Citizen of the Year 2021

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Nelson Schwartzentruber, president of our Martinsburg Historical Society was named the Citizen of the Year of Martinsburg Day, August 12, 2021. Nelson and Bernadine joined the MHS in 1988. Nelson has served on the library board as treasurer since 1986. Although Nelson retired from the Lowville Academy and Central Schools, he continues to work for the school system and we calculate it is now over 40 years of service. He is very involved with the Mennonite Heritage Farm – something near and dear to Bernadine.

Bernadine and Nelson were married July 22, 1972. They raised their family here in Martinsburg- Eric, John and Cary. Nelson, himself, went to Martinsburg schools before going to Lowville Academy and then on to business school. He and Bernadine owned a shoe store in Lowville for a time. After closing the store, Nelson went to work at the school system. He loves old cars! 

Bernadine and Nelson left Martinsburg briefly but Nelson just had to come home so in the late 70s they came back and built their house just down the hill on route 26…..where you see Bernadine’s beautiful flower garden by the road. 

We honor Nelson for his years of service to his community and the Martinsburg Historical Society. As our president, Nelson has been our leader- keeping us grounded and headed in the right direction! Under his leadership the society has grown in size. The society has been able to afford purchasing and restoring the 1stLewis County Clerk’s Office and the Loucks District # 4 one room schoolhouse- we call it the Ramos Road School. Nelson loved the schoolhouse project so much he joined the Association of One Room Schoolhouses. He keeps Martinsburg Day going each year and we have watched it grow each year. He works at the golf tournament each year which benefits the society greatly. He organizes the car show and the parade. Nelson has had the clerk’s office and the school house open for the Fall foliage tours. He is always instrumental in organizing and hosting the open house each year for our beautiful little schoolhouse. 

Thank you for everything you do!,