Francis Eleanor Smith National Mother of the Year 1936

The Francis Eleanor Smith - 

National American Mother of the Year 1936

Francis Eleanor Smith, mother of six children, was named the 2nd National Mother of the Year in 1936. Born in Warrenton, Virginia, Francis moved at an early age to California where she attended school, married and raised her family. She is best remembered today for what her selection created.   When chosen as Mother of the Year her friends and neighbors were so elated that they raised funds to start a rehabilitation center for crippled children in her honor. 

In 1938 at Chino, California, Casa Colina (She refused to let them name the center for her) opened its doors. Since then thousands of children have left the center able to care for themselves. Francis herself worked full time at the Center without salary until her death in 1952.  Casa Colina is a center, not a hospital. Francis always insisted on a home-like atmosphere.  Nurses do not wear caps; work is carried on today just as she wanted, giving hope and a chance to many “hopeless” children.

Her husband, James, owned a small orange grove and Francis helped where she could, especially with the bookkeeping and gardening for the family. Life had not been easy but Francis was a women of unusual courage.  Not only were all her children born at home, she even had a spinal operation there with local anesthesia.  She won a bout with tuberculosis after nearly six years of invalidism. Perhaps her own difficulties made it easy for her to sympathize with others.  “Wherever anyone is in trouble Mrs. Smith is sure to be found as a friend and helper,” said her pastor. When receiving her American Mother award in New York she disappeared for several hours which terrified her son, Blackwell, who had accompanied her.  She was visiting a slum district to see if the terrible conditions she had read about for underprivileged children were true.  On her return to California there were numerous speaking engagements and receptions. She enjoyed her carefully manicured nails and hands after what she called “46 days of luxury.”  But shortly after her return, her garden and husband’s grove broke her nails and her hands became rugged.  She started to bemoan their appearance but caught herself. “Look here, Mrs. Smith, the greatest honor in the world came to you when you had broken fingernails and what are a few broken nails compared to motherhood!”

Francis had a cheerful, light-hearted side, too.  She loved parties, especially outdoor meals. “Life begins at 53,” she insisted. Events in her yard were enhanced by her beautiful flower garden. She counseled and taught puppetry for the Girl Scouts and was nicknamed “Snow Goose” for being so fun-loving.  Francis Smith’s last words show her great enthusiasm for life... “I can’t go now.  There is so much to be done.” Yes, Francis Smith, there is much for us all to do, just keeping up with what you started, helping the helpless children!  

In honor of her exemplary life California American Mothers is pleased to announce the Francis Eleanor Smith Award to be presented annually to a mother who demonstrates charitable and loving characteristics similar to Francis Eleanor Smith.