New exhibit honors legacy of local photographer and historian Cecil J. Smith

The Depot Railroad Museum is inviting residents to step back in time and rediscover Washington County's past through the work of one of its most beloved historians and photographers.

"The Spirit of Washington County Through the Lens of Cecil Smith" opened Saturday at the Depot Railroad Museum, located at 206 South College Avenue. The exhibit will remain open from June 13 through June 27 as part of the local celebration of America's 250th Birthday. The exhibit is sponsored by Jason Wade State Farm.

The collection features photographs captured by the late Cecil Smith, whose decades of work documenting life in Washington County preserved countless moments, landmarks, and community stories.

During Saturday's opening ceremony, Depot Manager and Monon Historian Linda Underwood welcomed visitors and reflected on Smith's impact on the community.

"This photo exhibit is especially meaningful as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday... a time to reflect on where we've been, who we are and stories that define us," Underwood said. "There is no better way to do that than through the lens of someone who dedicated his life to capturing those moments and stories."

Smith's photographs documented everything from celebrations and community events to tragedies and historic moments. Through his camera, he captured what Underwood described as "the heart and soul of Washington County."

"Through this collection, you'll see more than just pictures; you'll see memories," she said.

Born on Nov. 14, 1938, Smith spent his early years in California and later the St. Louis area, where he first entered the newspaper business. After serving in the U.S. Army as a trained photographer and marrying Martha Spanyer in 1963, he moved to Salem in 1965 to become editor of the Salem Leader and Salem Democrat newspapers.

He remained in that role until his retirement in 2000, becoming one of the county's most recognizable journalists and photographers along the way.

A display within the exhibit highlights Smith's many contributions beyond photography. Known as a journalist, mentor, historian, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Smith was deeply involved in preserving local history and sharing it with others.

One of his greatest passions was railroads. Behind his home, Smith transformed an old carriage house into what became known as "The Train Shed," a private museum filled with model trains, railroad artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. Neighbors and local children were often invited inside to experience the collection and learn about railroad history.

That passion eventually helped inspire the creation of the Depot Railroad Museum itself. After retiring from journalism, Smith became a driving force behind the museum's development. Constructed in 1999 by 39 local high school students, the Depot opened to the public in 2001. Smith donated much of his personal railroad collection to help establish the museum and served as volunteer stationmaster for 18 years.

His dedication to the community extended far beyond the museum. Smith served on numerous local boards and organizations, including the Salem Tree Board, Parks and Recreation Board, Economic Development Commission, and Urban Enterprise Association Board. He was a past president of the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association and the Salem Rotary Club, a Kentucky Colonel, and a member of the American Legion.

In recognition of his service, Smith was named Citizen of the Year by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and Volunteer of the Year by the Washington County Historical Society.

Smith died on Dec. 24, 2020, from complications of Parkinson's disease and COVID-19. He was 82 years old.

Underwood thanked the Smith family, particularly Martha Smith, for allowing the museum to share Cecil's work with the public. She also expressed gratitude to Leader Publishing, exhibit volunteers, and sponsor Jason Wade State Farm for helping bring the project to life.

As visitors make their way through the exhibit, Underwood encouraged them to look closely at the photographs.

"You may see a familiar face or a once-forgotten place," she said.

The exhibit is open at the Depot Railroad Museum through June 27 and offers visitors a chance to experience Washington County's history through the lens of a man who spent a lifetime preserving it.