BELMONT — It was all fun and games Monday night as the Belmont County Tourism Council rang in the holiday season and named John S. Marshall its 2023 Tourism Champion of the Year.

The annual get-together was held at The Pike 40 restaurant, where Marshall was presented with the Mattox Award. Launched in 2019, the award is named in honor of the late John Mattox, curator and co-founder of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing.

“He was one of the Ohio Valley’s most renowned historians, a community leader and advocate,” tourism Director Jackee Pugh said as she presented the award. “Dr. Mattox’s legacy and impact will forever be felt in Belmont County.”

Pugh explained that the award is designed to honor an individual or organization who has made significant and long-term contributions to the economic health of Belmont County through their involvement in the field of tourism. Past recipients include Ann Rattine, schoolmarm of the Great Western Schoolhouse; Emery Stewart, past president of the Belmont County Historical Society and Victorian Mansion Museum; and the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society.

Pugh pointed out that Marshall has long been a community leader and has been integral in the preservation of the Historic National Road as a board member for the Ohio National Road Association.

It was the late Mattox who asked him to join the Ohio National Road Association.

“John’s dedication embodies the mission to preserve, promote and enhance the Historic National Road in Ohio for present and future generations,” Pugh said of Marshall. “He has led efforts with Bridgeport schools to bring middle school students on field trips to the Blaine Hill S Bridge for the past two years and educate them on a piece of history right in their own backyard. He volunteered his time this past spring at the Belmont County Heritage Museum, giving tours to Barnesville elementary students.

“I had the privilege to witness him engaging with our local students and igniting a spark of curiosity about Belmont County’s history,” she continued. “I even learned a thing or two myself! It’s a testament to his dedication and ability to make the past relevant and exciting, ensuring that knowledge is passed on to the next generation.”

Marshall’s efforts helped secure grant funding to replace the National Road mile marker by the Belmont County Courthouse and mile marker 138, originally located near Ebbert Farm, with an interpretive sign. That sign will be installed this spring and include photos of the original mile marker that is housed in the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his work to preserve and promote National Road, he has been a member of the St. Clairsville Rotary for over 35 years.

Marshall’s response was a humble one. He described his surprise at being notified that he would be the recipient of the award this year.

“John (Mattox) was such a mentor and friend,” he said, recalling that the two had been friends for at least 20 years. ” … to be affiliated with the other wonderful folks who have received this award is just overwhelming.”

He thanked all present for their support and offered his best wishes for the future.

The event included appetizers and dinner prepared by The Pike 40, followed by a friendly round of the “unwrapping game” to round out the evening.