The Paul E. Martin Common
Paul E. Martin, an Ohio educational and civic leader, was elected to the Hiram College Board of Trustees in 1968. His service to Hiram College in the role of citizen trustee spans more than 30 years.
Paul Martin and his late wife, Dorothy, are parents of two Hiram graduates: Frederick William Martin, Class of 1964, and James Kirby Martin, Class of 1965.
The name common is derived from the English tradition of reserving a tract of land to be owned jointly by members of the community.
Paul Martin provided this Common as a place of tranquility and beauty for all to enjoy.
It is with the deepest appreciation that Hiram College dedicates this Common to one of its most loyal and devoted friends, Paul E. Martin.
Erected 1999.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education.
Location. 41° 18.664′ N, 81° 8.624′ W. Marker is in Hiram, Ohio, in Portage County. It is on Garfield Road (Ohio Route 700) 0.1 miles north of Wakefield Road ( Route 82/305), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cleveland and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Hiram College Arboretum (a few steps from this marker); Bessie Coleman (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Squire Homestead Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Lives Matter installation (within shouting distance of this marker); Hiram College (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Oliver Plaza (about 400 feet away); James A. Garfield (about 400 feet away); History of Koritansky Hall (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hiram.
Also see . . . Remembering philanthropist Dr. Paul E. Martin (The University of Akron).
Excerpt: Martin was a steadfast supporter of higher education. His two sons both graduated from Hiram College, where Martin and Dorothy were the first co-chairmen of the Parents Committee. He was elected to the Hiram College Board of Trustees in 1968. In 1990, he was honored with title of Emeriti of the Board of Trustees. Martin established the Martin Common, a central pedestrian pathway at Hiram College, in 1998.(Submitted on June 18, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Martin was extremely generous to his own alma mater [The University of Akron] for more than three decades, donating nearly $7 million to UA. In 1990, Martin served as chairman of the Universitys Heritage and Vision capital campaign. The goal was surpassed by $2 million with a total of $54 million raised. In the year 2000, under Martins leadership as chairman of the University Foundation, the Universitys combined endowment of $200 million was surpassed.
He funded more than a dozen scholarships at UA, and assisted in numerous campus beautification projects, including the Dorothy Garrett Martin Fountain on Buchtel Common, given in honor of the Martins' 50-year wedding anniversary; and the renovation of the University Club on Fir Hill, which is now known as the Paul E. Martin Center. Martin received The University of Akron Alumni Honor Award in 1985, and The University of Akron Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 1987.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 18, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
