Mrs. Smith has served as librarian since 1923, when the library was located in the corner of Woodman's Grocery Store (now Easler's Hardware Store). From there it was moved to a small building next to Easler's, which was torn down in 1966. In 1950 the library was moved into its present building, which was built as a memorial to Washburn men and women who served in World War I and II.
Mrs. Smith worked alone for 43 years doing all the work of the library. Two years ago Mrs. Myrtle Jardine became Mrs. Smith's assistant. The library is open every day but Monday in the winter and every day but Saturday in the summer.
Mrs. Smith was honored at a formal tea April 22 during National Library Week by the local Rotary Club in observance of her 45 years as librarian. She was chosen by the club to receive the second annual "Out-standing Citizenship Award" and presented with a plaque also a memory book of letters, as well as a bouquets of flowers.
Mrs. Smith was born in Washburn Sept. 1, 1892, the daughter of Arthur and Betty (Nelson) Umphrey. She attended the Presque Isle Normal School. She taught school in the Taber Road and Wade Schools and the third and fourth grades in Washburn village and Crouseville.
Mrs. Smith has a daughter, Dorothy, who with her husband Clarence Fernald, reside in Falls Church, Va., and two granddaughters, Mrs. Carol Mallory and Miss Linda Gernld.
Mrs. Smith is active in community and church affairs, holding the office of clerk of the Conservative Baptist Church. She taught a Sunday class of first and second graders for many years, and is now teaching an adult class. She is a past worthy matron of Coldvale Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, of which she was also secretary for a number of years. She has been organist at the First Baptist Church for many years and was a former correspondent of the Star Herald.
[October 17, 1969]