Louis "Chris" Christian Smith III Obituary
Date2022
Mediumpaper
Dimensions8 1/2 × 5 1/2 in. (21.6 × 14 cm)
ClassificationsDocumentary Artifact
Catalog number2023.8.7
DescriptionThis is an obituary of Chris Smith III, who was an ASU History professor and the owner of the popular bookstore Old Town Books. Chris Smith III was born on January 14, 1938 in Gloversville, New York. Smith and his family came to Tempe in 1971 as he began his teaching career at ASU, which was meant to be a one year visiting professorship, but instead he blossomed in this role and stayed at ASU for 39 years until retiring in 2010. Meanwhile, Smith opened Old Town Books in 1984 on 7th Street in downtown Tempe, and then moved the store to its well-known location at 518 S. Mill Avenue in 1987. He was a friendly character and a constant fixture in the store who loved chatting with patrons about books. The store itself had much character as well and was greatly loved by locals who would stop in and browse the shelves of rare and unusual used books while walking Mill Avenue. Old Town Books closed after Smith passed away in 2022.Status
Not on view
c. 1992
c. 1989
c. 1992
City of Tempe Community Development Department
c.1990
