Smith (1888-1932) was the labor attorney who defended the eight International Workers of the World union members who were charged and convicted of murdering several Centralia World War I veterans.

    These Wobblies, as IWW members were known, were charged with firing into Centralia's 1919 Veterans Day parade killing several marchers.
    Smith worked until his death to free the eight and it was through his efforts that all were subsequently pardoned. Throughout his career, Smith worked to uphold minimum wage laws, consumer protections and the right to free speech and assembly.
    The Clocktower project, first unveiled in May 1997, already has panels in place honoring dancer / choreographer Merce Cunningham; Nisqually tribal leader Billy Frank, Jr.; musician Jimi Hendrix; educator Mother Joseph; scientist /

educator / former Washington state governor Dixy Lee Ray; tribal elder / master basketmaker Hazel Pete; and city of Centralia founders George and Mary Washington.
    The Clocktower project came about as the result of several faculty members who suggested to the college's diversity committee that the Clocktower be used to recognize outstanding individuals of the Northwest who had contributed to the community, to society and to culture. The original eight panels were partially funded through a $7,000 donation from the Associated Students of Centralia College. The three new panels are being funded by the Diversity Committee.
    Nominations were solicited from students, faculty and staff, and the local community last spring. Perez, Schmoe and Smith were selected from 29 nominees.
    Nominees who were not selected will still be considered for future panels, said Maggie Foran, Student Support Services counselor and campus Diversity Committee chair. There are spaces to accommodate a total of 16 panels.