1865    - Marriage of H. B. Smith and Agnes Gilkerson in Lowell, Mass.

- Purchase of Smithville Property. Departure from Lowell and arrival in New Jersey.

- Calico Factory demolished in order to expand Smithville Lake

1869    - Smith has Park Avenue homes demolished - replaces with larger homes.  Removes most homes from south side of Maple Avenue.  Homes on north side of Maple Avenue remain.

1870    - West wing of Mechanics Hall built; Gazebo, Schoolhouse/Lyceum constructed.

1871    - Formed Hainesport Land and Building Association with Barclay Haines.

1873    - H.B. named Director of Mount Holly National Bank

1874    - Took over Farm on east side of Smithville Rd. Saved 1750 Farm House

            - “Smith’s Forest” recreation area built between Smithville Rd. & Ewansvill

- Fritzy Gzell employed as gardener (expatriate of Alsace Lorraine)

1875 - Steam Pleasure Boat introduced on lake & upper Rancocas to Birmingham

- East wing of Mechanics Hall completed with Opera House

- Eighteen piece H.B. Smith Military Band performs under H. Raymond

1876    - January 20 – first performance in the New Hall – seats 800

- National Centennial Exposition – Philadelphia. Smith Co. exhibited

- Wall around the Mansion built with iron and spear ornamentation  

- Smith's first run as Democratic Candidate for Congress -   

- Candidate Smith defeated by Pugh 16,015 to 15,485

1878    - Company is fully incorporated

- Second run for Congress (Greenback Candidate)–

- Smith wins seat representing 46^th Congressional District

-Nov. 20 - Springfield (MA) Republican reveals "2 wives" scandal

-Nov. 22 - NY Times reveals "Hezekiah's two wives"

1879 - Spring - Smith sworn in as Congressional Representative

Star Bicycle Era Inaugurated in 1880

1880    - J.J. White introduces Geo. W. Pressey, STAR bicycle inventor, to Smith

- During winter, Agnes becomes sick – Tumor of Uterus

1881    - January - 8 Andrew Jackson ball cancelled; as Agnes' condition worsens, Smith was summoned home from Congress. On January 26, Agnes dies. 

Click here for a summary of the life of Agnes Smith

- Summer – beginning of extensive additions to Smith's "casino wing"

- Old billiard room transformed into dining room

- Smith named head of Democratic Party in Burlington County

- Star bicycle manufacture begins to eclipse woodworking machines

1882    - Smith considers Bordentown's Bonaparte estate for machine mfg.             - Smith purchases mill at Birmingham

- Smith’s fourth political campaign – wins seat in the New Jersey Senate-

- Smith creates Deer Park on mansion grounds

1883    - Smith excursion to Labrador, White Mountains of NH, and Canada

- Conservatory built– rare tropical & subtropical plants & exotic birds

1884    - Winning Bicyclist George Weber to Smithville to compete on STAR

- Additions to Deer Park: Moose, Caribou, Elk, Bear

1885    - John Petersie, violinist, hired; 6 young women live at Smithville

1886    - Bicyclist Weber dies suddenly of Typhoid

- Smith celebrates his 70^th Birthday

- New homes completed in lower village (3 of 8 remain today)

1887     - Marble statue of Agnes arrives from Italy – canopied pedestal faces farm

- Smith’s 71^st Birthday – Animals continue to be added to Deer Park

-October 12, 13, Smith attends Mt. Holly Fair

- November 3 – Smith dies at one o’clock in the afternoon