EST. 1950 • WASHINGTON STATE 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT

The Smith Family

Comic Strip Archive Project
44 YEARS • 1950–1994
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"George and Virginia Smith graced the pages of America's newspapers for 44 years..."

Preserving a legacy of wit, warmth, and social commentary that appeared in The Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, The Columbian, and dozens more.

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✦ FEATURED STRIPS

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✦ SOCIAL COMMENTARY

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Browse by Decade

ALL STRIPS 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s

Major Publications

  • The Boston Globe 120+
  • Philadelphia Inquirer 85+
  • The Columbian 70+
  • Saturday Evening Post 25+
  • Oakland Tribune 40+
  • True Magazine 30+

Topics & Themes

  • Family Life
  • Social Commentary
  • Philosophy & Spirituality
  • Children's Mischief
  • Holidays
  • Television & Media
[Portrait]

About George J. Smith

Born February 5, 1920, in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, George J. Smith became one of America's most beloved syndicated cartoonists. After serving as chief artist for the 58th Signal Battalion during WWII, he launched "The Smith Family" comic strip.

In 1950, George ranked 14th nationally in cartoon sales. Together with his wife Virginia, they created a strip that tackled politics, family life, and social issues with wit that remains relevant today.

44
Years of Publication
50+
Newspapers & Magazines
#14
National Sales Rank (1950)

The Smith Family Timeline

1940s

Early Magazine Work

George's cartoons appear in PIC Magazine, True, Medical Economics, and American Legion Magazine.

1950

The Boston Globe Debut

"The Smith Family" launches. George ranks 14th nationally in cartoon sales.

1950s-60s

National Syndication

Strip appears in Philadelphia Inquirer, Oakland Tribune, Cleveland Plain Dealer, and dozens more.

1970s

The Columbian Era

The strip finds a new home in Vancouver, Washington's The Columbian newspaper.

1994

Final Strip

After 44 years, "The Smith Family" concludes its historic run.

Help Preserve This Legacy

The Smith Family Comic Archive Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to digitizing and preserving this 44-year comic strip collection for future generations.

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About

  • George & Virginia Smith
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  • Carol Smith (Daughter)
  • Billy Ireland Library

Support

  • Make a Donation
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Connect

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501(c)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION • WASHINGTON STATE