Last month, East Cobb businessman, Earl Smith, donated $500,000 to The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. The money benefited the nonprofit organization’s Capital Campaign. Formerly known as the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, it has now been renamed the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in their honor.

The Smiths were instrumental in making the dream of The Strand as we know it today a reality. Earl and Rachel Smith were the champions of the Save The Strand effort in the early 2000s, leading fundraising efforts which transformed the dilapidated building into an eye-catching historic architectural landmark and performing arts mecca on Marietta Square. Smith credits his late wife, Rachel, his partner in business, politics and community service, in leading the efforts to raise money for the renovation of the Strand. His latest donation, in an effort to close the debt on the Strand construction loan, was done in memory of her.

The historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre is a multi-use performing arts and events facility. The theatre is governed by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and depends on the financial support of private and corporate donors. It is The Strand’s mission to serve the community with cultural entertainment for a diverse audience and to promote economic health in the City of Marietta and Cobb County. For more information or tickets, visit www.EarlSmithStrand.org or the Box Office at 770-293-0080 or 117 North Park Square, Marietta. Box Office hours are from 11am-6pm, Monday through Friday, and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

Earl and Rachel Smith launched their heating and air conditioning company, E. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning Company, in 1962, with one employee and a truck. More than fifty years later, E. Smith is still located in Cobb County and E. Smith remains family-owned.

This article originally appeared in the December issue of the EAST COBBER magazine, on page 6. Click HERE to access the digital edition.