Newark Valley Historical Society pays tribute to Clark Smith; will plant memorial tree this year

Known as an individual who embraced history, Clark Smith, a long-time member of the Newark Valley Historical Society (NVHS), will forever be remembered as a man who devoted his time, knowledge, skill and leadership to improving and restoring the historic Bement-Billings Farmstead Museum and the Newark Valley Depot, among other projects, and was known to fix anything from computers to old farm machinery.  Apple Fest-goers will remember Smith’s antique cider press, a favorite visitor stop at the annual event. 

Friends and NVHS members pay tribute to Smith, a long-time Newark Valley resident who passed away in June 2016 at the age of 91, and who leaves behind a notable legacy. Smith, a veteran of WWII, served in the United States Marine Corps. A graduate of Alfred State College, Smith had a 44-year career with IBM as a field engineer and systems writer.

Ed Nizalowski, Farmstead director, shared, “In Clark’s memory, we will plant a memorial tree this year.”

Nizalowski continued, “Clark lived by the old adage, ‘You don’t know where you are going unless you know where you have been.’ The Society would be a much different organization without his efforts.”

Nizalowski explained that Smith was involved with nearly every building and improvement at the Farmstead, including the carriage barn (now the loom barn), the Herrick Barn, the Farmer’s Workshop, the Welcome Center, the Sycamore Bridge, The Depot, and various other structures.      

Marjorie Olds, a local writer, shared, “Clark is a treasure to the entire community.  He and Ray Shaver saved an 1800’s train depot in Newark Valley and built it into a thriving community building.”

Marsha Kiechle, a long-time NVHS member, commented, “Sycamore Bridge was a project that Clark took when he was in his eighties; he designed the steel supports for the ramps and did all of the welding.”

Jim Mead, from the Early Owego Antique Center, commented, “Once, I took my tractor to him for two repairs and he fixed eight other things as well.”

Mead also shared a story about how Clark helped him with his 1908 single cylinder Cadillac, a challenging endeavor.

“After a week’s study, Clark had the theory down pat and how it worked,” Mead said, and added, “The car used a very odd carburetor, but he delighted at being able to successfully adjust it.”

Veronica Riley, coined one of the “Depot Divas,” offered this insight, “Clark touched many lives. He was a man of integrity, humor and intelligence and possessed an unwavering commitment.”

From Smith’s son Scott, “He always had a great sense of the practical. Nothing was done without a purpose, big or little,” and added, “He might take a junk bicycle, for instance, and use the parts on a garden cart.”

Ginnie Wood, who has been part of the NVHS since the late 1970’s, contributed, “Shortly after the Bement-Billings Farmstead was first opened, Clark came to see what was going on and soon became immersed in all of the activities of the NVHS.” 

From Deb Richards, a long-time Newark Valley resident, “Clark certainly left his mark at the Depot and Bement-Billings, with a legacy of community service.”

Ross McGraw, NVHS board chairman shared these remarks, “Clark was a man who possessed skill and gumption to see so many tasks through to completion and never stopped until the problem was solved and the job was done.”

McGraw added, “The NVHS will be forever grateful for Clark Smith’s contributions. We benefitted for many years from his leadership, knowledge and devotion.”

For information about the NVHS, visit nvhistory.org or follow them on Facebook. You can also email to Ed Nizalowski at treespirit441@gmail.com.