My name is Sunny Smith Larsen; Daughter of Architectural Engineer, Francis Lee Smith, Creator and Builder of the Smith Mansion.  

It will take a lot of sweat, man power and time to preserve this amazing structure; its a massive undertaking. It might even take me a lifetime to save my father's legacy; however, I'm determined and will never give up. The Smith Mansion is worth saving not only to me, but to the hundreds of thousands of others who have a real love for the structure. Its a true piece of Architectural Art.

My older Brother, Bucky Smith.

Bucky and I were raised in the house and had a very unique childhood; One that I wouldn't change for anything. The way were grew up was strange, but I loved it. It was a lot more wild back then and I always felt free.

We didn't have the traditional electricity in the mansion. Extension cords were used, connected from end to end to run power to the mansion. Then other electrical cords would branch from that main power supply. It was enough power to run small hand tools and a light for building at night. We also had an electric lamp and a old television which had four channels. There is also no running water or plumbing in the structure.

Our only source of heat was a small wood burning stove on the bottom floor and the many  windows facing South. Amazingly enough, it was efficient enough to keep the place warm during the winter.

During the summer months, it seemed like thousands of people would stop along the highway. They would line up to photopragh the mansion; it seemed like an endless line of cars. As kids, it was so neat for us to watch this happen.  We would glass them with our binoculars, sometimes watching them for hours.

A few would even wander up to the end of Paintbrush Drive and display their curiosities' about the mansion. Lee would always invite them in and was honored to share his masterpiece with others. The Smith Mansion is truly a captivating piece of artwork.