This group is devoted to people interested in the life and works of the humorist H. Allen Smith (1906?-1976). A McLeansboro, Illinois native, Smith flourished during the 1940s with books such as "Low Man on a Totem Pole," "Life in a Putty Knife Factory," and "Lost in the Horse Lattitudes." His book "Rhubarb" was adapted into a film staring Ray Milland and spawned a Dell comic book series. While his popularity waned in subsequent decades, he became known in later life as a chili enthusiast. After writing an article in "Holiday" magazine titled, "Nobody Knows More About Chili Than I Do," he was challenged to a duel in Terlingua, Texas against Wick Fowler. Smith tied Fowler in the first chili cookoff sponsored by the Chili Appreciation Society International. Smith sold millions of copies of his 39 books. In 1976, H. Allen Smith died, leaving behind a legacy of laughter. (read less)

This group is devoted to people interested in the life and works of the humorist H. Allen Smith (1906?-1976). A McLeansboro, Illinois native, Smith flourished during the 1940s with books such as "Low Man on a Totem Pole," "Life in a Putty Knife Factory," and "Lost in the Horse Lattitudes." His book "Rhubarb" was adapted into a film staring Ray Milland and spawned a Dell comic book series. While his popularity waned in subsequent decades, he became known in later life as a chili enthusiast.... (read more)