Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society

The Martin Building Undergoes Renovation

The Martin building is shown at right behind the street light in this old postcard.

Ed Cox, representing Sterling Main Street, presented an interesting story and facts behind the renovation of the Martin Building in downtown Sterling, located at the southeast corner of East Third and Locust Street. This is the building which displays the mural of the Presidents. It was obvious the building was becoming an eyesore and the prior owner felt there was no way to justify the expense of even a partial remodel. So, what to do?

After much discussion, Sterling Main Street decided to take on the restoration project and give the building new life. It was not an easy decision to make as a tour of the facility showed much work to be done even to bring it up to a point where it could be restored. However, they were able to secure a loan of $38,000 to purchase the building and immediately set about raising funds for restoration. Fortunately, the timing proved right and a couple of benefactors enabled them to start right away. $25,000 was spent entirely on the exterior brick work; Bob Marsh and his crew did the tuck pointing and restoration before the mural was painted. Cleaning up the interior was another story (with pictures) and leads one to think it a monumental task. The basement and second floor was a real mess and workers had to wear face masks during cleanup. Thanks to two different groups of volunteers (one from the Walmart Distribution Center and the other from the City) the work actually went pretty good ... to date, more than 20 truck loads of debris has been removed, a staircase in the middle of building removed, and new framing for window fronts completed. While there is still a great deal to be done, there is daylight ahead.

The "why" of it all has to be asked, and the answer probably falls into looking at what Sterling has done in the past. We saw not too long ago the complete removal of old buildings in two large city blocks resulting in new construction. While that project was successful the trend in thinking is now to restoration and preserving the old. Sterling Main Street is still not sure just what they are going to do with the property once it is finished.

The Martin building has to be one of the oldest in the downtown area. Ed Cox was able to provide some additional background on the Martin brothers, as follows:

• The Martin brothers were David and John Martin.
• David Long Martin was born near Martinsburg, Penn., on September 12, 1849; he died suddenly in his chair after breakfast on the morning of May 10, 1930.
• The parents, John and Catherine Hoover Martin, moved their family to Sterling in 1857.
• John W. Martin was born in Sterling on April 26, 1857; he died at home while dressing for work the morning of November 23, 1926.
• The two brothers, David and John, entered into a partnership associated with the growth and development of Sterling and Rock Falls. The brothers lived at 801 Avenue B and both died in the home.
• On April 3, 1918, John married Nellie, daughter of George and Cynthia Havens who were pioneers of Prophetstown. The marriage took place at 1 East Third Street at the brother's office building.
• The brothers also had one sister, Sarah Jane, who was married to W. M. Dillon. Three other siblings died in infancy
• When John Martin died his will indicated that he was leaving $500 to each of the 22 churches in Sterling and Rock Falls, $20,000 to his sister Sarah and the remainder of his estate which were estimated to exceed one million dollars to establish the Martin Home for Old Folks. This was the largest benevolent bequest to a single object ever made by an individual in this part of the state. Due to the stock market crash the bequest was never realized.

Overall, the project undertaken by Sterling Main Street is pretty impressive and is a positive step in making the downtown area more attractive for business; it certainly deserves the support of the entire community.

Prior to the presentation by Ed Cox, president John Dillon opened the May 21 meeting of the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society, followed by Pledge of Allegiance. David Lowe then read the Minutes from last month. Ted Kontos gave the Treasurer's report. New Business was the approval of having a picnic this summer on the Museum grounds with more information to follow. Tim Keller introduced the speaker after election of Officers.

Nominations for Officers and Directors read and approved. Elected to the Museum Board are Tim Keller, Dennis DeLange and Jerald Glawe. Elected to the Historical Society Board are John Dillon, Wolf Koch and Jerry Bartlett. The Officers for the coming year are David Lowe, President; Tim Keller, Vice President; Dian Fitzgerald, Secretary; and Ted Kontos, Treasurer.