CHAMBERSBURG – Martha Ami Hawes Plessinger has been included in Marquis Who’s Who for both her success in art and in the retail business. Ms. Plessinger, owner of Northwood Books, has made significant strides in maintaining the “company’s legacy as a family-owned and operated business since 1988,” Who’s Who officials said.
The bookstore, owned by she and her husband, Dwain, focuses on providing customers with a vast array of genres, heavily focused on classics, history and historical fiction. The inventory includes mysteries, romance, science fiction, horror, war, fine bindings, collectibles and Pennsylvania history. Many items are available both in store and on Ebay.com.
With more than 90,000 books in 70 categories, the store provides customers with wingback chairs, fireplaces, oriental rugs and literary displays created to take them into the world of reading. In addition, customers may peruse the walls for original fine art by local artists, including Ms. Plessinger’s, for purchase.
Instrumental in fostering a welcoming environment for art enthusiasts and book lovers alike, Ms. Plessinger is also actively engaged in conducting book research, locating special tomes and seeking rare collections that will maintain its unique inventory. Her expertise in bookbinding and art has also been significant in the quality of services offered as a knowledgeable professional in her field.
In October 2023, Ms. Plessinger debuted her own book in conjunction with the bookstore’s 35th Anniversary, entitled “50 Pages of Illuminated Poetry.” Many bookstore customers observed her paint the illuminated manuscripts on vellum, which took six years to complete. Ms. Plessinger attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her husband, Dwain, and family who have been instrumental in sustaining her career in the art world.
Ms. Plessinger is largely self-educated, and her background has played a crucial role in her success. She completed college coursework to give her a strong foundation in various disciplines such as oils, watercolours, graphites and sculpture as well as hand printed letterpress prints in lino cut and wood cut on her 1840 Albion press. Further education has included European travel, instruction in representational artwork in oils from Betty Roby, a graduate of the Schuler School of Fine Art; Cat Tail Run Hand Bookbinding,;and The University of Virginia’s Rare Book School. She also holds an Amateur Radio License, General Level, and is a member of both the American Radio Relay League and WCHA Radio Club 147.120.
A native of West Virginia, Ms. Plessinger married Dwain on March 7, 1987, and they moved to Saint Thomas, Pa., in 1988. Ms. Plessinger’s children include William M. P. Shannon, Merrilee S. Salazar, A. Lark Kennedy and Melody C. Worley. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their extended family including six grandchildren.
Ms. Plessinger remains active in her community through her involvement with the Cumberland Valley Business Alliance, Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Chambersburg Inc., Downtown Business Council and The Council for the Arts. When she is not busy at work or in the community, she devotes free time to creating her artwork. This allows Ms. Plessinger to explore new techniques and continue growing as an artist, enriching her personal and professional endeavors.
Looking ahead, Ms. Plessinger is eager to broaden her horizons at the bookstore. Her dedication to the business and her community continues to drive her forward, helping others find an exceptional literary experience.
