|
 Steve Martin is a Mount Pulaski native who has spent
the last several years residing in California. When he learned that
there was a need for a new site director at the courthouse, he felt
it would be a good time to return to his roots and start a new
chapter in life.
The Mount Pulaski Courthouse Foundation hosted an open house that
included the introduction of Martin, plus recognition of its
volunteers.
The day began with 1800’s style music offered by New Salem historic
site fiddle player Steve Staley and WUIS bluegrass music host Mark
Mathewson. Being performed in the second floor courtroom as guests
arrived and took their seat for the official program.
Renee’ Martin welcomed everyone for coming. Looking out over the
packed courtroom she noted that the last couple of years have been
tough for the courthouse, and the period of time when the foundation
was unable to hold events or even have the doors open to visitors
was sad for all of the membership of the foundation.
Martin said with all good luck, the courthouse would be back in
action and the community would be able to once again enjoy events
and activities at the courthouse.
Martin said that a big part of the day was to acknowledge the
volunteers that have worked to keep the courthouse up and running in
the absence of a real site director. She asked that the volunteers
all stand to be acknowledge by the crowd.
She also indicated that there were gifts, tokens of
appreciation for each one that she wanted them to accept at the end
of the day.
Martin went on to acknowledge two additional people. She asked
Barbara Morrow to stand up and be acknowledged as Morrow, a long
time volunteer who has recently retired from her volunteerism.
Martin said in addition Tina Stout is also retiring from
volunteering at the courthouse.
Martin also acknowledged the last official site director Barbara
Stroud-Borth. Martin then read a poem about volunteerism
Dedicated hearts like yours
Are not so easy to find.
It takes a special person to be
So generous and kind.
To care so much for your fellow man
Is a quality all too rare.
Yet you give of your time and talents,
For all in need to share.
So thank you for being a volunteer,
We're privileged to work with you.
We want you to know how appreciated you are,
Not just today, but the whole year through.
Since the retirement of Stroud-Borth there has been no official site
director. Renee’ Martin has served in that capacity as a volunteer.
Throughout that time, the courthouse foundation has petitioned the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources to move forward with hiring
a site director.
Martin said it was hard to understand why the IDNR took so long to
make a decision, particularly when it knew that there was a person
interested in the position waiting in the wings for the go ahead.
She said it took the hard work and support of Illinois Senator Sally
Turner and State Representative Tim Butler to finally get the job
done and the Foundation was very grateful for the role the two
played in the hiring of a new manager. She asked the two to come to
the front of the room to say a few words.
Turner spoke first, and began by acknowledging Renee’ Martin and her
continued dedication to the courthouse and willingness to help keep
the courthouse running in the absence of an official site director.
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Turner went on to say, in full disclosure, that Renee
is also Turner's Chief of Staff and she felt very fortunate to have
her in that role as well.
Turner recounted that she too has volunteered at the
Mount Pulaski Courthouse. She did so several years ago when her kids
were quite young. She said that the courthouse was the center of the
town, and the heart of the community. She said it was good to see
the community so invested in its local treasure. She also thanked
the volunteers for their dedication.
Butler echoed that appreciation toward the volunteers and went on to
say that, as he often did, he had paused to read one of the signs
along the walkway up to the courthouse. He noted that he is always
struck not just by the historic value of the building but also by
what it means to this community.
He said he was pleased to see the IDNR finally
respond to the request for a new paid site director. He said that he
remembered the last visit he made to the courthouse, he had sat
downstairs in the office on the phone with the IDRN asking them why
they couldn’t get this done, and asking them to please take action.
Renee’ Martin then introduced Steve Martin. He is the brother to
Renee’ Martin’s father-in-law. For the past several years, he has
lived in California. He has had an interest in returning home to
Mount Pulaski and saw the opening at the courthouse as an
opportunity to come home and do something useful in his community.
Steve Martin came forward to speak with the audience. He noted that
as a child, his primary source of entertainment was to listen to the
stories his grandfather told about the history of Mount Pulaski and
the Mount Pulaski Courthouse.
He reminded the audience that while Abraham Lincoln was a vital part
of the town’s history, there was so much more to be told and shared.
His goal is to bring all of the local history to life for visitors.
He noted, “There are many more characters who did important things
in this town.” His intention is to promote all the historic aspects
of the community to local children and schools as well as visitors
from outside the community. He wants to preserve the history so that
the upcoming generations will understand the value and importance of
the courthouse.
He also noted that, “this courthouse, it is a miracle that it is
here.” He said a thank you to all those who have helped keep it
standing and keep the local history relevant in the community.
After he spoke, Renee’ Martin gifted him with a Mount Pulaski
t-shirt. Then with a much fanfare, she took a large roll of paper
from a nearby desk. She let go of the roll and watched it roll out
across the room. She told Steve Martin that he would undoubtedly be
busy as the new director, and to help him keep track of all the
tasks before him, she had made him a list.
After much laughter and applause, Renee Martin mentioned the
musicians and said that they would continue to play in the courtroom
for a while. Guests were invited to stay and enjoy the music.
There were also refreshments downstairs and everyone
was encouraged to go down and grab something sweet.
During the course of the program, Martin had also acknowledged those
who had helped provide the program and food. The music was sponsored
by Karl Scroggin.
The Mount Pulaski Courthouse Foundation had provided the beverages.
Donna Vaughn donated a decorated cake. Helen Schmidt had donated the
decorated cookies and Judy Cavestani had donated chocolate and pecan
cookies. She thanked all those people for their generous support.
The open house continued throughout the afternoon with guests
spending time to get to know, or in many cases, get reacquainted
with Steve Martin while enjoying some delicious snacks. Everyone was
encouraged to visit the various rooms at the courthouse, though no
official tours were offered.
[Nila Smith]
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