In writing a book about the first 130 years of Wentworth-by-the-Sea, I talked to about 100 people. Most had fond memories of Jim and Margaret Smith who owned and managed the summer resort from 1946 to 1980. Condensing those 34 years into a single chapter was no easy task. Quickly it became clear that a whole book just about the Smith Era is needed. Having studied the hotel daily for a solid year, I may not be the one to attempt that task. Time will tell.

Most of us are amazed just to see the Wentworth up and running again after its 20-year nap. That activity has regenerated tales of the Smiths and, although the book is written and in the hands of the publisher, I am still besieged by tales of the Smiths.

To keep those enthusiasts at bay, SeacoastNH.com offers a photographic appetizer. Following are roughly 20 pictures, many of which appear in the book, some of which do not. All are from the Portsmouth Athenaeum archive bequeathed to the Friends of the Wentworth by Jim and Margaret before their deaths in the 1990s. They show a vital couple in a small seacoast Camelot in a very different time not so long ago. Enjoy. --- JDR

  Smith Era Wentworth Hotel  Scrapbook 1946 to 1980


The hotel at night circa 1950 by Douglas Armsden

Major. James Barker Smith after the war, woner of the Wentworth.

Margaret Tasker Smith on the job as manager.

Thomas E. Dewey signs in during 1948 Governor's Conference.

The Smiths at their weekly hoedown in the ballroom.

Fashion show in the old (now gone) Colonial Dining Room

Tennis pro Wadleigh Woods worked all 34 summers.

The Smiths at the Miami hotelthe managed  in the 1950s

Ready for the masquerade Ball with Jim Jr.

The "modern" look during the Smith's redecoration.

The family at the hotel pool in Florida

Symbols of bygone days in the Wentworth Men's Lounge.

A friendly little card game among hotel guests.

The Tally-Ho coach survived from the late 1800s.

Swinging the night away at Wentworth-by-the-Sea

The hotel sketch artist at work.

Prince Charles pays a visit at the 1973hotel  Centennial. 

READ: More on the Smith Era
READ: Our Wentworth-by-the-Sea Homepage
SEE: More Seacoast EARLY IMAGES

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