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Louise Oberheim Smith

Class of 1924

THEN	NOW
Holly, MI US
Louise was honored at the 2004 Alumni Week-end Celebration as being the oldest Adelphian graduate to attend. The following article was written for the Tri-County Times Newspaper by Evelyn Lutz: HOLLY MEMBER HONORED AT ALUMNI HOMECOMING Louise Oberheim-Smith was honored at the Adelphian Academy Alumni Homecoming as the earliest graduate--80 years ago in 1924. While attending Adelphian, Louise earned tuition by working at Deer Lake Inn. There, she had the privilege of waiting on some famous people such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and their wives. In December of 1924 Louise became the bride of Archie Smith. They were married in Canada and returned to live in Holly. When Archie built the store that is now the IGA on Saginaw St., Louise worked there. Later she also worked at the Kelly Greenhouse and at the American Spring factory. Her husband had the first trailer park in Holly and the first automatic laundry. Louise also worked with her husband at his Sporting Goods Store. In the1940s, Louise was Adelphian Alumni President. Upon retirement, Louise and Archie first moved to Roscommon and later to Fort Myers, Florida. After her husband passed away, Louise continued living at Fort Myers. Until she was 97, Louise looked after old people who were often much younger than she was. Louise was the first of three generations to graduate from Adelphian. Her daughter, Ona May Greve, with whom she now lives in Holly, graduated in 1945. Louises grandson, Charles Chuck Greve graduated in 1966, and granddaughter, Lana Semenuk, in 1971. Louise was accompanied to the Alumni worship service Sabbath morning by her daughter, granddaughter and two great-granddaughters. The Adelphian Alumni Association gave Louise a corsage in honor of this occasion and said they were proud to honor Louise as their earliest graduate.
Last Update: Tuesday, June 22, 2004