Posted on August 24, 2015 at 9:37 AM by Global Reach
F. D. grew up in Columbus Junction and Louisa County and graduated from Iowa State. Then he did what so many young people want to do – he left Iowa for California! Lucile was raised on a farm, graduated from Grandview High School and the University of Iowa then began teaching in the Columbus City School in 1933.
After 2 years working in a livestock operation in California, F. D. returned to Columbus Junction in 1932 to assist in the development of a livestock auction market his father had started in 1931 under a large maple tree next to the family home. The tree still stands, and the legacy of excellence in livestock production lives on as well, among the many past and present 4-H livestock producers in the county touched by F.D. & Lucile Smylie.
During the livestock auction market's 44 years of existence, it became a large marketing center for livestock producers and farmers from a several county area. The market was originally known as Midway Sales Co., so named from the location midway between Columbus Junction and Columbus City. Following her marriage to F. D. on August 28, 1937, Lucile left teaching to become active in the Columbus Junction livestock auction business, heading up the office staff and having responsibility for the secretarial and financial operations.
4-H is not the only organization to recognize the contribution of the Smylies. In 1991, F.D. & Lucile were honored as Distin
guished Citizens at the Columbus Day Parade, and, F.D. was inducted into the Iowa Association of Fairs Hall of Fame.
In 2000, F.D. was elected to the Iowa Draft Horse Hall of Fame. He was a member and past president of the Columbus Community Club and the Louisa County Fair Board, a director of the Columbus Junction State Bank, and a founding member and director of Colonial Manor and the Columbus Medical Board. Lucile was busy with her own projects as a longtime member of the United Presbyterian Church, Eastern Star, TTT, United Presbyterian Women and several bridge and sewing clubs.
Their roles in 4-H were both hands-on and visionary. F.D. held the beef superintendent position for many years and managed the teen dances at the county fair. F.D. & Lucile supported livestock production and competition and purchased many animals from young producers through the years. Even after their passing, their family has continued to support the programs in their name.
Categories: Louisa
