Council recognizes longtime historian Elinor Martin

Elinor Martin (second from right) was recognized for her efforts with the Menifee Valley Historical Association.

The Menifee City Council on Wednesday recognized lifetime resident Elinor Martin for her efforts in increasing awareness of the history of Menifee.

Martin was born and raised in Menifee. Her grandfather, Henry Evans, was one of the original settlers of the area. Elinor tells stories of riding her horse to school at the one-room schoolhouse on Antelope Road. She has been one of the leaders of the Menifee Valley Historical Association since its inception in 2004. Martin is also co-author of a book on Menifee history and is active in the Association’s museum, which is open every Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Recently, Martin announced she is resigning her position as president of the Association and will move to Oregon with her husband Don to be with family members.

“The museum was an idea of Elinor’s,” Mayor Bill Zimmerman said in presenting Martin with a proclamation honoring her service to the community. “We have an awesome history association in Menifee, and Elinor knows Menifee better than anyone else.”