HISTORY OF HENRY H. SMITH & COMPANY

Henry H. Smith and Company was founded on May 15, 1900 by Henry H. and William H. Smith. They located the company in the heart of downtown Detroit on the corner of East Jefferson and Brush. By 1910, they had established themselves as the largest marine suppliers in the Midwest. Contributing to the World War I efforts, their company machined artillery shells and repaired propellers for the United States Navy and Army. In the 1930’s, they acquired the Stannus Propeller Company and began producing racing propellers for individuals such as Garwood, Guy Lombardo, Cell Perry and Kay Don.

In the early 40’s, William H. Smith Jr. acquired Henry H. Smith’s interest in the company and became the 2nd generation of Smith’s actively involved in the marine industry. Throughout the 40’s, Henry H. Smith and Company saw many Gold Cup, Silver Cup and Harmsworth Cup winners propelled by Stannus propellers. The company continued its support of the United States Navy and Army during World War II. During the 1950’s, they took over the unlimited circuit, producing Stannus propellers for teams such as Supertest, Slow- Motion, Skip-A-Long, Hawaii Kai, Maverick and Gale. Henry H. Smith and Company took Stannus propeller to new heights as world speed records were set by the Hawaii Kai and Miss U.S.. That record, for the fastest piston-powered boat, still stands today.

William H. and Edward H. Smith, sons of William H. Smith Jr., took over Henry H. Smith and Company in 1972. We are proud to be the 3rd generation of the Smith family to own this company. During the 1970’s, we relocated the business to Algonac, establishing twice a week service to the marinas in the states of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana and in Ontario, Canada. Henry H. Smith and Company continued to be one of the largest marine repair and distributing facilities in the Midwest. In the 1980’s our company founded Dymex Propellers, which patented a new generation marine propeller named Mr. Minus. Mr. Minus set new standards for propulsion. Throughout the 90’s, we continued our efforts to add additional product lines.

Henry H. Smith and Company currently employs over 35 individuals, including metallurgical and propulsion engineers. We carry the largest inventory of new propellers in the Midwest. We also distribute shafts, rudders, struts and all related hardware. And the latest addition to our inventory is aftermarket engine parts for all your outboard and sterndrive engines. We have built a strong reputation for quality workmanship and fast, efficient service and delivery. Henry H. Smith and Company has always provided and will continue to provide our customers with the best products and services available.