The Frederick E. Smith papers document the research and interests of self-trained historian Frederick E. Smith. The bulk of the collection comprises research material regarding the Equality Colony, a socialist Utopian Colony based near present-day Bow-Edison in Skagit County, Washington between 1897 and 1907. Smith’s papers also reflect his broad interest in local history, including regional labor and Native American history.

Smith’s research papers include correspondence with his sister, Florence E. Lowe, regarding the progress of his Equality Colony manuscript, as well as drafts and a final version of the manuscript completed and printed by Lowe in 1988. The collection also contains subject-based note cards compiled by Smith during the course of his research, a small number of copies of the colony newspaper, Industrial Freedom, and newspaper articles regarding “Equality.” Photographs document colony buildings and inhabitants, and include publicity shots taken by photographer P.L. Hegg.

Smith’s research papers also include a small number of photocopied articles regarding the history of Native Americans in the Northwest and Puget Sound Region, clippings about the Telegraphic systems and Telegraph Road, and a photograph of the steamship “Verona” (one of the vessels carrying I.W.W. members during the “Everett Massacre” of 1916).

Reel-to-reel audio recordings include Smith’s interviews with former members and nearby residents of the Equality Colony, and their descendents. The interviews include discussion of the individuals and families who lived at the colony and their experiences, as well as public perceptions of the colonists. Interviewees also discuss the history and changing landscape of Blanchard and surrounding Skagit County, and the history and culture of the Samish tribe. Reel-to-reel tapes also contain copies of records and radio broadcasts recorded by Smith in the 1960s, including a 1967 program about the Everett Massacre, and programs from Moscow radio.