This collection contains various papers related to Maurice Lemuel Smith and the Appleblossom Club. The information within this collection is organized in Alphabetical order. Material in this collection includes certificates, diplomas, dedication programs, publications and photographs. Appleblossom Club memorabilia include a club pin and bracelet. The collection also includes an honorary plaque from Ronan 303 where the Appleblossom Club used to meet and one framed photograph of M.L Smith. The room ceased to exist following renovations at Ronan in 2010-2011.
Biography:
Maurice Lemuel Smith was born to Chas and Mary Smith in February of 1883 in Kansas. Maurice had a younger sister, Lulu, and a younger brother, Lester. Maurice married Ida Smith and had two children by the names of Maida and Donald. Beginning in 1927, Maurice Smith established the Central Michigan University Appleblossom Club, which was designed to consolidate the school district of Gladwin County. The Appleblossom Club sought to integrate farm knowledge and technique with basic education to provide young children with future academic and economic opportunities. Maurice Smith received a degree of Doctor of Education from Leland Stanford Junior University in 1931. He retired from Central Michigan University in 1946 and afterwards taught at Florence State, Oglethorpe, and Carson-Newman. On July 24, 1961 Maurice Smith passed away at his home in Magnolia Springs. (This information is from the collection.)
