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David Smiley papers, 1917-1960, Date acquired: 07/00/1972

 

Summary

Creator:
Smiley, David E. (1879-1960)
Extent:
1.40 Linear Feet
2 boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

David Smiley Papers, USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

Background

Scope and content:

The David Smiley Papers include correspondence, literary productions and other printed materials, magazine articles and newspaper clippings, photographs, and his academic robe and pin from the University of Tampa. The correspondence represents three-quarters of the documentation in the collection and is predominantly business-related. The collection material provides some insight into David Smiley's character and his activities as editor-in-chief for the Philadelphia Public Ledger.

Biographical / historical:

David E. Smiley was born March 10, 1879 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Thomas and Isabel Gibson Smiley. He attended Central Manual Training High School in Philadelphia and read law in a private law firm. Starting as a reporter in 1897, he quickly became a succesful crusading reporter. Smiley's investigations and articles brought to the public's atention the unsavory activities being conducted by politicians. These investigative reports helped launch his long career with the Public Ledger in 1906.

In 1918, Smiley became editor-in-chief of the Public Ledger. He became general manager of the North American Newspaper Alliance in 1927. He came to Tampa, Florida in 1931 to serve as president and publisher of the Tampa Daily Times. He retired from the paper in 1958. He was also appointed Chairman of the board for radio station WDAE and acquired full ownership of the station in 1951.

Smiley was involved in community and social activities in Tampa. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Tampa, Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development committee of Hillsborough County. He also belonged to the Rotary Club, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and the University Club. He died October 27, 1960 at the age of 81.

Acquisition information:

Joseph Smiley

Donation

Arrangement:

Series

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Correspondence.
Newspaper editors
Names:
University of Tampa

Access and use

Terms of access:

None.  The contents of the collection may be subject to copyright.  Visit the United States Copyright Office's website at http://www.copyright.gov/ for more information.

Preferred citation:

David Smiley Papers, USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

Location of this collection:
The University of South Florida, Tampa Campus
4202 East Fowler Ave. LIB122
Tampa
FL
33620-5400
USA