The Lewiston legacy of Louis Martel goes far beyond the brief sketch published here two weeks ago explaining the naming of Martel Elementary School.

Dr. Martel had a boundless enthusiasm for helping his Franco-American neighbors in his adopted city. He came here from Quebec in 1873, already a successful doctor at the age of 23, and he was here for only 26 years before his widely mourned death in 1899. He didn’t become rich, but his work and recreation brought immeasurable enrichment to the lives of the people of Lewiston.

Lewiston Evening Journal writer Paul Pare said Dr. Martel was very tall, powerfully built and beautifully groomed. He had a full moustache which was said to be always perfectly waxed. He was a striking figure wherever he went.

That appearance was important, and both the doctor and other leaders of the Franco-American community recognized that fact. Dr. Martel had been invited to come to Lewiston because the new and rapidly growing population of French-speaking families from Canadian farms needed example and assistance to fit into this new home. Dr. Martel saw many opportunities to convince these mill workers from the northern country that they should learn English, take part in local politics and become a part of the greater community.

He led by example. He helped the Sisters of Charity start the 30-bed hospital which became St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. He founded “LeMessager,” the French-language newspaper that served the Twin Cities through 1966.

However, it was in the everyday recreational life of the people in that close-knit group of friends that Dr. Martel made a long-lasting mark that is still seen in today’s efforts at preservation of L-A’s Franco-American heritage.

Dr. Martel met regularly with a small group of small businessmen, Pare reported. These men met to discuss politics and literature, but they also enjoyed singing and playing musical instruments. Out of these gatherings and with Dr. Martel’s encouragement, a dramatic club evolved in 1874.

Before long, the group produced its first play, “La Malediction (The Curse,) and is believed to be the first play in French to be presented in Maine.

Not long after, the club broadened its interests to include benevolent and fraternal activities and it was named “L’Institut Jacques Cartier.” The organization has survived through the present.