Victor was born on February 12, 1913. His mother and father, Margaret and Herbert, were 33 and 36 years old respectively. The names and ages of his siblings were, Edward Herbert, ten, Theodore Craik (called Clark) eight, and Gwen, four. His sister, Donna Vilate was born when Victor was almost two.
THE STORY OF THE FIRST BIRTHDAY OF VICTOR LLEWELLYN SMYTH, SR. AS RECALLED AND RECORDED IN THE DIARY OF HIS SISTER, GWEN SMYTH HYDE. [From Marjorie Nicholes, (Gwen's Daughter) to Chester Smyth.]
"February 12, 1913, was the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Consequentially it was a big holiday.
"(Seems to me that the people were more patriotic)
(in those days than they are today in this year of 1976.)
"Our hired girl. Pearl, took me down town to an entertainment with her girlfriend. My father took Ed and Craik (Clark)to see a wonderful new motion picture. It was entitled 'THE BIRTH OF A NATION'. I believe this was the first full length historical movie ever made.
"My mother was expecting a new baby in two of three weeks so she preferred to stay home. She felt fine until everyone had left the house and most of the neighbors had gone away. Then suddenly she went into heavy labor. She couldn't find anybody home in the neighborhood and was unable to contact the doctor. After some difficulty Mama finally located an elderly neighbor who called an emergency doctor. My little brother was already born when both doctors arrived at the house at the same time.
"When pearl and I came home that evening I was amazed to find a tiny 4 1/2 pound baby brother -- Victor Llewellyn Smyth. That, I believe was my first realization of birth.
"I remember how happy we were with our baby. It was amusing when he began to stand up and take a few faltering steps. Papa would stand a few paces in front of him and encouragingly hold out his hands while he talked softly to the baby. The rest of the family were watching, but were instructed to be quiet so as not to distract little Vic. When Vic finally reached papa we would all applaud and cheer while the baby gasped and laughed with relief and joy at his great new accomplishment.
"One night papa brought home a tiny little red chair. Again, we had a thrilling show for a few minutes while watching Vic learn (sic) to put his hands on his knees and push himself up out of the chair. then take a short walk. turn around and sit down again the little red chair. That is a harder accomplishment that most adults realise (sic). The greatest difficulty was turning around and judging just where to sit without missing the seat. He was so cute about it. We dearly loved him
"HISTORICAL NOTE: My mother gave birth to all her children at home. the first two children were delivered by a midwife who charged $7.50 The other children were delivered by a doctor who charged the fancy price of $15. Quite different as compared with today's fees."
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