In June, 1944, orders "Proceed immediately to Palmdale Air Force Base, Weather Station, 1st Weather Wing, Palmdale, California" were received by Airman, Kenneth B. Smith. Upon alighting from the Greyhound Bus and entering Bill Baker's Palmdale Drug Store, calling the Air Force Weather Station, Palmdale, Sgt. Smith reported for duty as ordered.

   At this time, there was no housing in Palmdale for Hildegard and Susan Smith, so they, as many servicemen's wives and children, were left in a hotel in Los Angeles and then relocated in Pomona for six months. At Christman time, 1944, an apartment was found above the old Palmdale Inn, where they remained for several months, moving several times whenever better housing became available. In Oct., 1945, their son, Robert, was born at Palmdale Hospital with Dr. J. J. Snook in attendance.

   This, then was the Kenneth B. Smiths entrance into the city of 600 people that was to be their home for 17 years, the rearing place of their children as well as the home of many of their friends.

    The day after discharge from the Air Force, in February 1946, Kenneth became an employee of W.J. McAdam and Ethel N. McAdam, pioneers and also founders of the W.J. McAdam Agency Insurance and Real Estate firm which was established in 1925.

    In 1946, Kenneth became the Secretary of the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, serving under the leadership of the very able president, Melville J. Courson, for the years 1946 and 1947 and he continued the service as Secretary for Domenico Massari, when he served as the Chamber of Commerce President in 1948.

    In 1946, he joined the Palmdale Kiwanis Club and was elected as President in 1950. During these years, the famous Kiwanis barbecues were held feeding as many as 700 Kiwanians annually.

    For ten years he served as Chairman of the Fire Committee for the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce and closely coordinated the Palmdale area with the County of Los Angeles and the Board of Fire Underwriters regarding Palmdale into a Class 5 City.

    In August, 1947, W.J. McAdam passed away, and from 1947 to 1953, Kenneth operated the McAdam Agency for Mrs. McAdam until her retirement. At this time, 1953, the old Bank of America building became available and the Smiths, new owners of the W.J. McAdam Agency, bought the bank building and relocated at 810 E. Palmdale Blvd.

    In 1953, Kenneth became a director of the Lancaster- Palmdale Savings and Loan Association and served this organization for seven years as Vice-President.

    In 1955, he was invited to participate in the formation of the First National Bank of Palmdale and served as Vice-President under the able tutelage of C.A.. "Bud" Monroe, President, until it was sold to the United California Bank in 1959.

    In 1958, Kenneth was selected by Smith Swords, Jr., to serve on the Advisory Board of Directors of the Bank of America, Palmdale. He served as Chairman from formation until the Smiths moved from Palmdale in 1961.

    Many happy hours were spent in serving the youth of Palmdale as Chairman of the Mens P.T.A. Auxiliary to the Palmdale School District; Secretary of Cub Pack #98; Secretary of the Palmdale Little League, Palmdale Little League Assistant Manager; Palmdale Pony League Manager and also worked and assisted in organization of the Palmdale Chapter Order of DeMolay.

    His membership in the Masonic Orders included - Lancaster Masonic Lodge; Charter member of the Palmdale Masonic Lodge; Southgate Royal Arch; Golden West Commandry; Al Malakaih Shrine; Antelope Valley Shrine Club; Palmdale Elks Lodge and the Star of Palmdale, Order of the Eastern Star.

    During these busy years, Hildegard also was active in the community serving as President of the Palmdale Junior Woman's Club in 1947. Her activity continued with the Palmdale Woman's Club where she served in many capacities. Her enjoyment of organizational work took her into P.T.A. where many years of service were given to the youth of Palmdale. She, together with the Reverend Mr. John J. Bennett, formed the Junior Choir of the Presbyterian Church which was enjoyed by the children of many of the church families. Her youth activity continued with participation in Brownies, Girl Scouts; Cub Scouts; Little League; Job's Daughters, Bethel 258; Rainbow Assembly 179; and the DeMolay Chapter of Palmdale. During this time, Hildegard was initiated into Sunshine Chapter Order of the Eastern Star in Lancaster where she held several offices. Her membership and activity continued until such time as Star of Palmdale Chapter 619 was instituted. She helped to organize this young fraternal Order and served as Worthy Matron in 1959.

    EDITOR'S NOTE: Hildegard is still a member of Star of Palmdale Chapter #619 and this year is serving Grand Chapter of the state of California as Grand Organist. This is an honor to our Chapter and we are very proud of her. vm

   Both the Smith children, Susan and Bob, followed in the active footsteps of their parents in the activities of the community. Sue held many High School offices, including Student Body Vice President; Secretary; Homecoming Princess; Lilac Princess; High School team mascot, Fannie Falcon; Honored Queen of Bethel 258; member and an officer of Rainbow Assembly 179; DeMolay Chapter Sweetheart and then Southern California DeMolay Sweetheart. Bob was equally active in Cub Scouts; Minor League; Little League; Pony League and in DeMolay.

   The families religious affiliation was with the First Presbyterian Church of Palmdale.

   Their membership in the Antelope Valley Country Club was greatly enjoyed by the family.

    They were active members of the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce and Kenneth was a Charter member of the Palmdale Junior Chamber of Commerce.

   Their endeavors and activities continued for their seventeen years of residence in Palmdale and when they left the Antelope Valley in 1961, their interests still remained.