History of Company

Smith News Company began during the early 1900's and has continued to evolve and expand during 3 generations of private ownership. It was started by two brothers, Dick (see picture) and Ernie Smith, under the direction of their father E. W. Smith. The company served as the first magazine distributorship in Northern California and their first magazine was the Saturday Evening Post, which was delivered throughout San Francisco by horse cart.

Smith News Company experienced rapid growth in the vibrant and strong economy of San Francisco and California. As more magazines and periodicals came on the market and the growth trend continued, Smith News Company became one of the largest magazine distributors in the United States.


	1940 - 1950	Post cards and paperback books were added to the magazine line and business continued strong through the war years. In the early 1950's the magazine distributorship was sold, but the post card and paperback book business was left intact.
	1950 - 1960	In 1955, Ken Glaser, Sr. and James Smith bought the latter portion of the business. The direction of the company changed to focus on the rapidly growing tourist market in San Francisco and California. They diversified into the souvenir and gift market which led to the start of a new division, Smith Novelty Company.
	1960 - 1970	In the 60's, Ken Glaser,Sr. assumed control of the company and was joined by Sam Burruto as a partner. Ken,Sr. began traveling to Japan, Taiwan, and Korea to develop a network of manufacturers for importing specialty souvenir and gift products to the United States. During their partnership Smith Novelty Company soon became one of the leading importers of gifts and souvenirs in the Northern California area. In 1969, Ken Glaser,Jr. the grandson of Dick Smith, joined the firm.
	1970 - 1990	Throughout the 70's, Smith Novelty Company continued a steady growth pattern. During the 80's, they started promoting direct import for major attractions and other wholesale distributors in the United States.
	1990 - Present	In the 90's, Smith Novelty Company continues to develop new business with various retailers in the country. The current list includes ARA Services, Host International, Marriott Corporation, MCA Corporation, and Univerasl Studio. Today, Smith Novelty Company has a market presence in Canada, Mexico, and 25 of the U.S. States that are annually visited most often by tourists from America and Overseas.