The Mann Smith Family papers date from 1903 to 2004 and measure 1.25 linear feet in 4 boxes. The records are arranged in three series: Mabel Ellen Mann Smith (1903-1984), Mary Elizabeth Smith Dewitt (1927-2000), and Ruth Smith Miller (1943-2004).

The Mabel Ellen Mann Smith series (1903-1984) contains the diaries and lifelong work of Mabel E. Smith. This work includes business and tax records for the Smith family farm, homemade cards designed by Smith, and a scrapbook detailing Smith’s travels. Of note is the Master Farm Homemaker Award received by Smith, the first person ever to receive it.

The Mary Elizabeth Smith DeWitt series (1927-2000) contains the diaries and club work of Mary E. DeWitt. Included are papers from the Federation of Iowa Women’s Club, Iowa Church Women United, and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO). Of note is DeWitt’s research on Buxton, Iowa and the Iowa Women’s Archives.

The Ruth Smith Miller series (1943-2004) contains handwritten letters, newspaper clippings, and photographs of Ruth Roberta Smith Miller. Most of the letters are written by Miller as she was stationed in Europe during WWII to her parents back in the U.S. The newspaper clippings detail the subsequent honors she received as well as the book that detailed her and other Iowans’ experiences during WWII.