Names of York: Milton D. Martin
More in the ongoing series on the Names of York.
Place: Martin Library in York
Who was it named after? Carriage-maker Milton D. Martin, who, when he died, left as a bequest $125,000 for the building of a public library. His wife left another $60,000 upon her death. Milton Martin, who grew up in Lower Windsor Township and received a limited education, realized that a library could create opportunities for people who couldn’t afford a format education.
Interesting facts: The Martin Library Association was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on April 3, 1916. The York County Court of Common Pleas appointed five directors. But there wasn’t enough money at that time to build and stock a library, so the money was invested to accumulate more funds. In 1920, the association bought the lot at the corner of Market and Queen streets where the library now stands. Local architect Frederick G. Dempwolf designed the Colonial-style library, which began construction in 1934 and opened in 1935.
The library is often mistakenly called Martin Memorial Library, but its official name is Martin Library.
Finally, if you’re downtown, check out 145 E. Market St. – that’s the mansion formerly owned by Milton Martin.
Source: Daily Record/Sunday News archives
Do you have a suggestion of a place in York County named for a person? If so, post a comment! I’m going to work my way through some likely ones, such as schools and parks, but I need other suggestions too!
