This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of author and Los Angeles Times columnist Jack Smith (1916-1996). The collection provides a resource for studying journalism and the writing process and the history of Los Angeles. There are many letters written during World War II that discuss life in America as well as abroad, especially Iwo Jima.

Jack Clifford Smith (1916-1996), born August 27, 1916, in Long Beach, California, was a journalist and author who began his career in Bakersfield in 1937; he served in the USMC, 1944-1945. Smith was a reporter for several newspapers before coming to the Los Angeles Times as a reporter in 1953; he became a columnist in 1958 until his death on January 9, 1996. Smith is also the author of Three Coins in the Birdbath, 1965, Smith in Wry, 1970, God and Mr. Gomez, 1974, The Big Orange, 1976, Spend All Your Kisses, Mr. Smith, 1978, Jack Smith’s L.A., 1980, How to Win a Pullet Surprise, 1982, Cats, Dogs, and Other Strangers at My Door, 1984, Alive in La La Land, 1989; a compilation of his columns, Eternally Yours, was published posthumously in 1996.

Approximately 7,000 pieces + ephemera in 204 boxes

Jack Smith’s copyright is maintained by the Smith family.

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.