Earl E.T. Smith
Earl E.T. Smith (1903-1991) always strived to preserve the beauty of Palm Beach for all of its citizens. He utilized his extraordinary depth of experience and knowledge of public affairs to further the cause of preservation in Palm Beach. Smith studied at Yale University and worked as an investment broker and member of the New York Stock Exchange. He started visiting Palm Beach in the 1920s and became a permanent resident in 1935. Smith was appointed as the ambassador to Cuba from 1957 to 1959, and mayor of Palm Beach from 1967 to 1978.
Smith was the first mayor to work full time and establish an office at Town Hall. His political might was evidenced by his ability to rally support for a three-year-long building moratorium in the late 1970s. He recommended this to the Town Council so that the Landmarks Commission would have time to complete its first survey of eligible historic sites. Similarly, Smith worked on a campaign led by his colleague Robert Grace for the Town’s purchase of the Par 3 Golf Course to avoid further development.
As a Palm Beach resident for over 50 years, Smith was a deeply respected member of the community and became the ideal spokesperson for the cause of preservation. From 1982 to 1991, he served as the founding chairman of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach and regularly spoke at Town Council and Landmarks Preservation Commission meetings in support of safeguarding the architectural heritage of Palm Beach.
In 1989, the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach created an intimate park in his honor. Located directly west of Town Hall, Earl E.T. Smith Park’s charismatic architecture and lush landscaping provides a peaceful and tranquil escape for residents to enjoy while honoring a respected civic and political leader.
