Shed Dedicated
To Gene Martin

John Barrows dedicates a new storage shed at the Pittsfield cewmetery to the late Gene Martin, the "mayor of Pittsfield," who did so much for his town. (Herald / Joyce Hunt)

During Pittsfield’s Memorial Day celebration, John Barrows dedicated the new tool shed in memory of Gene Martin. Many could not hear the words spoken at that time and below are some excerpts from Barrows’ comments:

"We meet here today to honor Gene Martin, or as many called him, ‘The Mayor of Pittsfield.’

"Gene dedicated his whole life to community service, his many years as Pittsfield postmaster; to the many town boards and agencies he served on.

"Gene was a wealth of information on town history, and he knew where all the old founding fathers of this little town once lived and what they did.

"Many times he has said ‘I got to get the ball field mowed and ready, the boys have a game tomorrow night.’

"Gene was the driving force in establishing our town fire department and it was through his efforts that this department is what it is today.

"Gene was also responsible for the Pittsfield Historical Society, of which he was very proud.

"But Gene’s first love was keeping the cemetery mowed and trimmed, which he did with a passion. He used to say, ‘We should have a building somewhere in the cemetery so I don’t have to bring the mowers back and forth all the time.’

"So, with donations made to the Historical Society after Gene passed away, much thought was given about what to do. After searching for a building, it was found they were all out of the price range.

"When all seemed doomed to failure, out stepped Carl Oertel, and he said he could build one for us with a little help.

"So today, we dedicate this ‘The Gene Martin Memorial Storage Shed’ in his honor, a man who gave so much and asked for so little in return."

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