KFLF 1927

Yacht "Ripple" with Elden Smith 6BUR at the Key.
He was anchored off Tonga Islands and heard 2ANM in Troy, NY

Lewis Elden Smith (1906 – 1964) was a prominent Los Angeles banker who became known for his leadership and emphasis on mentoring new professionals. His concern for matters of public interest, such as the creation of a new library and mall in Riverside, as well as long range water and industrial development projects, earned him the respect and admiration of his community. Born in Selma, Ohio, Smith and his family moved to California in 1918. He graduated from Whittier College in 1928,and earned an MA from Stanford. In 1961, Whittier College awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Smith began his banking career in 1931 with Security First National Bank in Los Angeles, where he quickly rose to become Vice President. His career was interrupted by World War II, when he served in the Maritime Commission. He was subsequently associated with the construction firm of William A. Johnson, serving as President of Sun Gold, Inc. Smith returned to banking in 1950 as the Executive Vice President of the Citizens National Trust and Savings Bank of Riverside, and in 1951 he was elected its President and Chairman of the Board. The bank expanded rapidly under his leadership, opening many new branches and merging with the Security First National Bank in 1957. Rejoining Security First National Bank as Chairman of the Executive Committee and later as Vice Chairman of the Board, Smith remained with them until his retirement in 1963. Despite his retirement, Smith continued as an active participant in the bank as a member of the board of directors and executive committee, as well as remaining a member of the Inland Division Board and Executive Committee.Elden Smith's wife Harriet donated her husband's papers to The Claremont Colleges Library in order to make her husband's philosophy of banking to students of business and banking. Smith believed in recruiting both those with proven banking abilities as well as the promising college graduate. His leadership, mentorship, and work for his community led the City of Riverside to dedicate a fountain in his honor in the Downtown Pedestrian Mall on September 9, 1967.

Sources Drake, Frances B. The Elden Smith Papers, 1927 – 1966. May 27, 1987. Special Collections, The Claremont Colleges Library, Claremont, California.Elden Smith Memorial Fountain pamphlet, Elden Smith Papers (H.Mss.0854). Special Collections, The Claremont Colleges Library, Claremont, California.

QSL Patrick Rigg Collection
Info courtesy of W5KNE