Inventory of the Benjamin Lee Smith Papers, 1916-1961, bulk 1930-1961

Folders house incoming and outgoing correspondence generated over the course of Benjamin Smith's career as an educator. Many letters are routine exchanges such as letters of recommendation, requests for assistance, and invitations to speak. Arranged alphabetically; some letters may have more than one folder of materials. Individuals or topics represented by their own folders include: Dr. George Harley, the Palmer Memorial Institute, Susan Blair Smith, and Personal Correspondence.

Houses files assembled by Smith on a variety of topics, chiefly related to associations with which he was involved, or events and activities of personal and professional interest. The largest two groups of files document the career and personal affairs of Benjamin Lee Smith, and selected activities and aspects of the Methodist Church. Other individuals or topics represented by a substantial group of folders include the Boy Scouts of America; the centennial celebration for public education; Duke University; Greensboro Public Schools; integration of schools in N.C.; and the North Carolina Education Association. Materials on the public school system of North Carolina and selected counties can be found scattered throughout the collection, particularly within boxes 10, 11, 14-16, 21, 24, 26 and 31. There is one folder containing several dozen exterior and interior photographs of N.C. public school buildings (most unidentified, but some in Shelby), circa 1930s-1950s, along with shots of school personnel; there are also photographs of Smith (circa 1899, 1916-1917, and circa 1958) included in his personal files. Arranged in alphabetical order as received, with original titles by Smith.

Contains loose clippings chiefly regarding education and the school system in N.C.; the majority are from the Greensboro Daily News. Series also includes a number of issues of State School Facts, a bi-monthly publication from the state superintendent of public schools office. Organized in order received, roughly chronological.

Contains assorted materials which pertain to Benjamin Lee Smith's religious involvement and duties as superintendent of schools. In order as received.

Contains speeches primarily authored by Benjamin Lee Smith, some of which deal with issues from his years as superintendent of schools. Also included is an essay submitted as an undergraduate to the Braxton Craven Contest. Miscellaneous folders contain assorted topics, the majority of which pertain to education, character values, morality, and inspirational themes on American life. Arranged in alphabetical order by topic.