Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-04
7. ARTHUR SMITH
DIES SUDDENLY
Prominent Music Figure Fa-
tally Stricken by Heart
Attack in Baltimore.

r. Arthur Smith. one Of the leading
figures in the musical circles Of wash
ington and Baltimore for the last ~
years and head OF . prominent concert
bureau, died suddenly Of heart attack
yesterday afternoon while visiting in
Baltimore. He was 81 years old and
was the founder and president Of T.
Arthur Smith, Inc. which ONCE had
arranged the appearance here of the
most notable opera and concert artists
Of their day.
Summer at his country home, Carrolton.
Baltimore yesterday to attend matters
at the branch once Of his concert bu-
reaa. while visiting at 1910 Park ave-
nue. he fell dead. DR.. w. II. Woody,
who was summoned, said his death was
due to heart disease aggravated by the
hat. Friends here said that Mr.. Smith
had appeared to be In excellent health.
Body Brought 10 Capital.
His body was brought to washington
at noon today and taken to 0awler's
undertaking parlors. 1854 Pennsylvania
avenue. There 1t viii remain until to-
morrow evening att O'Clock, when it viii
be taken to his home ct Westminster
for burial on Friday. Friends are In
vited TO attend the funeral services.
which win be held ct his country home
at IL O'Clock that morning
Mr.. Smiths graf interest in music
CAUSED him to be known as the pioneer
In the musical development OF the Ma
tional Capital. Besides the concerts Of
famous operate stars he brought to
- - &C.
the famous New York Philharmonic
Orchestra and the Philadelphia sym
phony Orchestra.
Born in Philadelphia on November O.
1859, the son of O native Marylander,
Mr.. Smith received his education in tn.
schools Of that city and In 1891 married
Anne Davidson Of that city. The young
couple moved to washington and for 9
number Of years Mr. Smith was treas
urer Of the National Theater and also
Of Albaugh's Opera House.
Sought Best in Music.
He had an ideal in his nind-to brifie
to washington the best an music and tc
develop an appreciation Of that best
among the residents Of the city.
On that theory he founded the
star concert series, presenting the most
notable artists Of their day, among
them Schumann- Heink, sembrich. Culp
Gadski, Homer, Hempel Tettraxinni.
Samarod and others equally well
known. He has presented the New
York symphony and Philadelphia Or
chestras IN series for the last 10
years or more. He performed similar
services OF a musical nature in Balti-
more and recently brought to the two
cities the German Opera Co.
t. -. Atrsf. 4
Roosevelt and Coolidge, Mr.. Smith had
charge OF numerous musicals presented
In the White House and sfterward re-
ceived letters from MRS. Roosevelt and
Mrs. Coolidge expressing their appre-
citation Of his service
In 1870 with the. idea Of broadening
his concert bureau, which by that time
had become established as one Of the
best known IN the East, Mr.. Smith In
corporated and secured as associate
Guy A. Ourand. who was active In local
musical and newspaper circles.
interested In Mining Project.
FOR the last SIX months he had been
interested IN the development Of Q
semi-precious stone mining project in
Amelia County, Va. But Mr.. Smiths
interests were confined almost entirely
to the arranging Of concerts and the
development of an appreciation of
music. He was director of the Civil
tan Club and Of the Federation Of Music
Clubs. He also was an honorary men,
Der of the Rubinstein Club and was
afiliated with the Chaminade and other
music clubs Mr. Smith was q MEM
Der also of washington Chapter Of the
Masonic order.
sons, Arthur Leslie and Renoux jamie
son Smith Of this city. They are as
ISOLATED in theatrical management IN
Erie, Pa.
Mr.. Smith Is survived also by two sis
tiers, Miss Smith and Mrs. Redpar.