Smith News Company began during the early 1900's and has continued to evolve and expand during 4 generations of private ownership. It was started by two brothers, Dick and Ernie Smith, under the direction of their father E. W. Smith. The company served as the first magazine distributorship in Northern California and their first magazine was the Saturday Evening Post, which was delivered throughout San Francisco by horse cart. Smith News Company experienced rapid growth in the vibrant and strong economy of San Francisco and California. As more magazines and periodicals came on the market and the growth trend continued, Smith News Company became one of the largest magazine distributors in the United States.

Post cards and paperback books were added to the magazine line and business continued strong through the war years. In the early 1950's the magazine distributorship was sold, but the post card and paperback book business was left intact.

In 1955, Ken Glaser, Sr. and James Smith bought the latter portion of the business. The direction of the company changed to focus on the rapidly growing tourist market in San Francisco and California. They diversified into the souvenir and gift market which led to the start of a new division, Smith Novelty Company.

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