3401 E. 26th Avenue

The Ranch home at 3401 E. 26th Avenue was built in 1946 by Carl W. Weimer. Weimer built a number of homes in the surrounding Skyland-North City Park neighborhood.

In 1947, James and Gertrude Anderson purchased 3401 E. 26th Avenue. James co-owned Anderson Brothers Painting and Decorating with his brother George. After James died in 1947, Gertrude remained in the residence. She worked as a secretary and took in boarders, including the Stryker family. Lloyd E. Stryker later became a councilman for the City of Aurora.

In 1955 the home was bought by Hiroshi and Kikue Sieyama. Both Sieyamas worked for Deerhorn Cleaners. Hiroshi died in 1964, and Kikue remained in the East 26th Avenue home until 1966 when she sold it to William and Sylvia Smith.

After serving in the Korean War, William attended the University of Denver where he earned a PhD in Education. Smith was a teacher, assistant principal and principal at nearby Barrett Elementary. Sylvia was also an educator with a PhD in education, and worked as a school principal. The couple had two boys, Allan and Robert.

The Smiths were active community members and organizers, and William founded the North City Park Civic Association. Their son, Robert, graduated from East High School, Cornell University and Columbia Business School. Mr. Robert F. Smith is now the wealthiest African-American in the US from his success as a venture capitalist with his company Vista Equity Partners. The Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy, located at the former Barrett Elementary, was named for the billionaire philanthropist.