Smith Bates History and Heritage
Founded in the early 1920's, SmithBates Printing & Design is one of Oregon's oldest commercial printing companies In over 90 years of service, SmithBates has built a reputation on quality printing, meeting deadlines and excellent customer service. SmithBates has been a member of the Klamath Falls business community for nearly a century. "Around the turn of the century, a Wisconsin man arrived in Southern Oregon, who was shortly destined to become a most important figure in local business, civic affairs and politics." The Mail-Well Dealer [Sept, 1946], published monthly by the Mail-Well Envelope Company, Portland, OR. 
W.O. Smith arrived in Klamath Falls when it was known as Linkville, a still undeveloped town. After a stint in the lumber industry, he was approached to edit a weekly newspaper, The Klamath Falls Republican that had 5 opposition papers in a community of 3000 people. He was a State Representative for 2 years sponsoring laws, which are still the basis of the State of Oregon printing department. In 1912, he sold the paper but retained the commercial printing company, building a model printing plant in downtown Klamath Falls. Shortly after his establishment of the W. O. Smith Printing Company, he added a partner, B. W. Bates, changing the name to SmithBates Printing Company. 
Remarkable growth ensued after securing business throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California from the mill and logging businesses. After the death of Mr. Bates, Otto Smith [no relation to W. O. Smith] was hired to work in sales. Otto and his wife Mildred had moved to Klamath Falls from Oregon City, he later took over the business. They involved their daughter Phyllis Smith-Cavanaugh and her husband Barney in the company, who successfully ran it in the 60's and 70's. After graduating from Oregon State University, their son Dan Cavanaugh returned to Klamath Falls and became a partner in the business. He has been a partner and owner for 30 years and now runs the company with his wife Ann. Business growth in the early 90's led to an expansion of production facilities in 1996 to house a new Heidelberg Speedmaster and the latest in imaging technology. The administrative, sales and graphic design departments are still located in the 1929 historic building in the heart of Klamath Falls. At SmithBates we are proud to be a locally owned and family operated business serving the needs of our community for three generations. From our humble beginnings, our focus has never changed. The SmithBates Printing Company today continues to meet customers exacting demands through the use of cutting-edge technology and meeting challenges of a rapidly changing commercial world. SmithBates has met change every step of the way and we are proud of the hardworking traditions set by the many dedicated employees and family members over the years. |