Architectural Engineer: Francis Lee Smith

Creator and Builder of the Smith Mansion.

The Smith Mansion was created by one man and his dream to build this maginiciant piece of architecture.  He poured everything he had into his life's work and he succeeded.  Because of his passion and desire, he left us something.  He left his legacy that will live on for generations to come.

Not many people have that much passion in their life, including all the things combined that make up life; kids, work, home, hobbies... 

This structure is beyond words, making it a rare piece of art.  I've never seen anything like it.  That's one thing that makes the Smith Mansion so very special.

A LITTLE ABOUT LEE....

Lee Smith was a very intelligent and unique man. He had so many artistic capabilities; every time I look at his artwork, I'm blown away.  

On his own time, Lee created his home.

(The Smith Mansion)

 

 

Lee's unbelievable pen and ink drawings are extremely detailed and are truly impressive works of art.

They're extremely detailed and absolutely captivating! Lee's artwork is by far, some of the best that I've ever seen!

He also created various leather and wood projects. Most would turn into monstrosities, but beautiful ones at that.

Lee was an excellent father who was very interested in his children. He held high standards for us kids. It was important for us to keep good grades in school, carry good character and display high integrity towards others. He taught us a lot of important things about life. Things that stuck with me as an adult.

Lee also played sports throughout his life. He enjoyed playing almost any sport and always excelled, but preferred baseball and basketball above all.  His favorite baseball team was the NY Yankees.

Bucky ended up to be quite the ball player as well.  As a pitcher, he played every year and attended All-Stars nearly every season. As a teen, being able to throw a fast ball over 90 miles an hour was almost unheard of and still is.  

I can remember my Dad sitting at the top of the hill, above our local baseball fields. He loved to watch both Buck and I play ball. I don't think he ever missed one of our games.  

Lee also had a real love for the mountains, like a passion that ran through his blood. I couldn't tell you how many miles he rode across, but I know it had to of been thousands of miles.

Most of the family seem to have that love in their veins. I know of many pack trips and camping trips that were taken into the back country.