The connection between trees and salt crystals appears rather slim, but the roots of the Morton Salt Company run deep.

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Getting to know the Morton Salt Family history in Arbor Lodge, Nebraska City

J. Sterling Morton and his wife, Caroline Joy, moved to Nebraska City in 1854 when the little town established itself on the prairie. The couple built a small frame house and added onto it as they raised their family of four sons.

Mr. Morton, a successful editor and publisher, felt the plains needed trees and began to plant them on his property. He established an arboretum which today thrives with 1,700 acres of trees, flowers, shrubs, and vines from all over the world. Morton went on to serve as Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland and became a philanthropist. He is best known for his passionate love of trees which lead to his founding of Arbor Day.  (Arbor Day comes from the Latin arbor, meaning tree and is a  day in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees.)

The Arbor Lodge in Nebraska, part of the Morton Salt family history.

The Morton boys grew like apples falling close to the tree; they were well grounded and all rose to prominence. Joy Morton, the firstborn, became the  leader behind Morton Salt, a company he acquired in 1889 and renamed.

Prior to 1911, table salt was sold in enormous bags. The bags often absorbed moisture causing the contents to clump. Morton’s company added magnesium carbonate (an anti-caking agent) to create a free-flowing product, even in humid weather. They packaged the flavoring for easy distribution in one-pound cylindrical containers. The new package was not only moisture-proof; it came with a handy spout. Consumers have been pouring Morton Salt into their shakers ever since, although the additive was eventually changed to calcium silicate.

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Morton Salt: When It Rains It Pours

The famous Morton Salt Umbrella Girl and slogan, “When It Rains It Pours^®“ first appeared in 1914in a series of Good Housekeeping magazine advertisements. The slogan derived from an old proverb, “It never rains but it pours.” Over the past 150 years, the highly recognizable girl has changed dresses and hairstyles to stay fashionable. Here she is in 1921, 1933, 1941, 1956, and lastly in 1968.

The Morton Salt Umbrella Girl has changed her style over the years, but her message that Morton Salt doesn’t cake has remained constant.

The Morton Salt Company also adapted to changing consumer needs with innovative ideas. In 1924, they developed iodized salt to help prevent goiters, enlargement of the thyroid gland due to lack of iodine. When Americans rising blood pressure became a concern, they created a salt substitute and lite-salt option. Morton currently keeps foodies happy with a line of seasoning spices for marinades and rubs.

Visitors can tour Arbor Lodge, the original Morton family home, in Nebraska.

If you go to Nebraska City, be sure to visit the Arbor Lodge, located about an hour from Omaha. After patriarch J. Sterling Morton’s death, his son, Joy, hired an architect to redesign and enlarge the original family home. The 52-room mansion, which now closely resembles the White House, is officially known as Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum, in honor of the birthplace of Arbor Day.

Tours of the mansion are given by knowledgeable state park employees and include history on the house, family, Arbor Day and the grounds of Nebraska’s first state park. Living history events frequently take place within the house and grounds. — by Debi Lander, RFT Contributor