The Martinsville Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet Friday, April 17, 2026, with Robert Maxwell of the Clark County Historical Society serving as the featured speaker.
Chamber Celebrates Growth and New Businesses
Chamber President Sheila Williams welcomed attendees and opened the evening by celebrating the businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute to the Martinsville community.
Over the past year, the Martinsville Chamber welcomed 15 new businesses. Each was presented with a “first dollar” certificate, symbolizing new beginnings, hard work, and the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive the community forward.
“Starting a new business takes courage, dedication, and vision,” Williams said. “Choosing to do that right here in Martinsville speaks volumes about your commitment to our town and our future.”
Businesses in attendance included Wilhoit Lawn Care, Glow Esthetics by Beth, and Cribelar Custom Processing.
Additional new members recognized by the Chamber included Edge Animal Nutrition, Higginbotham Ag Repair, M&K Metals, Sassafras Ridge, Maxx Ag Solutions, Roadside Hydraulics, Live Wire Electric, Simplicity by Jean, Parcel’s Powerwashing, and S&W Electric.
Mayor Highlights Community Achievements
Martinsville Mayor Robert Lovell addressed the audience by emphasizing the importance of long-term community investment, quoting, “A community becomes great when old men plant trees whose shade they will never enjoy.” Lovell praised the efforts of local volunteers, businesses, and organizations, noting that while progress can sometimes feel slow or discouraging, the community must continue moving forward together.
He pointed to the past year as one of significant advancement for Martinsville, crediting those in attendance for their contributions. Mr. Lovell also hinted at additional developments ahead, telling attendees to “stay tuned,” adding that “act two is going to be much better.”
The Martinsville Agricultural Fair Board was named this year’s Hometown Pride Award recipient. Other nominees included the Martinsville Summer Recreation Board, Changing Hands Resale Shop, Santa’s Helpers, and Martinsville on the Move.
In remarks drawn from a nomination letter, the fair board was recognized for its long-standing contributions to the community. Celebrating its 80th year in 2026, the fair continues to be regarded as one of the top events of its kind in Illinois, drawing visitors from surrounding communities.
Organizers noted that more than 100 volunteers help support the fair each year, along with strong financial backing from local businesses and individuals. Continued improvements to the grounds—including new pavilions, updated restrooms, and the full restoration of the grandstand in 2024—have contributed to its ongoing growth. Plans are also underway for a new Arts Hall.
Business of the Year honors went to ID Castings of Illinois, recognized for its investment in the Martinsville community and its commitment to employee growth and local development. The company was also acknowledged for supporting community initiatives, including sponsoring meetings and meals during the city’s recent mapping program.
Other nominees for Business of the Year included Remlinger Heating & Cooling, Outdoors Obsessions, Darcy’s, Simplistic Cakes, Morgan’s Café, and Martinsville on the Move.
Kent and Brenda Littlejohn were named Volunteers of the Year, recognized for their ongoing dedication and contributions to the community.
In nomination remarks, the Littlejohns were praised for their generosity and lasting impact, particularly through their donation of land that became The Woodlands, a public space now enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
The mayor also noted their continued involvement in community events, including hosting visiting performers and supporting the Gatherings at Linn Park.
Other nominees for Volunteer of the Year included Joyce Bishop, Bob Zellers, Changing Hands, Linda Von Behren, and Tiffani Higginbotham.
Clark County Historical Society Shares Plans and Local Legacy
Robert Maxwell outlined several ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at preserving local history and increasing community engagement.
Cemetery Restoration Efforts
Bob gave updates on upcoming Clark County Historical Society activities in Martinsville Township and in the area. One major project underway involves straightening and resetting headstones in the city cemetery. The Montgomery family, which are descendants of John Chancellor, are going to donate the money to do the work.
Church History Book
Another project involves the update and publication of a book about the history of churches in Clark County. In 1977, Ellen Shaw typed the compiled history of local churches.
In the new edition, pictures will be added to the old history and expanded. The Historical Society is seeking anyone with old history, as well as what’s happened since 1977, to either contact Bob Maxwell or Joyce Bishop.
Lincoln School Bell Project
The Clark County Historical Society is going to purchase a school bell for the Lincoln School. The Miller family in York Township owns the one-room schoolhouse there. Over the last winter, they decided they’re going to take the school bell out since they can ring it from their living room, which makes the building very drafty. The C.S. Bell Company, which made the bell back in the 1890s, is still in business today. And they still make an A-frame for that bell.
Local Veterans Research
The Historical Society is also planning to republish Rally Cry!: The Hometown Boys in the Civil War, 1861-1865 : the History of Clark County, Illinois in the War Between the States which was published in 1996 by local author Jeff Veach. The book gives the history of service records, as well as burial information. Back then, it was all hand-typed and printed in a very crude manner by today’s standards.
Jeff is working on a new book including every veteran in Marshall Township that served since the American Revolution through the Iraq War, about 1,300 veterans.
Up on the hill where the new city building is, is where the old South School once stood. The Historical Society hopes to renovate the stairs that go up the hill. Bob noted that a lot of people ask about the stairs that go up to nothing at the top. The school started in the 1870s, but the stairs would have been put in between 1910 and 1921.
The Historical Society has some nice pictures of it. A sign will be placed at the bottom of the stairs by the chain link fence with information about the old school, adding to Martinsville’s list of tourist attractions the World’s Largest Horseshoe and the big anvil at Linn Park. Bob mentioned consulting with Rick Wolfe for the design.
Mr. Maxwell noted that many visitors already travel through the area while visiting Casey and suggested Martinsville should also invest in attracting tourism.
In preparation for America’s 250th, Casey has already held a history fair at the school. Casey will be holding a cemetery tour on the 2nd of May and celebrating Founder’s Day on May 9th.
On the 4th of July the City will hold its parade and there will be all kinds of activities and events that day and continuing on July 5.
A quilt will be raffled as a fundraiser for the Clark County Historical Society. Tickets will be on sale from now until October 24. The Chancellor House will be 150 years old. It was built in 1876 in October.
In addition to the Chancellor House, he also built the Candlelight Church, which later became the Christian Church. That building was made into a house, and they built a church where the firehouse now sits. Then they built the one up in the North Ward, which recently burned down.
Local Historians Honoring Patriots
With the upcoming celebration of the 250th year of our independence, the Historical Society is highlighting veterans of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 who settled in Marshall Township and are buried locally. The effort is part of a broader campaign to encourage community interest in local history, including upcoming cemetery walks.
Among the most well-known is Nicholas Bean, a Revolutionary War veteran who endured the winter at Valley Forge with George Washington’s army. He later settled in Clark County and is buried at Bean Cemetery near Cleone.
Other veterans from the Revolutionary War era buried in the area include Peter Dozier, who was present at the siege of Yorktown, and Thomas Boone, whose grave was located in a long-forgotten cemetery near Livingston. While some historical details remain uncertain—such as the case of Benjamin Spinney, whose status as a patriot has been questioned—many of these individuals remain an important part of the region’s story.
One of the more notable stories shared was that of John Drummond. Though he has strong family ties to the area, Drummond did not die in Clark County. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 and died near present-day Attica, Indiana, where he was buried in an unmarked grave. His burial site remained unknown for more than two centuries until research by Jeff Veach helped identify the location. Today, a memorial marker stands for Drummond at Medsker Cemetery south of Martinsville.
From the War of 1812, William Collier and William Roberts are both buried at Medsker Cemetery. Benjamin Dolson, for whom Dolson Township is named, is buried in the Martinsville City Cemetery. John Chancellor is in the roll as being a member of the Mexican War of 1848.
Many of those who lived through the American Revolution and War of 1812 came to Clark County, where they settled, raised families, and spent the rest of their lives. Many still have family here today.
Maxwell also noted that if you ever have questions about where somebody’s buried, a good source of information can be found at: findagrave.com
Bob concluded by emphasizing the importance of community involvement, sharing a quote he said has stayed with him: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world… it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Looking Ahead: Events and Community Involvement
Sheila also introduced members of the Chamber board, including Bob Maxwell, Jenn Phillips, Bob Zellers, Clayton Wells, Tiffani Higginbotham, and Carrie Cross.
She offered special thanks to Robert Lovell and city employees for their continued efforts in supporting the community.
Williams specifically thanked Bob Maxwell and the Clark County Historical Society for their work on the Chancellor House and their ongoing efforts to preserve and share local history. She noted that these efforts are helping younger generations gain a deeper understanding of the past through educational visits and experiences.
Additional thanks were extended to Lori Williamson and the staff of A Taste of Home Catering for the meal. Desserts were provided by Laura Parcel’s Home Economics class, and table arrangements were supplied by Mallory Jenness’ agriculture class through the school greenhouse.
Looking ahead, Williams noted that as part of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, a cemetery walk will be held on Thursday, July 2, honoring Martinsville’s veterans at both the city cemetery and Ridgelawn Cemetery.
A larger community celebration is also planned at Linn Park, featuring live entertainment, food, and a commemorative birthday cake.
