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LONGEST RECORD IN TEXASMrs. Wilbur Smith Has Served AsWeather Observer Here Since 1905IIThe longest record in Texas as a volunteer observer for the U.S. Weather Bureau is held by a Brownwood woman, Mrs. Wilbur Smith of 605 Main Avenue.On June 30, Mrs. Smith com* pleted 50 years es weather observer and is still active in the daily reading and recording of weather data for the government.Last summer Mrs. Smith received a letter of congratulation from Secretary of Commerce Sinclair Weeks, a member of President Eisenhower*! Cabinet. A portion of the letter stated:**Your unselfish ser\ice to the community and to your government over this long period of years deserves special notice and commendation This letter carries my expression of sincere appreciation for the splendid service you have rendered.”Another letter with similar sentiments was received from F. W. Reichelderfer, Weather Bureau chief for the Department of Commerce. ”Even among our large army of cooperative citizen-obser-vers, very few have given so generously of their energy and time to serve their community and their country,” he wrote.Mrs. Pearl Smith, wife of Wilbur Smith who died in 1945, began recording the variations in local weather July 1, 1905 She started this work when the woman who had been recording moved from the city, Mr. Smithhad volunteered for the Job but was Ineligible because he held a government position as assistant postmaster. He held that position here 32 years.Mrs. Smith was bom April 9, 1880, at Waco, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Max Smythe.A small child when her parentsasm'Wm1lt;IOBSERVER SINCE 1905 — Mrs. Wilbur Smith of Brownwood has reported daily observations of Brownwood temperatures and other weather Information to the U. S. government since 1905— the longest record of any obser\^er in Texas. Picture above shows her looking at thermometers which provide minimum and maximum temperatures that go into her daily records.(Bulletin Photo)• 1Idied. Pear Smythe was reared In the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Swindeu, who lived on the present H. G Lucas pecan farm adjoining Brownwood. Mrs. Swlnden was anaunt.Pearl Smythe attended local public schools and the academy of Daniel Baker College before finishing schools and the academy of Daniel Baer College before finishing high school at Waco, She andWilbur were married Oct. 25, 1900 at Waco.They reared two children in their home here. They are Kavanaugh Smith, now of Vallejo, California, and Mrs. William F. Graham of Brownwood. Mrs. Smith has three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A sister, Miss May Belle Smythe, resides at 307 West Adams.
Newspaper Details
Brownwood Bulletin
Brownwood, Texas, US
Sun, Apr 08, 1956
Page 93
Full Page
Clipped by
Marion P.
IN, USA 25 Jul 2018
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