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After more than six decades,
Martin and Son is a tradition in
Belleville.
The store opened on Dec. 3 in 1956
when Henry and son Frederick first
opened the doors at 401 Sumpter
Road in Belleville, as Henry Martin
returned from his tour of duty in
Korea.
The store has been there ever since
and has provided jobs for numerous
local residents through the years.
Many graduates of Belleville High
School Vocational Center got their first
jobs at Martin and Son and several Vo-
Tech teachers counted on the help of
Martin and Sons to obtain their certifi-
cation with the State of Michigan
when it became a requirement.
Three generations now work in the
auto repair shop as Fritz, now 86, still
works every day, helped by his son,
Randy and grandson, Brent. Henry
Martin died in 1974 but his work ethic
and commitment to the community is
still evident at Martin and Son. While
the store has changed some, the basic
ideas of good service and attention to
detail has remained. The store origi-
nally sold Sinclair gas, along with the
repair service of farm machinery and
lawn mowers and vehicles. The busi-
ness no longer sells gas but continues
the repair operations.
Along with Fritz, Randy and Brent,
Juanita Martin worked at the business
for more than 20 years and her job in
accounts and advertising has been
assumed by Randy's wife, Debra, after
being handed down to each Martin
daughter.
The Belleville Strawberry
Committee voted unanimously to
honor the Martin family as the Grand
Marshal of the Strawberry Parade this
year.
Familiar faces at Martin and Son include, from left, Tom Krushlin, Juanita Martin,
Brent Martin, Fred (Fritz) Martin and Randy Martin.
Martin and Son
Isn’t it ‘grand’?
Martin and Son family honored as Grand Marshal
