R.S. Smith Building - 1935

In 1910 R.S. “Bob” Smith started in small building at this location as a blacksmith with his brother, Melvin. They mostly did horseshoeing and repair of wagons and buggies. Next door was the Sandy Hotel’s barn and livery stable, and then the Mt. Hood Saloon and the Star Saloon and Sandy Café. They were all lost in the 1913 fire. They mostly did horseshoeing and repair of wagons and buggies. In 1915 R.S. bought out his brother and the property next door and built a garage to sell and repair automobiles. He also sold Standard gasoline. The cars he sold at one time or another included Brisco, Liberty 6, Durants, Star, Ford, Chevrolet and Studebaker. In 1935 R.S. built the “fireproof” concrete building pictured above. It remains virtually unchanged and is still in use today. R.S. served a term as mayor in 1929 and councilman from 1941-44. The Smith family business lasted for 86 years.