A major remodel in 1874 added an elaborate porch and three Gothic-style dormers to the front of house. Gothic Revival style was rare in Nebraska. In 1875, the Mortons began calling their home “Arbor Lodge.” A year later, they added indoor plumbing. History Nebraska, RG2993-414
By David L. Bristow, History Nebraska
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City features a small house that became a 52-room mansion. It belonged to Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton and later to his son, Joy, the founder of Morton Salt.
When was Arbor Lodge built? That’s complicated. It began as a two-room house in 1855. During the elder Morton’s lifetime, the house was remodeled seven times, evolving in style as it grew in size. After Morton’s death, a major addition by Joy more than doubled its size and further altered its appearance. The Morton family donated the mansion to the state in 1923; it is open for tours and filled with authentic furnishings and artifacts.
History Nebraska curator Gail DeBuse Potter told the story of Arbor Lodge’s evolution in the Summer 1992 issue of Nebraska History Magazine. This series of photos from History Nebraska’s collections tells that story in brief. ■
To see a digital version of this 1992 story, visit history.nebraska.gov/publications/nebraska-history-magazine
Interior of a recent second floor renovation, known as Jane Doe’s Bedroom. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraskaland
The original house had already grown by the time of this 1864 photo, which shows an addition to the rear. Julius and Caroline Morton didn’t yet have children when the house was first built. From the start, they planned to expand both the house and the family.
History Nebraska, RG2993-1-3
This 1880 side view shows the front section
(on the left) expanded to two full stories with an Italianate façade. History Hebraska, RG2993-4-2
An 1884-85 remodel expanded the house’s rear portion to a full two stories. History Nebraska, RG2993-4-7
In the early 20th century, Arbor Lodge adopted yet another architectural style, Neo-Classical Revival. After his father died in 1902, Joy Morton added a three-story “new house” to the front and had the old house stuccoed. Joy’s family used the mansion as a summer home. It is shown in 1914. History Nebraska, RG22352-4-21
A photo taken last October shows the eastern face of the mansion. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraskaland
The boy sitting in the chair is likely Carl Morton, the youngest of the four Morton boys.
We use cookies for a variety of purposes, including to enhance your experience on our website and keep our sites reliable and secure. By using our sites, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.