white Paul and his family to Mexico and still event, a party for 130 on July 16, 1904, trim during the spring and summer of ill, returned to Arbor Lodge in March celebrating Paul Morton's appoint 1898. Only minor improvements were 1902. He then went to Chicago to con ment as secretary of the navy. Other undertaken in 1898 with $250 paid for sult several specialists. There J. Ster large events at Arbor Lodge, such as the exterior paint and $75 for fixing and ling Morton died at the home of his son, Jean Morton's wedding to Joseph polishing the floors. Mark, in Lake Forest, Illinois, at 4:30 Cudahy on October 1, 1904, and the Thomas R. Kimball, a prominent P.M. on April 27, 1902. His body was unveiling of the Morton statue on Omaha architect, was invited to Arbor brought back to Nebraska on a special October 28, 1905, required outside Lodge by Morton in 1900 to discuss a train and he was buried next to his caterers.55 plan for stables and other improve beloved Caroline. 53 The furnishings of the "new house" ments. Kim ball and his partner, George In late 1902 or early 1903, Joy Morton included a set of Tobey and Company Prinz, began working for Joy Morton on hired Jarvis Hunt, a Chicago architect, mission furniture for the red parlor. February 20, 1901. The Arbor Lodge to design the eastward expansion of This "library set" was from the journal indicated that the plan was to Arbor Lodge. The plans were finalized "Quaint" line of Tobey's Arts and Crafts build a stable and consider an eastward on June 22,1903. The "new house" was furnishings designed by Joseph Twy expansion of Arbor Lodge. The stable a three-story addition to the front ofthe man. Twyman was known as "the designed by Kimball was begun on existing house. It included on the first foremost [designer] in this country in June 18, 1901. As the work progressed floor a reception room, the red library, a interpreting the art of William on the stable, the old barn had to be sun room, and a main hall. The second Morris."56 Today, this set offurniture is moved. The north part had been built floor had three bedroom suites, and the one of only two such sets known to by Morton in 1856. The barn, shed, and third floor had two bedroom suites and remain in its original setting. The bowl corncrib were then located west of three bedrooms. A bowling alley was ing alley was supplied by Brunswick. the stables.52 added to the basement. The "old Tiffany and Company created the On January 7, 1901, Carl Morton house" underwent considerable skylight in the sun room, and Zuber and died suddenly of double pneumonia at remodeling to enlarge the kitchen, con Company of Paris supplied the his home in Waukegan, Illinois. This struct a new pantry, and add three bed wallpaper and matching chamber sets was the second great tragedy of Mor rooms for servants in the attic under for the second floor bedroom suites. ton's life, from which he never seemed the eaves. The entire house was stuc Emma Morton was living at Arbor to recover. Throughout 1901 corres coed, creating a very different Lodge during the last remodeling and pondence continued among Joy, Paul, appearance. construction phase. It was Emma's and their father regarding the construc The construction ofthe "new house" idea to name the rooms and Joy's sug tion of additional Morton homes near and remodeling of the "old house" cost., gestion to use the names of treesY Arbor Lodge. Morton hoped that his over $66,000 including furnishings, and However, the rooms were never sons would at least "summer" in Ne more than doubled the size of renamed, but continued to be known by 66 Aerial view of Arbor Lodge, 1970. (NSHS-A666-150) the old names with one or two excep area was added to the grounds. The York, and represent contemporary tions. The first floor southeast room in memorial, designed and executed by styles. As the house is approached the "old house" was originally called Rudulph Evans, included statues of J . today from the front, one sees the the parlor, then the library, then the Sterling Morton and a wood nymph structure created by Joy Morton in billiard room, and finally the Denver holding a sapling in her left hand. Itwas 1903. Because Joy, Paul, and Mark room. This may have been the room or dedicated by former President Grover Morton's business interests drew them space where J . W. Denver stayed while Cleveland, who stayed at Arbor elsewhere, J. Sterling Morton's dream working on the Table Creek Treaty Lodge. that his sons would one day live at or with the Pawnee in 1857.58 Arbor Lodge today is furnished as it near Arbor Lodge was never realized.oo A sunken garden and formal would have appeared in 1905, when the The mansion was occupied only arboretum were added to the grounds memorial was dedicated. The house is irregularly between 1906 and 1923, during this period. Warren H. Manning one ofthe best examples in Nebraska of when it was donated to the state. The of Cambridge, Massachusetts, pur a historic house containing many of its Arbor Lodge that Morton knew is portedly designed the area. C. E. original furnishings. The furnishings barely recognizable today; in its place Dwyer, a forester, was hired by Joy in span the several decades during which stands his sons' creation, a nationally 1904 to care for the arboretum under the house served as the Morton known memorial to the founder of the general supervision ofE. Burnett of residence. Many of them were specially Arbor Day. New York City.59 In 1905 a memorial ordered from firms in Chicago or New

67 Nebraska History - Summer 1992

NOTES IJ. Sterling Morton, "Records and their Con 22Morton Farm Account Book, 1871-73, " Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, Apr. 9, 10, 14, servation," Transactions and Reports of the Ne includes bill of sale from Tobey Furniture Com 1894, Morton Papers, NSHS. braska State Historical Society V (1893):11. pany, Chicago, Ill., Jan. 15, 1878, Morton 49J. Sterling Morton to Joy Morton, June 11, 2For a complete biography of Morton see Papers, NSHS. 1894, Morton Papers, NSHS. James C. Olson, J. Sterling Morton (Lincoln: 23Nebraska Farmer, Mar. 1878. 5"Carl Morton to Joy Morton, Nov. 10, 1896, University of Nebraska Press, 1942. Reprint, 24J. Sterling Morton to Joy Morton, May 8, Morton Papers, NSHS. Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, 1879, Morton Papers, NSHS. 51Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, Sept. 2, Nov. 12, 1972). 25Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, May 31, 1879, 1897, Morton Papers, NSHS. JCaroline Morton to Emma Morton, Nov. 11, Morton Papers, NSHS. 52Ibid., Feb. 26, June 18, Nov. 18,26, 1901. 1854, J. Sterling Morton Papers, Chicago Histori 26Ibid., June 21, 1880. 53Nebraska City Daily News, May I, 1902; cal Society. 27Ibid., Dec. 7, 1880. Olson, J. Sterling Morton:429. 4Robert W. Furnas, ed., "Mrs. Caroline Joy 28Ibid., Feb. 2, 1881. 54 Robert Seth Lindstrom to Custodian of Morton," Transactions and Reports of the Ne " Ibid., July 17, 18, 1881. Arbor Lodge, Apr. 18, 1948, Morton Papers, braska State Historical Society 1(1885):119-20. "'Ibid., July 19, 26, 188!. NSHS. 5Caroline Morton to Emma Morton, May 27, JI Ibid., Oct. 6, 1881. 55 Housekeeper's Account Book 1902-05, Mor 1855, J. Sterling Morton Papers, Nebraska State " Ibid., Mar. 3, 1882. ton Papers, Chicago Historical Society. Historical Society, Lincoln (hereafter Morton " Ibid., May 10, 1882. 56S haron Darling, Chicago Furniture, Art, Papers, NSHS). 34J. Sterling Morton to Emma Morton and Mrs. Crafts, & Industry, 1833-1933 (C hicago: W. W. 6Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, July 4,1871. Mor J. D. Morton, June 24, 1882, Morton Papers, Norton & Co., 1984):240. ton Papers, NSHS; J. Sterling Morton and Albert NSHS. 57Joy Morton to Emma Morton, Aug. 21, 1903, Watkins, eds., Illustrated History of Nebraska I 35 Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, Jan. 9, 1885, Mor Morton Papers, Chicago Historical Society. (Lincoln: Jacob North & Company, 1905):715. ton Papers, NSHS. 58Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, Oct. 13, 1887 , 70lson, J. Sterling Morton, 89. J6Ibid., Jan. 1, 1885. Morton Papers, NSHS. "Kate Winslow Davis, "Neighbor to the Mor "Morton Farm Account Book, 1885, Morton 59"A Notable Western Homestead," Town and tons," Nebraska History, 53(Spring 1972):19. Papers, NSHS. Country Magazine (Sept. 3, 1904): 15. 9J. Sterling Morton Diary, Aug. 23, 1864, Mor 38J. Sterling Morton to Joy Morton, Apr. 26, ·"Joy Morton engaged in banking in Nebraska ton Papers, NSHS. 1886, Morton Papers, NSHS. City before going to work for the Chicago, lI'Ibid., July 7, 14, Aug. 8, 1865. J9Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, Mar. 22, May 3, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in Aurora, "Ibid., May 27, June 30, and July 17, 1865. 27, 1887; Morton Farm Account Book 1871-73,89, Illinois. In 1879 he became a junior partner in a "Ibid., Oct. 9, 1869. Morton Papers, NSHS. Chicago salt company. In 1885 he and his brother 13Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, Jan. 4, 1876, Mor 4°Nebraska City News, July 8, 1887 . Mark took over the firm that became the giant ton Papers, NSHS. 4IMorton Farm Account Book, 1871-73, con Morton Salt Company. Joy Morton founded and "Ibid., June 25, July 25, 28, Aug. 3-5, 13, 20, taining original receipts; Arbor Lodge Farm Jour endowed the Morton Arboretum near Chicago. Sept. 1, Nov. 13, Dec. 26, 1874. nal, May 28, 1890, Morton Papers, NSHS. Paul Morton went to work for the Burlington '5Ibid., May 4, 1874. 42 Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, Apr. 27, 1893, Railroad and won rapid promotion. Later he was '6Ibid., Mar. 13, 1877. Morton Papers, NSHS. , vice-president of the Atchison, Topeka and 17Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, July 8,1876, Mor "Inventory of Arbor Lodge Furnishings, 1893, Santa Fe Railroad and president of the Equitable ton Papers, NSHS. Morton Papers, NSHS. Life Assurance Society of New York. Morton was 18J. Sterling Morton Diary, Au g. 7, 1876, Mor 44J. Sterling Morton to Mrs. Carl Morton, July appointed secretary of the navy by President ton Papers, NSHS. 15, 1893, Morton Papers, NSHS. Theodore Roosevelt. 19Morton Farm Account Book, 1871-73, Mor 45J. Sterling Morton to Joy Morton, Mar. 18, Carl Morton helped to found the Argo Starch ton Papers, NSHS. 1894, Morton Papers, NSHS. Company of Nebraska City and later moved to 20J. Sterling Morton Diary, Sept. 22,1876, Mor 46J. Sterling Morton to Joy Morton, Mar. 22, Waukegan, Ill. to manage a starch and com sugar ton Papers, NSHS. 1894, Morton Papers, NSHS. factory for his brother Joy. 21Arbor Lodge Farm Journal, Jan. 1, 1877, Mor 47J. Sterling Morton to Carl Morton, undated More information on J. Sterling Morton's sons ton Papers, NSHS. letter, 1894, Morton Papers, NSHS. is found in Olson, J. Sterling Morton.