The Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society will hold its Annual Meeting & Distinguished Lecture, “Baseball Cards at the Edge of War 1941: The Games, The Gum, and The Glory,” on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., at the Historic Henry County Courthouse, 1 East Main Street, Uptown Martinsville.
Distinguished Lecturer Todd R. Marcum will present based upon his book of the same name. From the book, “The world was at war. But for the first 11 months of 1941, which included an exhilarating baseball season, America was not. Experience the exciting 1941 baseball season as Ted Williams chases .400 and Joe DiMaggio sets an unimaginable new standard. The lovable loser Dodgers take the National League by storm. Enjoy a detailed recap of the MLB season, but it wasn’t the only game in town. You’ll also read about an exciting Negro League season featuring Satchell Paige and a young Roy Campanella, among many others. Rarely before had three companies issued baseball cards in the same season; you’ll read about the companies and people behind Goudey, Gum, Inc., and Gum Products and learn about the Play Ball, Double Play, and Goudey sets of 1941.”
Special Guests will include former professional players of the Major League Baseball League: Lou Whitaker, of the Detroit Tigers, and Monty Montgomery, of the Kansas City Royals. Scott Norman, former member of Virginia Tech’s The New Virginians, will perform a baseball classic with audience participation. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best baseball attire.
Marcum, a Roanoke, Virginia-based marketing consultant and creator, grew up in Wayne County, West Virginia. He is a recipient of the American Advertising Federation Silver Medal for lifetime contributions to the advertising industry and a member of the Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications Hall of Fame. He concepted, wrote, and co-produced “Shine: The Legacy of Roanoke’s Advertising Men and Women,” a full-length documentary capturing the advertising and public relations history of Southwest Virginia. His first novel, Way Out Wayne, pays homage to his hometown and weaves in details about the places of his youth. He is an active member of Oak Grove Church of the Brethren and is an avid baseball card collector. He lives with his wife, Rhonda, and does most of his writing on his screen porch with his dog, Gracie, by his side.
Retiring President John Phillips will introduce the 2025-2026 officers and board of directors. Admission to the Annual Meeting & Distinguished Lecture is free, and the public is welcome. The Historic Henry County Courthouse is fully handicapped accessible.
NOTE: Todd Marcum may be contacted at 540-798-3869 for interviews, quotes, or further information.
