On September 2, 1909, Smith Day is celebrated at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle for all Smiths who attend the fair that day. More than 3,000 men, women, and children with the surname Smith -- or derivations such as Smythe, Schmitz, or Schmidt -- are given special recognition. A parade and a special assembly are held in their honor. The A-Y-P Exposition took place on the University of Washington campus in Seattle between June 1 and October 16, 1909, drawing more than three million people. Visitors came from around the state, the nation, and the world to view hundreds of educational exhibits, stroll the lushly manicured grounds, and be entertained on the Pay Streak midway, while Seattle promoted itself as a gateway to the rich resources of Alaska, the Yukon, and Asia. Each day of the A-Y-P was designated as a Special Day for one or more groups. Special Days drew people involved in the featured organizations, and the resulting programs, lectures, ceremonies, parades, and athletic competitions gave local people a reason to visit again and again.
Known by Their Names
As fairgoers streamed through the gates that morning, those named Smith were directed to the Washington State Building to sign a registry book. They were each given a purple badge bearing the words, “I am a Smith; Are You?” By noon, thousands had signed up, and some walked around the fairgrounds saying “Hi, Smitty!” to those wearing the same lapel pin.
Thanks to advance publicity, Smiths were in attendance from all around the country, and even overseas. Two John Smiths came from England and Scotland, and Simon Optisk Smith -- a Siberian Eskimo -- showed up in his native garb. Most Smiths were local, although states like California, Illinois, and New York were well-represented.At 2:00 in the afternoon, the army of Smiths regrouped at the Washington State Building, and marched in a parade to the auditorium. Once there, A-Y-P Director I. A. Nadeau gave a short talk about famous Smiths in history. Reverend Edward Lincoln Smith of Seattle’s Pilgrim Church gave a short speech, and Louis Buckley, director of special events, informed the crowd that prizes would be given away to Smiths who possessed certain attributes. Among the prizes were two crystal tankards and several silver clocks.
Looks are Everything
First up came the award for handsomest male Smith. Over 30 gentlemen stepped forward who considered themselves worthy of such a title. After careful consideration, the judges eliminated all but E. B. Smith, of 510 E. 67th Street, Seattle, and Jim P. Smith, of 1747 W. 56th Street. The judges balked at going further, and left it to the audience, which chose E. B.
Jim Smith took his loss well, and submitted himself into the homeliest Smith contest. Faced with no competition, he won with ease, to the delight of the audience, and was awarded a jar of tobacco.Sidney Smith of Seattle won the prize for shortest Smith, and then came the contest for handsomest Mrs. Smith. Over 20 matrons entered, many urged onto the stage by their husbands, and the prize went to Mrs. Nathan Smith of 2903 E. Cherry Street. The judges had a harder time choosing the prettiest young lady Smith, but eventually agreed on Miss Florence M. Smith of 1331 Florence Avenue S.
All Shapes and Sizes
Next up was the fattest Smith competition. Several hefty Smiths took to the stage hoping to win the prize, but a reporter from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer noted that “any hope that flickered in their breasts was immediately extinguished,” when Mrs. W. O. Smith of Woodinville stepped into the spotlights. Weighing in at 285 pounds, Mrs. Smith happily walked away with the prize.
The thinnest Smith award went to Miss Harriet Smith, who listed her address as King County Hospital. Jack Smith of Kings Hill, Idaho, won the tallest Smith competition, standing 6 feet, 2 inches in his stocking feet.
The baby Smiths came last, and William Howard Smith of 4727 Fourth Avenue S was chosen as the prettiest baby under one year. Jeanette Smith of 501 Eastlake was chosen as best-looking baby over one year, and the best-looking twins prize went to Vernon and Vincent Smith, sons of Reverend and Mrs. E. Victor Smith of Rainier Beach.
Director Nadeau stated that the Smith Day event was “the most spirited celebration we have had yet,” since the A-Y-P opened on June 1, 1909.