Excerpt of the book "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress Since Its Organization" (1906)

Smith Dry Goods Company

(pages 17-19)

People in this section of the state frequently feel that because of their distance from the great markets, and the necessarily small trade the local stores must carry a small and inferior line of goods. Owing to this misconception, the mail order business of Graham county is some 100 per cent greater than it should be.

The error in such an opinion is readily seen when you visit the Smith Dry Goods Co.'s Store. People from the east who enter this establishment are surprised when they observe the complete and excellent line of goods in each of the departments.

Traveling men frequently remark about the new, up-to-date and well selected line of goods which they handle.

The one idea in the conducting of this house seems to be to furnish a reliable trading place for the people where they can buy everything at a uniformally small per cent over the cost in large quantities.

Purchasers are studying economy and not only demand reliable, tasty goods from which to make their selections, but also keep a watchful eye on prices. Under these conditions the Smith Dry Goods Store is growing rapidly.

The establishment maintains four well-stocked departments in their three big store rooms, two of which are 25 by 80 feet and the third 50 by 30 feet, with finished basement. The dry goods department is replete with everything that pertains to that branch--new and pleasing patterns in dress materials, plain and fancy hosiery, newest designs, in handkerchiefs, laces and ribbons, and a most satisfactory line of linens and domestics. This department makes a specialty of ready made clothing, the Waterloo wrapper, the Heatherbloom skirt, and also of the F.P. and College Girl corsets.

Their last season's cloak sales are deserving of special mention. They sold over 300 cloaks during the season, 90 of them being disposed of in two days.

Manufacturers of foot wear are turning out great varieties of styles, colors, and qualities and a visit to the department will reveal to you shoes in patent, black and tan leather and canvass, and shoes for heavy service and dress occasions. Their leader is the famous Sunflower Shoe. All sizes of mens, womens, and children's shoes are carried.

In the clothing department on the second floor are to be found suits for men and boy's that look well, fit well and wear well. The stock of hats and caps are equal in quantity, quality and style to those in many large eastern houses. Here also can be procured a handsome receptacle for your clothing, everything from a small grip to a mammoth saratogo.

Though merely carpets samples are carried now they are anticipating putting in a complete department in the near future. The grocery department carries a great stock of staple and fancy groceries and nothing the most fastidious housekeeper could desire that cannot be found here. In connection with this department is to be found a good line of queensware and shelf hardware.

One can scarcely conceive that this store has been organized but fourteen months. April 1st, 1905, they began business with a $15,000.00 stock, which now invoices at $25,000.00. Mr. Frank Smith the manager came to Kansas eleven years ago from Beatrice Nebraska, and bought a farm near Roscoe. Three and one-half years later both Mr. and Mrs. Smith accepted positions in the Mellott General Merchandise store in Hill City. When a year later this store was destroyed by fire, Mr. and Mrs. Smith established a general merchandise store at Bogue and conducted the business for three years when they came to Hill City and opened the present Smith Dry Goods Store.