Downeast Genius

A native of Waterville, Earl Smith’s 40-year career at Colby College ended in retirement in 2002. He continues to serve as the college historian and as a commissioner of Maine State Museum. Smith has written numerous articles, and is the author of six books including Mayflower Hill, a history of Colby College, With the Help of Friends, a history of the Colby Art Museum, and Water Village, a history of Waterville Maine. His novels include The Dam Committee, a comic Maine murder-mystery, and its sequel, More Dam Trouble, and Head of Falls a work of historical fiction. He has served on the Waterville City Council and the Board of Education, and as a member of the Maine House of Representatives.

“Smith tells us about inventors nobody has ever heard of, making this book a real treasure of fascinating and fun Maine history.”—Bill Bushnell, Kennebec Journal

"Downeast Genius will make for a marvelous read for anyone with an interest in history, whether it be the history of Maine or the history of innovation. Mainers have been doing what needs doing while making do for generations; this book gives readers the chance to learn a little more about just what that means – and how far it can take you."—Allen Adams, The Maine Edge