UNCLE LEW, AHS SPORTS BOOSTER

Anyone that has studied Kossuth County history at all will recognize the name Lewis H. Smith.  Early settler, surveyor, Northern Border Brigade quartermaster, Judge, bank president – his titles go on and on.  However, I recently found out about another title bestowed on Mr. Smith that I had never heard before.  He was fondly referred to as “Uncle Lew” by the sports teams of Algona High School and in 1916 was awarded an honorary membership in the Algona High School Athletic Association.  According to Lewis, he considered it one of the highest honors that had come to him in the course of his long life.

Sports Enthusiast

It seems that Uncle Lew was a die-hard supporter of Algona athletics.  He regularly attended sporting events and for three to four years prior to receiving this award, Smith had sent the football teams $5 every time they won a game and customarily did the same for the basketball teams. As a part of the honor, Lewis was presented with a certificate which entitled him to free admission to every game for life.  He was also asked to make a speech to the boys, but he declined stating that he did not like public speaking.  However, with his regrets he included a $10 check which he said could do his talking for him and which he assured them would bore them much less.  He did add that the boys should make it a practice to “go in and win, and never mind what it costs Uncle Lew.”

Because of his committed support to the boys’ athletic programs both physically and monetarily, he was regularly invited to the athletic banquets.  Although he was unable to attend the dinner honoring the football team in December of 1919, a poem written and dedicated to him was delivered to the crowd.  It read as follows:

“Uncle Lew”

Tonight we have among us

A friend so tried and true

His name I need not mention

For he’s well known to you.

For years he’s stood behind us

A strong and mighty wall

He joins in all our pleasures

And grieves whene’er we fall.

We know he’s on the side lines

To cheer and urge each one

And how he waits and watches

‘Till the game is once begun.

His face is set and worried

He looks for every boy

Then how he swells with happiness

And his pulse beats high with joy

To see—‘tis old Algona

Who puts the ball across

And does it with such ease and grace

Without a moment’s loss.

And when on one occasion

We met our Waterloo

When we were all disheartened

He felt so sorry too.

But when we count our victories

As we very often do

There’s no one feels the interest

As our friend so staunch and true.

So many, many dollars

He’s added to our pile

And did it with a spirit

That brought with it a smile

And so tonight we greet you

Each one would have you know

That all the honors we have gained

You helped to make them so.

When we have finished High School

And started life anew

We’ll all look back with honor

To our own “Uncle Lew.”

1922 Algona High School Football Team

Lewis continued with his interest in the athletics program for many years.  In 1922 the Senior Class of Algona High School published the very first annual entitled the “Algonquin.”  Page sixty-nine of that publication was devoted to Lewis H. Smith.  The words they used to describe him illustrate his love of youth and the good example he set for them:

“Mr. Lewis H. Smith, perhaps more than any other Algona man, has always been a great booster for High School athletics.  He has always shown a keen interest in the boys and their games.  “He has the real spirit of a good sportsman—he puts clean sportsmanship ahead of winning a game.  No one enjoys a clean, scrappy contest better than Mr. Smith; and when two such teams play a game, he is ready to take off his hat to the victors.

“His very presence on the side lines, anxious to see the boys do their best, has been a great inspiration to the team to put fight and pep into the game.  Through his interest in the boys and their games he has won a place in their hearts, long to be remembered.”

The 1923 Algonquin again mentions the impact he had:

“It is impossible to measure Mr. Smith’s silent influence, but his very presence stimulates the boys to play a better game, to be more manly in their sports—in short to be real men.

“The boys are always anxious to see him at their games, and we trust his good health and vigor may long continue that we may have the pleasure of his being with the boys, and occupying his accustomed place.”

Well Loved Supporter

Lewis H. Smith passed away in January of 1928.  The annual for that year, entitled “The Senior Magazine,” was dedicated to him.  The first two pages following the title page contained his photo and the following salute:

“To the memory of Mr. Lewis H. Smith whose personal interest in the students and activities of this school has given him a place in the heart of every pupil, whose fine personality and moral integrity have inspired many to higher ideals—this volume is affectionately dedicated.”

Lewis H. Smith was unforgettable in so many ways.  Learning of this side of him has only made me appreciate him more.

Until next time,

Jean (a/k/a Kossuth County History Buff)

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