Harry Smart

Harry Smart

Born 15th April 1867 in Luton, Harry is one of those stalwart die hard Lutonians who devoted so much time to the club in those early years, yet he is hardly known today.

Harry spent his early years living in Collingdon Street. By 1881 he was a Telegraph messenger. His father was a carpenter and joiner as was his elder brother Frank. His brother Sidney was a plumber so it is no surprise that by 1891 Harry was a General House decorator.

By 1901 Harry and wife Amy were living on their own in “Old Bedford Road.” The 1911 census gives a house name – “Kimberley” Old Bedford Road. Harry was an Insurance Agent and Amy was a Straw Hat Finisher. They had no children but had three boarders staying with them.

Harry became a Director in 1900 and stayed on for 29 years. No manager was appointed for the team until 1925. Up until then the committee then the Board of Directors managed all team affairs. In November 1922 Harry and Club Secretary travelled with the team to Newport County. It was a rough game and the crowd were baying for a sending off. It is remarkable to us today that Charles Green and Harry led the half time team talk. As reported the following week, they “advised the players not to be drawn into retaliatory measures, but to keep their heads and maintain their successful tactics.” It worked as the Town won 3-0.

Harry was voted off the Board in 1929 and made a Life Member and he stayed closely in touch with the club the rest of his life. The 1939 Register shows that Harry, a painter and decorator, was living with Amy at 51 Leagrave Road, Luton.

He passed away in Luton on the 27th November 1950 aged 83 years. His obituary was published in the Luton News of the 30th November 1950 -

“Mr Harry Smart, of 51 Leagrave-road, Luton, who collapsed in the director’s box while watching Luton Town reserves on Saturday, died in St. Marys Hospital on Monday evening. He was 83.

Mr. Smart had been associated with the Town Club since its formation. In the 1900-01 season he was appointed secretary, and was also secretary during the time when the Luton team were first in the Second Division of the English League.

When he resigned from the secretarial post he was made a director, which post he held until 1929. He was a life member and attended every home match, no matter what the weather.

Mr Smart had been in the building trade all his life."