Born on 4th December 1916 Arthur Norwood “Broodie” Smith was the son of Arthur Clifford and Susan Smith. He was born on Kent Street in St. George, and lived in the historic town his entire life.

Brodie’ as he was known to his many friends was educated at the East End Primary School, The Excelsior Secondary School and the Berkeley Institute. He excelled in sports, and became the Track and Field Champion from 1932-1935 and at the Excelsior School from 1935-1937 at the Berkeley Institute.

He made cricketing history when he became the first school boy to play in the annual St. George’s/ Somerset  Cup Match in 1936. He advanced in cricket with St. George’s Cricket Club playing in Cup Match until 1954.He was captain of the team in 1947.

After retiring from playing in the game he became involved in the administration of the club serving as Treasurer from 1956-1958, and then served as President from 1958 to 1968, a tenure representing the longest-serving term by a President. In his working career, Mr. Smith was the first and only black Assistant and acting station Master with the Bermuda Government Railway from 1937-1939. Following his stint with the railway, he joined the Police Service and served as a Constable until 1949.  He later joined the Public Health Department, becoming the first black Health Inspector and retired from there in 1972. He became the first supervisor for the Corporation of Hamilton paid car parks in 1987.

He was a Councilor on the Corporation of St. George from 1955-1964 and served on the St. George’s Parish Vestry from 1955-1967. He was a charter member of the Royal Common Wealth Society(Bermuda Branch) and served as Chairman and Vice chair. In 1976 he was honored by the Queen with an M.B.E. and in 1999 was awarded an honorary life membership of the Bermudian Heritage Association/ Museum. He was a member of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows for 55 years and served on the management committee of the Somer’s Pride of India Lodge #899. which was located at Somers Opera house St. George’s. Norwood kept himself involved in various organizations. His affiliations during his life time included Life membership in the Berkeley Educational Society, Life membership in the St. George’s Historical Society, Member of the Bermuda National Trust, Honorary life member in the St. George’s Cricket Club and honorary life Vice Presidency of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control. and served as President of the Donald Smith Travel Connection which was a family business. He gave of his time, his talent and his knowledge.

Researched by Joy Wilson-Tucker Historian