The Smith Family Home Movies

The film footage compiled for this presentation feature Agnes and Lloyd Smith together with their children, June Ellyn, Llyod B., Suzanne, Dana Lou, and Arthur O. Other people, possibly visitors, extended family members, or domestic staff, are also shown, but remain unnamed.

The majority of the film is centered around the Smith children playing on the terrace and in the courtyard -- riding bikes, ice skating, playing football, and riding in a child-size double-decker bus. These images have played a larger role in forming our understanding of the Villa Terrace as a welcoming and playful place for children.

Home films became popular after safety film in 16mm format was introduced by the Eastman Kodak Company in 1923. It is likely that the Smith family used this type of film, or a later version of safety film (8mm), to document their home and family. Here, it has been transferred to a digital video format.