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Book Relects on History, Benefits Community Center’s Future

  • September 20, 2011 at 2:30 pm

A history of Martinsville is quickly becoming a best-seller among residents and history buffs.

About 500 copies of “Martinsville and the Washington Valley” by Patricia Valentine Whitacre and the Martinsville Community Center have been sold thus far, requiring a re-order and second printing by Arcadia Publishing.

The book relates the history of the area through pictures and captions from as far back as the 1800s, and is a fundraiser for the Martinsville Community Center. Proceeds from the sale of the book are slated for major restorations at the center.

“We want to try to bring the community center back as a focal point in the community,” said Jane Waldron Gandolfe, corresponding secretary for the center.

The author and several community center members were at the Chimney Rock Inn Saturday for a book signing and to remind residents about the Oct. 1 Fall Festival slated for the community center.

Whitacre, who grew up in Martinsville and now lives in Pennsylvania, had previously compiled a similar style book for Tinicum Township in Bucks County (Pa.). Work began on the Martinsville project about two years ago. Since its debut Aug. 15, response to the book has been “excellent,” according to Gandolfe.

The book includes many photos donated by residents and former residents.

“If you want to portray history, you have to have pictures,” Whitacre said. “It is interesting to have photos from 10 to 12 different people in one chapter.”

The cover photo of five young ladies during an ice skating excursion includes Freda Yehle, who says proudly that she is “living in my birthplace.” the “cover girl,” as her friends call her, turns to page 21 and points to a photo of a woman, noting that the woman is her mother and the front panel of the floor-length skirt contains intricate hand embroidery on natural linen. Yehle still has that skirt panel, she proudly notes.

Edward Delanoy, a 47-year Martinsville resident and member of the community center, stopped by the table to pick up his fourth autographed copy. “I’m giving it to my kids and friends,” he said.

Gandolfe said they have received several orders for multiple copies—some for holiday gifts—and that the autograph can be personalized, even for books ordered online.

The community center was built on land donated by William Ellis Bartle in around 1920, who added the condition that it remain “forever to be for the use of the community.” the building itself was completed in 1922. When Martinsville burned, residents gathered at the center for aid.

“It served the community in times of crisis,” Gandolfe pointed out.

The state took over the site because of what has been described as alleged “mismanagement.” a group of residents began negotiating with the state in November 2008 and, two years later, the state returned the building. Center members began working with an architect and discussing how it will be used. the vision is for it to hold events such as Scout meetings, aerobics classes, spaghetti dinners and teen classes.

“We had to determine what things had to be done immediately,” Whitacre said. Renovations will include updates to such as plumbing, heating, windows and walls. the second floor will feature a large room with a stage.

Gandolfe is looking forward to the anticipated completion date of March 2012. “It’s exciting. It’s been a long time,” she said.

The popularity of “Martinsville and the Washington Valley” has raised the possibility of a second volume. Organizers are looking for memories and photos of what life was like in Martinsville up to the year 2000 in anticipation of another book. Photos will be scanned in and returned to the owners.

Another book signing is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1, when the Martinsville Community Center holds its free fall festival. Activities scheduled for that day, rain or shine, include a reminiscing center about what life was like in Martinsville, exhibits, children’s activities food tastings, music and more.

“Martinsville and the Washington Valley” may be purchased for $22 by contacting jgandolfe@yahoo.com or aberonio@verizon.net. Proceeds from books sold at the following merchants will also benefit the community center: Martinsville Pharmacy, Sal’s Talk of the Town Barber Shop, the Martinsville Library, Golden Key Realty and Marjorie Rand Accounting.

Book Relects on History, Benefits Community Center’s Future

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