Smythe, Richard Haviland, 1889-1965

Architect Richard Haviland Smythe was born in 1889. He attended Brooklyn Latin School and Columbia University, from which he was granted a degree in architecture in 1909. Other education included an appointment at the American Academy in Rome.

Smythe practiced exclusively in New York City. His most significant achievement was the colonial design he employed in recreating and restoring the village of Stony Brook on Long Island, New York, for Ward Melville. Smyth also developed the modern storefront at typified by the Melville Shoe Corporation of Thom McAn shoe stores across the nation. Additionally he designed over one thousand private residences, ranging from simple cottages to mansions.

Richard Smythe died in 1965, having never married and leaving no heirs.

From the guide to the Richard Haviland Smythe papers, 1909-1965, (Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries)