Abraham Owen Smoot - Slavery

2015 Abraham Owen Smoot Family Reunion at the BYU Wilkinson Center

We, the Abraham Owen Smoot Family Organization, denounce slavery.  Slavery is wrong.  It is terrible that it was very prevalent in the American culture and that it has existed in many cultures throughout history.  Praise the Lord that our great grandparents finally took a stand and said “NO” to it—even though many of them were raised in a culture where it was accepted.  Some of our great grandparents even gave their lives in an effort to eradicate it from American society.     

Dr. Dennis Lythgoe said, “I think you have to view it (slavery) in context.  It was the standard practice of the day.  When Southerners were converted to Mormonism, they naturally brought their slaves with them.  Since the LDS Church had no official position against slavery, and the territorial government sanctioned slavery in 1852, the status quo was the status quo.”  (U of U graduate and Professor Emeritus of History, Bridgewater State University, Bridge Water, Mass.)

Matt Grow said, “As a historian, I try to follow the advice of a British novelist.  He said: ‘The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there’ (L. P. Hartley, The Go-Between [1953], prologue).   That means when we visit the past, we don’t want to be an ‘ugly tourist.’  We want to try to understand people within their own context and their own culture.  We want to be patient with what we perceive as their faults.  We want to be humble about the limits of our own knowledge.  And we want to have a spirit of charity about the past.”   (Ensign July 2020)

Although we, the posterity of Abraham Owen Smoot, know much about him—we too do not suppose that we understand enough of the context, culture and happenings 160 years ago to be able to place judgment on the motives, decisions and virtues of those early pioneers. 

No one today has enough detail to recreate the way things were.  There is so much we do not know.    

A. O. had no desire to go to Provo.  In Salt Lake, he had just finished building a new home on South Temple Street.  He had struggled hard to build his businesses in Salt Lake.  He was well-established in the community and had recently served for 10 years as Salt Lake City mayor.            

Latter-day Saints and friends of the Church throughout Utah continually turned to him because they trusted his judgment, his wisdom and his good heart.  Native American chiefs and tribes revered him and viewed him as one of their closest friends and allies.  These early settlers of the Salt Lake Valley chose him:   

• To be the first Justice of the Peace
• To serve in the State Legislature multiple times
• To serve as mayor of Salt Lake City and later as mayor of Provo

 

Brigham Young continually turned to him to take on heavy responsibility:    

• To serve a total of nine proselyting missions in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ
• To serve as bishop five times: Winter Quarters, SLC 15th Ward, Cottonwood Ward, Sugarhouse Ward and as Presiding Bishop in the Provo Area  
• To nurture and grow a small startup B.Y. Academy
• To build the Provo Tabernacle—which is now the Provo City Center Temple
• To serve for 13 years as Stake President in Provo 

We have studied his writings, his sermons, and his sacrifices and what his contemporaries said about him.  Brigham Young asked him to lead the 4^th company of Saints to cross the plains and arrive in the Salt Lake Valley in September 1847.  Then, crossing the plains 13 times, he helped bring many struggling families and supplies from the East to Utah.  He also led the first Perpetual Immigration group from England to America.  Continually reaching out and serving the poor, the stranded and oppressed was his legacy. 

Brigham Young’s mandate to A. O. was to have the academy flourish—which then became his life’s mission.  In his last 20 years, he gave his entire fortune, energy and time to keep the Brigham Young Academy afloat.  He died in heavy debt as a result.  His all-consuming commitment was to keep the academy doors open so the young people could receive the type of education that only the B. Y. Academy could provide.  For a period of time, he personally paid the salaries of the teachers to keep the academy going.  When the academy building burned to the ground, he was the visionary who rallied all possible resources to continue classes in various buildings spread throughout Provo—until he and others were able to earn the funds and build a new magnificent edifice for learning.  As the President of the Academy’s Board of Directors and as the stake president, he carried a heavy load during this period.  While on one of his long journeys away from home, he wrote back to his beloved wife, Anne:                   

“Annie I haven’t a piece of property that is not mortgaged.  I have had to do it to raise money to keep the Brigham Young Academy going.  That was given to me as a mission and I would sooner lose all than fail in fulfilling this responsibility. I love that school and I can see what it means to our youth to have a spiritual as well as book learning.  It must live.”  (Abraham Owen Smoot, A Testament of his Life, by Nixon and Smoot, pg. 247)

His greatest impact has been on his more than 14,000 descendants.  He was firm but tender, kind and nurturing.  He instilled confidence, obedience and strong testimonies in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

 

Before we judge a person, we must first come to know who the person really is.  Hopefully, these facts provide a glimpse of the man—who has long been referred to as the Patriarch of the Brigham Young Academy.

The BYU Administration Building bears his name because of his monumental sacrifice and contribution to this institution.  Removing his name accomplishes nothing.  In addressing racism at BYU, solutions are available.  A diverse and well-qualified BYU Committee on Race, Equity and Belonging has been assembled.  If you examine who is on this committee, you realize nothing will be overlooked.  Racism will be addressed.  Solutions are possible.  An attempt to smear and cancel A. O. Smoot and Brigham Young and what they did 160 years ago accomplishes nothing.  

 

We can all hope that having his name on a building causes everyone to desire to know who he was.  In doing so they will learn of a magnificent man who lived a diverse and difficult life and did phenomenal things for our community—which have since blessed thousands of people of every race.  He came unto Jesus, and as a result, his transformed life showed his Christianity more and more the longer he lived.  A. O. Smoot was a perfect example of someone who was born into the tradition of slavery but changed his ways. We need more examples like A. O. Smoot in the world, not less.   

 

Executive Committee

The Abraham Owen Smoot Family Organization

 

Sharman Smoot, President

Alan Smoot, Vice-President

Bonnie Kofford, Secretary

Janelle Brimhall Lysenko

Shauna Smoot Essig

Cullen Brimhall

Abraham Owen Smoot VI

Nanette Maxfield Garrett

Mary Ellen Smoot

Christine Beck Perry

Julie Earl Larson

Jonathan Lysenko

Loretta Nixon

Richard Nixon

Kathrine Raile

Melissa Engle Bilic

Remembering L. Douglas Smoot

L. Douglas Smoot

With great sadness, we share with you the passing on January 13^th of our dear cousin, friend, hero and leader, Doug Smoot.  He served as the President of our Abraham Owen Smoot Family Organization for 40 years (1975 – 2015).  Through his undaunting commitment to family members on both sides of the veil, Doug will continue to impact all of our lives through his writings, books, films, reunions and his valiant restoration efforts of the Brigham Young Academy Square.  In this life, he has marched forward with an unquenchable desire to lift others and to preserve and share the legacy, light and vision of those dear Smoot Family Members who have come before us.  We cherish his friendship and celebrate his generosity and loving ways.      

We express our condolences and profound gratitude to Doug’s family.  Over these many decades, their encouragement, countless hours, sacrifices and support have brought about much good and a profound impact on generations to come.  As they have focused on preserving the inspiring legacy of the early members of the A. O. Smoot Family, they have created a legacy of service of their own.   Thank the Lord for Doug’s infectious enthusiasm and determination that has deeply touched many of us.  We are delighted that he is now reunited with both Marian and those early family members whose legacy Doug has worked to preserve and share.   We love you Doug!        

Sharman Smoot

President 

Abraham Owen Smoot Family Organization

https://www.bergmortuary.com/obituaries/L-Douglas-Smoot/#!/Obituary

Merry Christmas

We rejoice in belonging to the A.O. Smoot Family and enjoying the blessings of our great heritage.

We extend a heartfelt greeting to each of you, our A.O. Smoot Family members, for a wonderful Christmas season.

Our best wishes –

Sharm Smoot, President

Alan Smoot, Vice President

And the A.O. Smoot Executive Committee

The Provo City Center Temple was originally constructed as the Provo Tabernacle from 1883 to 1886 under the direction of A.O. Smoot who at the time was President of the Utah Stake.

The construction debt of $12,000 needed to be paid-off and another $20,000 raised before the Tabernacle could be finished & dedicated.   A.O. invited stake members to contribute $.25 - $.50 and to sell loaves of bread and donate the amount received.

In 1889 he gave $1,000 for the first organ.  At A.O. Smoot’s death in 1895, the Tabernacle was the site of his funeral.  Finally, in 1898, the debt was cleared and the Tabernacle was dedicated.

After a fire in 2010 the Tabernacle was rebuilt and in 2016 it reopened as the Provo City Center Temple.

Information from:  Abraham Owen Smoot:  His Life and Service in Provo (1865-1895) by D. Robert Carter, Loretta D. Nixon & L. Douglas Smoot

An update from Sharman Smoot

In behalf of the Abraham Owen Smoot Family, we welcome you to the Smoot Family website.

Abraham Owen together with Margaret, Emily, Diana, Anne, and Caroline were visionaries who had rock solid foundations of faith in Jesus Christ. Because of their faith and vision, they made monstrous sacrifices to do what the Lord needed them to do. They probably didn’t realized the legacy they were forging and the strong vision they have passed on. They just followed their hearts and divine guidance that came their way—taking one day at a time. The good that has been created because of their efforts is monumental.
The A. O. Smoot Family has held large family reunions at BYU about every ten years. In 2015, three years ago, we celebrated A. O.’s 200 birthday. As a result of his leadership and sacrifice, he has often been referred to as Patriarch of the Brigham Young Academy—which later became Brigham Young University. Over 700 family members gathered; seven different generations were represented. In some family lines we are into the 9th generation. The first generation consists of A.O., Margaret, Emily, Diana, Anne & Caroline. Their 34 children make up the 2nd generation—with 163 in the 3rd Generation (grandchildren). Donna Faye Bott, the only living grandchild and member of the 3rd Generation, was present at the 200th Birthday. The 4th generation (great grandchildren) has a total of 338.

200 year birthday party at BYU for
Abraham Owen Smoot Oct 6, 2015

For that week-long Birthday Party, BYU produced the below video: “Patriarch of the Academy”—which was shown in the Marriott Center Weekly Devotional and the 2015 Homecoming Spectacular. It is worth watching!

Abraham Owen Smoot

Patriarch of the Academy

Yes! You heard correctly. Seven generations were represented at his 200th Birthday Celebration! From a living granddaughter (3 rd generation) all the way down to members of the 9th generation. Over 14,000 total family members is our estimate—based on extrapolations from exact numbers of certain family lines. In addition to smaller family events in the next few years, another large family reunion at BYU will be held in 2025—which will also be BYU’s 150th Birthday. BYU was established on October 16, 1875.

We invite you to become involved with the Smoot Family Organization. Please contact us!
If you desire,  we will mail or email to you (free of charge) the 4 Generation Family Chart —it displays the first four generations. Books that have been written about Abraham Owen and his family are available to purchase. Please join the Family Registry below and give us your contact info, so you can hear about family events. We would love to hear from you! Please call or write. Much inspiration is available on the website.

Enjoy!

Sharman Smoot
Abraham Owen Smoot Family Organization
President

The executive committee comprises family members from many family lines. Back R to L: Sharman Smoot, Jonathan Lysenko, A. Owen Smoot VI, Alan SmootFront R to L: Janelle Lynsenko, Shauna Essig, Mary Ellen Smoot, Bonnie Kofford, Nanette Garrett

As a family organization and executive committee, we have taken on and are inspired by the following:

                                           VISION

Connecting Family by Supporting Family Organizations

                                             MISSION

Our stand is to pull together Smoot family members;

to preserve and share the vision and valiancy of our Smoot ancestors;

and to strengthen, redeem and celebrate our eternal family.

                                          STRATEGIC GOALS

Pull Together: Via Reunions, Firesides, Youth Events, Service Projects & Social Media

Preserve: Writings, Photos, Publications, Artifacts, Historic Sites & their Legacy

Share: Via the Website, Newsletter, Emails & Personal Contacts

Redeem: Encourage, inspire & perform the eternal ordinances for our living & dead

Celebrate: Their Vision, Valiancy and the Family Legacy they have inspired        

Donna Faye Smoot Bott just passed away (last A. O. Smoot grandchild)

Dear Smoot Family,

I am sad to report that Donna Faye Smoot Bott recently passed away at the age of 91.  She will be deeply missed. 

For many years she has been the only living grandchild (Third Generation) of Abraham Owen Smoot.  (Of the first Three Generations Sheet, Donna Faye is at the far bottom shown in green.)  Abraham Owen had 35 children (Second Generation) and 163 grandchildren (Third Generation).  Although we have lost many family members of the Fourth Generation, we are happy that many of the Fourth Generation are still with us.  

Aline Coleman Smith, the oldest living member of the Fourth Generation, passed away just 2 months ago at the age of 105.  

Marian Bird Smoot, the wife of L. Douglas Smoot, former President of the A. O. Smoot organization, also passed away December 28, 2016. Donna, Aline and Marian were all recognized at the Oct 2015 reunion.

The Abraham Owen Smoot Family has continued to blossom into the 9^th Generation.  At the Oct 6, 2015 Family Reunion, it was a delight to have seven generations represented and in attendance.   

We express our deepest condolences to the many close friends and family of Donna Faye Bott, Aline Smith and Marian Smoot.

Sharman Smoot

President

Abraham Owen Smoot Family Organization

Abraham Owen Smoot Reunion - 6 OCT 2015

Abraham Owen Smoot - Four Generation Chart

Donna Faye Smoot Bott - Obituary

Donna Faye Smoot Bott, 91, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the Brigham Community Hospital, due to Pneumonia. She was born October 20, 1925, at home, in Farmington, Utah, the daughter of Horace Alma and Edna Louise Stubbs Smoot. She was the 10th child of 10 children. She was a tiny baby, just barely 5 pounds and 16 inches long. Her father ran the Lagoon Race Track and all the racers would come in to see her because she was so little. She attended school in Provo, Utah until the 10th Grade then graduated from Davis High in May of 1944. She then spent 3 years at Utah State University. She worked at Hill Air Force Base in Clearfield, then for the Internal Revenue Services, retiring from there in December 1982, after 20 years of Government Service. While working at Hill Field, she met and fell in love with John Henry Bott III. They were married on August 5, 1944 in the Logan LDS Temple. They lived in Farson, Wyoming for 3 years then moved back to Utah, finally moving to Corinne, Utah in 1956. John passed away February 2, 2012 after 64 years of marriage. She was a member of the Corinne 1st Ward, where she served in many teaching positions. Donna Faye loved Christmas. As a child, Christmas was a happy time around their home. The house was always decorated inside and out with lights and decorations. They would get up early to open gifts & eat breakfast then would make the journey to each of the brothers & sisters homes to see what everyone had received for Christmas then would return home to have supper and finish the day. John and Donna Faye never had the opportunity to have children of their own, but had many "adopted" children and families. Donna Faye was a very talented person. She loved to cook and sew. She crochet many afghans, quilted, and made many crochet plastic projects for her friends and family. She loved her friends at the Community Center, where she would go each week to visit and work on projects. She was a member of the DUP and enjoyed the association she had with the ladies there. She was preceded in death by her husband, 6 brothers, Alma (A.V.), Edgar, Neldon, Richard, & twin brothers (who died at birth), 3 sisters, Diana Turner, Maurine Bourne, Louise Hanson Stringham. The family wishes to thank all the many friends who visited and helped Donna Faye throughout the years. Services will be Monday, March 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Corinne LDS Ward Chapel, 2335 N 4000 W, Corinne, UT. Viewings Sunday 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City and on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Church. Interment will be in the Corinne Cemetery.

Aline Coleman Smith - Obituary

July 2, 1911 ~ January 9, 2017 Aline Coleman Smith, 105-1/2, beloved mother, wife, aunt, sister, teacher, and sweet- spirited friend to so many, passed away peacefully on January 9th, 2017, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born July 2, 1911 in Provo, Utah to Jacob and Allie Smoot Coleman. She quickly assumed her role as caring eldest child and mother's helper, watching over her siblings throughout their childhoods. Her parents must have had a sense, even in those early years, that Aline would eventually take care of them - which she did for a number of years at the end of their lives. Jacob was a Provo City attorney and very active in local civic affairs throughout his life. Aline's mother, Allie, was the granddaughter of Abraham O. Smoot, mayor of both SLC and Provo and an ambitious, resourceful administrator in the formative years of BYU. Allie was also the source of Aline's sweet-tempered, generous personality. Aline was the oldest of five children and is survived by her "baby" sister, Genevieve "Jenny" Coleman Walker. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Virgil J. Smith, her son, Jay Coleman Smith, brothers, Dr. James Smoot Coleman and Dr. Sherman Smoot Coleman and sister, Martha Coleman Miner. Aline attended elementary through high school at Brigham Young Training School, where she discovered her lifelong passion for dance. She went on to study Modern Dance with the illustrious early pioneers Ted Shawn and Ruth St. Denis in New York, and with Margaret H'Doubler at the University of Wisconsin. She graduated with high honors from BYU in 1933 with degrees in both Physical Education and Education. Aline was instrumental in founding the dance program at BYU, and continued to teach and choreograph there for 10 years after her graduation. Choreography was her greatest passion, especially the crafting of large ensemble works to classical music. Her younger sister Martha, was an award-winning classical pianist who played for Aline's classes and dances; the two were a marvelous artistic team. Aline would imagine and choreograph dances in her mind as she listened to Martha's playing at home. Aline married Virgil J. Smith in 1933. Their son Jay was born in 1939. Soon after, the family moved to Boise, Idaho, where Aline became very active in the YWCA, developing dance and movement programs for adults. During a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark she fell in love with Danish cross-stitch, needlepoint and petit point. Soon after, she embarked on what was to become a 30-year passion for creating original needlework of her own. These pieces adorn the furniture and walls of her loved ones to this day. Following her husband Virgil's death in 1992, Aline moved to SLC to be closer to her large extended family and childhood friends. For many years, she and her sister, Martha, shared a home in Holladay full of music, art and good humor. In 2006 they moved to Highland Cove, living just down the hall from one another. Throughout her life, Aline was a great reader and avid student of literature and history. Even as her eyesight deteriorated, she continued to enjoy audiobooks - listening to 5 or 6 a week, which her younger sister Jenny supplied - scouring local libraries to keep up with Aline's voracious reading appetite. Aline was also a member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers and Daria Book Club, where she made many lifelong friends. Aline will be especially remembered for her loving, open-hearted generosity and wide- ranging friendships. She remained very close to her extended family and leaves behind a legion of friends at Highland Cove and throughout the region. There will be a small family Graveside Service in Boise, Idaho at a later date. Aline's family would like to especially thank all of her dear friends, the Olpin family, Dr. Margaret Lunt and her nurse Shannon for their love and kindness over the years, and CNS Hospice for their recent care. Memorial donations in honor of Aline may be made to either DSBVI (Utah Blind Center) at 250 North 1950 West Ste. B, SLC, UT 84116-7902 or to the BYU Modern Dance fund at give.byu.edu/aline. - See more at: Legacy


Marian Bird Smoot

1933–2016 (obituary) Marian Bird Smoot passed away on December 28, 2016. She was born in Springville, Utah on September 7, 1933 to Maurice Clegg Bird and Mary Elizabeth Williams Bird. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, Wallace, who was killed in a plane accident in 1954. Marian is survived by her sister, Mary Jane Palfreyman, brother, Richard Bird, her husband, L. Douglas Smoot, and daughters: Analee (Scott) Folster, LaCinda (John) Lewis, Michelle (Nathan) Hyde and Mindy (Conor) Robbins.

Marian met Doug in the third grade and they attended Springville High School together where she was the Art Queen, member of the Steno club, and a cheerleader. Marian designed and sewed the cheer outfits which were showcased in the Springville Art Museum. She loved to dance, run, play the drums, sew, paint and drive her Dad’s red truck. Doug and Marian graduated in 1952, and on September 15, 1953 they were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They recently celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Marian was a faithful member of the LDS church. She served in numerous callings including Relief Society President, Primary chorister and ward photographer. She was a great support to Doug in his many church callings. Marian served as President of BYU Women and on the Provo City Art Board which was responsible for raising funds for the Covey Center for the Arts.

Marian loved music and had a beautiful alto voice. She and Doug donated their time, energy and financial resources to various theatre and art foundations, including Tuacahn, the Covey Center and the Springville Art Gallery. Marian also loved sports and cheered for BYU and the Jazz. She enjoyed tennis with friends and played competitively for years. Marian was an excellent homemaker, cook, collector and seamstress. She had a quick wit, a ready smile and a contagious laugh.

Marian and Doug traveled the world together, often with family. Her favorite place to be was on row one, the center seat of any activity where her family was involved. Marian is a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed by her family, now numbering 62, including 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Marian devoted her life to her posterity and her legacy will live on through them.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the Oak Hills Stake Center, 925 East North Temple Drive, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Wednesday, January 4, from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the church Thursday, from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com.

Sixty Years of Smoot Research - by Loretta Nixon

Abraham Owen Smoot - Family Celebration Agenda

SAT October 10, 2015 - Meet at 9:15 AM @ Marriott Center

We will be meeting on the North side of the Marriott Center in the parking lot.  Slot #5 for the Smoot family. We are excited to see you all there in the parade, please join us.  I plan to take my grandkids, it should be a lot of fun. Parade Details are provided in the following three documents:

Parade Map

Parade order - Smoot Family is #5

Parade Rules and Regulations

October 6-10, 2015

TUE OCT 6 - Founders Day Events 

BYU Opening Ceremonies   11:00 a.m. @ Marriott Center

The 2015 Homecoming celebration will begin with Opening Ceremonies Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 11:00 a.m. in the Marriott Center. In addition to outstanding entertainment, there will be a tribute to our dear Grandpa A.O. Smoot. We invite you to join us in special reserved seating. It is free to attend, just tell them you are with the Abraham Owen Smoot Family to get directed to the founders seating. 

Founders Luncheon   12:30 p.m. @ Wilkinson Center Main Ballroom

We also invite you to the Founders Luncheon following the Opening Ceremonies. The luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the Main Ballroom of the Wilkinson Student Center. President and Sister Worthen, members of the President’s Council, winners of the Brimhall Essay Contest, and other guests will attend. The registration deadline is Sep. 29.

Childrens Activity / Free Lunch  12:30 p.m. @ Wilkinson Center Garden Court

The children's activity is another option for children 12 and under and will be held simultaneously in an adjoining room. It includes a free sack lunch and entertainment. Children will also learn a song to sing at the Main Reunion Event. An older family member may accompany children; however, he/she will also need to sign up for the activity to receive the sack lunch.

Children wishing to stay at the Founders Luncheon will need to purchase a meal ticket for $8.50.

Family Reunion Main Event   2:00 pm - 5:00 pm @ Wilkinson Center Main Ballroom

This event will take place immediately following the luncheon at 2 p.m. also in the Wilkinson Student Center Ballroom beginning immediately with the family photo. The Family Reunion Main Event will also include: 

          Performance by the children of the song learned during the Children's Activity

A. O. Smoot 200^th Birthday Celebration and viewing of the A. O. Smoot Film

Special musical numbers by renowned Smoot cousins

Opportunity to learn more about Smoot family members, special announcements, the Provo City Center Temple tour and other activities

(Click here to sign-up for the above A. O. Smoot Tuesday Events) 

WED OCT 7 - Presentations about Provo Tabernacle and B.Y. Academy Square - for which A. O. Smoot was responsible

(Free and no registration required)

1. 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM @ Provo Library Ballroom - Historic Provo Tabernacle Presentation (Becoming Provo City Center Temple) Brigham Young Academy Square Library Ballroom – 500 North University Avenue, Provo. Power Point Presentation, Provo City Center Temple, History and Construction, Elder and Sister Newitt

2. 11:00 am - 12:15 pm @ Provo Library Ballroom - Historic B.Y. Academy. B.Y. Academy Square Library Ballroom 11am-12:15. Power Point Presentation about the Historic B.Y. Academy Bldg., history, preservation and library, Director Gene Nelson.

3. 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm @ Provo Library Ballroom - Unveiling of Abraham Owen Smoot heroic size bronze statue. 

THU or FRI OCT 8-9  BYU Spectacular

Homecoming Spectacular 7:30 PM @ BYU Marriott Center (Register for Tickets)  Thursday or Friday Evenings - Use Promo Code "founder"

We will recognize Brother Smoot during Homecoming Spectacular, a musical variety program featuring David Archuleta and showcasing BYU’s premiere student entertainment groups. The event will take place Thursday and Friday, Oct. 8 and 9, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Limited seating in the founder family section costs $30 per ticket. Tickets outside the family section begin at $20. Spectacular tickets may be purchased online. For the family section the tickets are $30, just enter the promotional code “founder.” Spectacular tickets are expected to sell out early.

SAT OCT 10 - Run / Parade / BYU Football

8:30am - Free Pancake Breakfast (Click here for details)

8:45am - Kid's Races

9:45am - Cougar Run 5K & Kids Races Registration (click here) 

10:00 am - Homecoming Parade (click here)  Provo, UT Parade Route

We love parades!!!!  Abraham walked across the plains, he walked on his mission, and on the streets of Provo. All A. O. Smoot descendants old and young come join us in the BYU Homecoming Parade Saturday morning.  We need to be in place by 9:30 am.  Meeting behind the Marriott Center.  Come one and all. 

Bring the children and let's walk together remembering Abraham on his 200th birthday. 

This should be a wonderful parade. Doug Smoot is the Grand Marshall. Other family members will be recognized during the parade. All of the descendants of A. O. Smoot (children and adults) are invited to walk together in the parade meeting between 9:00 - 9:30 AM Saturday morning in the parking lot by the Harman building and Marriott Center. 

Football Game (click here) BYU vs East Carolina Pirates  TBD @ LaVelle Edwards Stadium

Discount tickets at www.tinyurl.com/BYUGROUP use Promo Code "BYUSMOOT". This promo code will also give you discount tickets to other BYU football games.

WED-SAT OCT 7-10 - Self Guided Historic Tours of A. O. Smoot Sites - (more information coming)

BYU Campus Sites

   i. A.O. Smoot Document Display – Perry Special Collections, Lee Library (John Murphy)

   ii. A.O. Smoot Administration Building – A.O. Display-main floor lobby NE corner – updated 

   iii. Family History Center – Lee Library-A.O. Smoot Family History (Name)

   iv. Hinckley Alumni Building – 2 historic BYU films

Provo City Sites

   i. BY Academy Building (Provo Library, 500 N. University Ave)

   ii. Provo Tabernacle (City Center Temple, 100 S. University Ave)

   iii. Diana Eldredge Home (461 East Center Street)

   iv. Provo’s ZCMI Site (NE Corner University Ave & Center Street)

   v. Provo Woolen Mills Site, City Block, (100-200 West, 100-200 North)

   vi. Smoot Lumber Yard Site (NE corner University Ave and 600 South)

   vii. First National Bank Building (remodeled, NW corner University Ave and Center Street)

For more information about other Homecoming and Smoot Family Reunion activities, please visit the following websites:

homecoming.byu.edu

byutickets.com

Questions about BYU events, contact: Curtis Isaak (contact information)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. If I were to pick one day to attend, which of those days is most important?
A. Tuesday is the day where the main family events are happening. The most important is the 2:00 pm family reunion event.

Q. If I need to ask BYU a question about Tuesdays events, who do I contact?
A. Curtis Isaak, Alumni Services Coordination. 801-422-7621. curtis_isaak@byu.edu

Q. Where should I park?
A. Marriott Center Parking lot on Tuesday morning. East of Wilkinson visitor parking for the Tuesday events. On Wednesday park around or underground by the B.Y. Academy building.

Q. What historic documents will be available to purchase?
A. Three books: 1) Abraham Owen Smoot (1994) 2) Abraham Owen Smoot - His Life and Service in Provo (2015) 3) Miracle at Academy Square (2003). Academy painting print, note cards, post cards, and other items.

Q. If I have specific questions about the reunion, who could I speak with?
A. Sharman Smoot @ 801-399-1000