Albert Joseph "Al" Smith, Sr. (1916-2008), was a photographer and prolific chronicler of life in Seattle's Central Area during the mid- to late-20th century. From a hobby begun as a preteen, Mr. Smith began his "weekend job" and photography business, On the Spot, in the 1940s, capturing life in the city’s African American community, the Central Area neighborhood, and the local jazz scene.

After graduating from O'Dea High School in 1935, Al Smith traveled around the Pacific Ocean, working as a steward on passenger ships, including the SS President Grant. He was a member of the Marine Cooks and Stewards Assocations of the Pacific Coast, one of the first integrated unions.

Back in Seattle by 1941, he married Isabelle Donaldson (1916-2008) and worked as a welder in Bremerton's Naval shipyards during WWII. After the war he began what was to be a 30-year career with the Post Office in Seattle.

Here, Al Smith sits on the deck of the SS President Grant, smiling at the camera through a life preserver.