Robert R. Martin Papers, 1923-1997 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

By Alisha Ashby

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Collection Overview

Title: Robert R. Martin Papers, 1923-1997

Primary Creator: Martin, Robert Richard (1910-1997)

Extent: 14.77 Cubic Feet

Date Acquired: 05/06/1980. More info below under Accruals.

Subjects: Eastern Kentucky University, Education, Primary--Kentucky, Education, Rural--Kentucky, Education, Secondary--Kentucky., Education--Kentucky., Health., Kentucky--Politics and government., Labor laws and legislation., Madison County (Ky.), Pattie A. Clay Infirmary.

Languages: English

Abstract

This collection contains the personal and professional papers belonging to Robert R. Martin. Martin is popularly known as former President of Eastern Kentucky University, but also served as an educator, Superintendent of Education, and a Senator. This collection contains correspondence, legislative papers, photographs, scrapbooks, campaign materials, publications, and materials documenting his success throughout his career.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This collection contains the personal and professional papers belonging to Robert R. Martin. Martin is popularly known as former President of Eastern Kentucky University, but also served as an educator, Superintendent of Education, and a Senator. In all of his work, Martin was dedicated to pursuing the improvement of education in all levels across the state. This collection contains correspondence, legislative papers, photographs, scrapbooks, campaign materials, publications, and materials documenting his success throughout his career. The materials in this collection all emphasize Martin's intense passion for education across the state as well as his interest in history.

Researchers looking for papers related to Martin's service at Eastern should instead look at Martin's President Office Records. There are some highlights of Martin's accomplishments at Eastern in this collection, but most everything else relates to his time as senator. There is also some content related to his time as an educator, his time with the Department of Education, and his accomplishments with his social clubs/organizations.

Biographical Note

Robert R. Martin was born December 27, 1910, in Lincoln County, Kentucky. He attended two one-room school houses in Lincoln County before attending Stanford for grade school and highschool where he graduated in 1930. While attending Eastern, Martin worked raising tobacco and working in the dorms. After graduating Eastern in 1934, Martin began his career in education teaching at Sardis High in Mason County, Kentucky. In 1938, he became principal at Orangeburg High School until 1942, when he joined the Army and served as a weather forecaster and technical sergeant until 1946. Upon discharge, Martin returned to Mason County to serve as principal of Woodleigh Junior High until the summer of 1947, when he moved to Beattyville as Lee County High School principal. In 1948, Martin joined the Department of Education as an auditor and in 1951, became the department's finance director. During this time, Martin obtained a master's degree at the University of Kentucky (1940) and his Doctorate in Education at Columbia University (1951). Dr. Martin won election for State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1955 and was appointed Commissioner of Finance in 1959 by Governor Bert T. Combs, a position he held through 1960. In July of 1960, Martin took office as the sixth president of Eastern Kentucky State College. After a successful sixteen years serving the institution, Martin stepped down in 1976. His leave from public service was short-lived, however, as he was elected to represent the Madison-Garrard-Mercer district in the state Senate. He served in the state Senate until the 1981-82 session. During this time, Martin continuously upheld a constant desire to improve and dedicate to education across the state. In addition to his roles in public service, Martin was also a member of many social organizations such as the Masons, Shriners, and Rotary Clubs. His interest in history led him to be involved with the Kentucky Historical Society, the Lexington Civil War Roundtable, and the Fort Boonesborough State Park Association. These memberships reflected the larger social involvement that Martin had in the Richmond area. Martin was married to Anne Hoge (later Anne Martin) and held a leadership role at the First Presbyterian Church. He remained in Richmond until his passing in 1997. He is buried at the Richmond Cemetery.

Subject/Index Terms

Eastern Kentucky University
Education, Primary--Kentucky
Education, Rural--Kentucky
Education, Secondary--Kentucky.
Education--Kentucky.
Health.
Kentucky--Politics and government.
Labor laws and legislation.
Madison County (Ky.)
Pattie A. Clay Infirmary.

Administrative Information

Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

Accruals:

1980-015

1982-014

1983-005

1983-029

1986-015

1986-034

1997-005

2004-004

Acquisition Source: Martin, Robert R.

Related Materials: Researchers looking for papers related to Martin's service at Eastern should instead look at Martin's President Office Records. For more information please see https://ekufindingaids.libraryhost.com/?p=collections/controlcard&id=42&q=martin.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Correspondence Series],
[Series 2: Invitations and Events Series],
[Series 3: Legislative Series],
[Series 4: Photographs],
[Series 5: Publications],
[Series 6: Speeches],
[Series 7: Superintendent of Public Instruction],
[Series 8: Tributes and Congratulations],
[Series 9: Miscellaneous],
[Series 10: Scrapbooks],
[Series 11: Oversized Certificates],
[Series 12: Memorabilia],
[All]

Series 1: Correspondence Series

Box 1

Barcode: 31234013925860

Folder 1: Correspondence, 1933 - 1938: Contains correspondence between Martin and former EKU President H.L. Donovan, as well as some correspondence between friends and family regarding the health and passing of Martin's father.
Folder 2: Correspondence, 1940 - 1959: Contains correspondence between Martin and friends regarding Martin's education, his campaign for state Superintendent of Public Instruction. Correspondence directed to Martin also discusses concerns the public had regarding education standards in the state.
Folder 3: Correspondence, 1964 - 1969: Contains correspondence to Martin and his wife, thanking them for hospitality, complimenting them on Martin's involvement with EKU, and discussing local businesses and holidays.
Folder 4: Correspondence, 1976 - 1977: Contains correspondence regarding Martin's trip to China, the Robert Martin Tribute Committee Fund, Martin's primary campaign for public office, and letters from friends and family.
Folder 5: Correspondence, 1980 - 1985: Contains correspondence relating to Martin's run for Senate, paper presentations at Eastern Kentucky University, and letters from friends and family regarding holidays and time spent together.
Folder 6: Correspondence, 1986 - 1990: Contains correspondence from Martin's later years, reflecting on his career, the impact that his actions had on Richmond and Eastern, and his time spent with family and friends
Folder 7: Correspondence, Undated: Contained various undated pieces of personal correspondence from Martin's life. Includes a story about Adron Doran, letters regarding social interactions, and holiday greetings from friends and family.
Folder 8: R.K. Landrum vs. EKU, 1984: Contains correspondence related to a lawsuit (R.K. Landrum vs. EKU) which included Martin and which discusses the case, meetings with lawyers, and settlements of the case.
Folder 9: Martin and EKU, 1930 - 1997: Contains correspondence related to Martin's involvement with EKU. Includes correspondence regarding Martin's grades as a student, work with the Milestone, alumni activities, and scholarship foundations. For information regarding Martin's work as president of EKU, please see his presidential collection.
Folder 10: To Anne Martin, 1966 - 1968: Contains correspondence written to Anne Martin, Robert's wife. Mainly consists of letters from Mamie Scott.
Folder 11: Postcards, 1935 - 1980: Contains postcards from friends and family on their travels
Folder 12: Thank You Letters, 1941-1986: Contains letters of appreciation, thanking Martin for various things - compliments, hosting of events, academic support, or thanks for gifts. Letters are from friends, family members, and colleagues.
Folder 13: Thank You Letters, 1960: Contains thank you letters from Martin to friends and family, responding to congratulations regarding his presidency at Eastern.