Conversations with Papa Charlie: A Memory of Charles E. Smith

by David Bruce Smith

At first David Bruce wanted to write a traditional biography of his remarkable grandfather, a Russian Jew who immigrated as a child to America in 1911 and built a real estate empire here. But that format seemed to violate "Papa Charlie’s" impatience with verbosity. So David adopted the more accessible vignette style to pass along his grandfather’s singular humor, wisdom, and enthusiasm.

Now in this charming little book, readers will feel they are sitting at the knee of this kindly Jewish grandfather, listening to stories about his amazing life and to gentle advice for succeeding in your own. Along the way, you’ll learn about the importance of family devotion and the care of each of its members, responsibility for and generosity to community and to those who have less, good nutrition and a regular health regimen, devotion to religion, and some very savvy business tips - all spiced with memorable Yiddish expressions. If you never knew your own grandfather, or are missing him, this book will instruct, inspire, and soothe your ruffled feathers.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

David Bruce Smith is an author, editor, publisher, and business executive based in Washington, DC. He is the founder and president of the Grateful American Foundation, an organization dedicated to restoring enthusiasm in American history for kids and adults. Smith has been a guest blogger for Maryland Humanities, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and Historic Deerfield. He publishes a monthly newsletters about DBS Publications, Grateful American Foundation, Grateful American Book Prize, Grateful American Book Series and the artist Clarice Smith.

Early life and family
David Bruce Smith is the son of Robert H. Smith, a builder developer, philanthropist and former President of the National Gallery of Art. His mother is the world-renowned artist Clarice Chasen Smith. His grandfather was the real estate developer and philanthropist Charles E. Smith. Smith’s book Conversations with Papa Charlie is a memoir of the close relationship he had with his grandfather.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Literature from George Washington University and a Master of Arts in Journalism from New York University.

Career
Smith worked at the Charles E. Smith Realty Companies for two decades, progressing from a property management job in the Residential division, to vice-president and senior vice president positions in commercial management. He then switched to a career in writing, editing, and publishing. He founded, edited, and published Crystal City Magazine.

DBS Publications was founded in 2003. The company specializes in creating, designing, and writing limited-edition books on a variety of subjects such as authors, historic figures, artists, and leaders.

Smith is the author of thirteen books: In Many Arenas, 13 Young Men, Tennessee, Three Miles from Providence, Conversations with Papa Charlie, Afternoon Tea with Mom, Letters to My Children, Building the Community, Continuum, Building My Life, Souvenirs of the Riviera and the children’s book American Hero: John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States and Abigail & John. He is also a reviewer of books for several publications. Smith also authored the preface of American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) booklet, “No U.S. History?”

In 2014 he launched the Grateful American Series, an interactive multimedia program designed to restore enthusiasm in American history for children and adults.

The Grateful American Foundation, which focuses on publishing materials and producing activities for children about American History, was founded in 2014.

Grateful American Book Prize
In March 2015 Smith co-founded the Grateful American Book Prize, with Dr. Bruce Cole, the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The annual award will honor a single 7th-9th grade level work culled from fiction, historical fiction, and non-fiction entries.

The Prize consists of a $13,000 award in commemoration of the 13 original Colonies. In addition, the winner receives a silver medal designed by Smith’s mother, the renowned artist Clarice Smith.

Grateful American Book Series
The book series concentrates on historical couples that were—in actuality—an equal partnership. The first is Abigail & John (Adams), published in August 2019.