The City of Upper Arlington and the Upper Arlington Historical Society have announced that two long-standing pillars of the community, Dr. Martin Peter Sayers, II, and Marjorie Garvin Sayers, will be the latest inductees to grace the Upper Arlington Wall of Honor. According to a recent announcement by the City of Upper Arlington, these esteemed individuals have been recognized for their significant contributions to the city, state, and nation. They will be honored in a ceremony slated for May 18.
Dr. Sayers, who passed away in 2013, was a notable pediatric neurosurgeon who was celebrated for having advanced the field, particularly in pediatric care. He was deeply connected to Upper Arlington, graduating from the local high school in 1939 and later from The Ohio State University. His service during World War II as a U.S. Navy medic in Roanoke, VA, led him back to Ohio, where he founded the Department of Pediatric Neurological Surgery at OSU's College of Medicine. Among his numerous achievements, Dr. Sayers helped "in the development of the surgical insertion of a 'shunt' to relieve pressure on the brain for patients with hydrocephalus," detailed the City of Upper Arlington's website.
Marjorie Sayers, who left us in 2021, is equally celebrated for her contributions to the arts and historical record of Upper Arlington. She founded the Upper Arlington Historical Society and shepherded the creation of the first comprehensive history book of Upper Arlington. Besides her preservation efforts, she was also a talented painter and a staunch supporter of the local arts scene, including the Columbus Museum of Art and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Her educational roots were planted firmly in Upper Arlington and OSU, shaping a legacy interwoven with the city's cultural fabric.
Together, Pete and Marjorie Sayers left a profound impression on their hometown. They were civic leaders who looked beyond themselves to collectively push Upper Arlington toward becoming an inclusive and forward-looking suburb. Whether it was through launching the July 4 Parade or founding Canterbury Village, their efforts were felt, and their seventy years of marriage stood as a testament to their united vision for community betterment. Their story continues to resonate with the residents of Upper Arlington, as they will soon find a permanent spot on the "Wall of Honor" located on the plaza in front of the Municipal Services Center. For those wishing to learn more about the Wall of Honor and the couple's enduring impacts, further information can be found by contacting the UA Historical Society or visiting the official City of Upper Arlington website.
