Martha Robertshaw

History of Martha Robertshaw

1898 - Born Vera Robbins to Hattie and Nelson Robbins.  Oldest of 7 children in Shinglehouse, Pa, population 1,350.

1907 - Father killed in a railroad accident.  Sent to Big Flats at the age of 9 to her grandmother's house.  Changed her name to Martha.

1924 - Married Charles G Robertshaw, and became Martha Robertshaw at the age of 26.  They had one son, George  Robertshaw.  Charles Robertshaw returned from the War and eventually became an invalid

1942 - Martha began her painting of the interior of the home.  Work completed over a ten year period.

1950 - Article in the Star-Gazette.  Voted into the Elmira Art Club

1958 - Husband Charles died.  He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery.  They were married for 34 years.

1960-1970s - Martha did housework and child care.  Later on she took care of the elderly in her home.

1989 - Martha died.  She is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery

1994 - Martha's son George died.

2009 - Martha Robertshaw Exhibit at the Big Flats Town Community Center opened, with Murals recreated.

2017 -  Martha's house is sold to Don and Robin Ferrario.  The paintings are removed and stored.

2021 - Paintings on display to the public at Ferrario Auto Team on the same location where Martha created them.