Stories We Wear
Community Spotlight
Smith Bros. Fish Shanty
A Port Washington, Wisconsin Original
A True Family Story: The Legacy of Smith Bros. Fish Shanty
Behind Smith Bros. Fish Shanty is not just a business, but a multi‑generation family story built on dedication, hard work, and a shared love for community.
Evelyn Smith played a pivotal role in helping establish the Smith family’s California restaurant locations, laying the groundwork for the brand expansion beyond Wisconsin. As those restaurants took shape, two members of the next generation stepped in to carry the torch. Virginia Haack, Oliver Smith’s daughter, and Alan Smith, Lester Smith’s son, both relocated from Wisconsin to Southern California with their young families to oversee and support the growing operations.
Back in Port Washington, Lester Smith’s other son, Lloyd Smith, remained deeply involved in the business. For many years, Lloyd served as manager and was instrumental in guiding Smith Bros. through its later chapters. Always thinking about the long‑term growth and vitality of Port Washington, Lloyd believed the town needed a hotel to support tourism and the local economy. His vision led to the opening of the Harborside Inn in 1974. Lloyd managed the hotel for years, and as retirement approached, his son David Smith stepped in as general manager in 1995. The hotel remained a family‑led operation until it was sold in July of 1998.
Oliver Smith’s family was equally hands‑on across every aspect of the business. In addition to his daughter Virginia, Oliver’s sons each played vital roles: Lincoln oversaw advertising and personnel; Dan managed production and caviar packing, and Bert handled wholesale and retail sales throughout the Milwaukee area. Rounding out this generation was Ned Huwatschek, the son of Hope Smith (Evelyn’s sister), who worked within the wholesale division, focusing on caviar, smoked fish, and herring.
Smith Bros. was truly a family endeavor in every sense of the word. Beyond those named, spouses and younger generations all contributed in their own ways, offering support, labor, and care that helped the business thrive year after year.
The enduring success of Smith Bros. Fish Shanty was never the result of one individual alone. It was built through the shared vision, pride, and commitment of an entire family—across generations—each honored to play a role in the legendary history of Smith Bros.
Today, this story matters because it reflects something increasingly rare: businesses rooted in family, place, and purpose. Smith Bros. wasn’t just a restaurant or a name on a sign—it was a reflection of the people behind it and the community that supported it. Long after the doors closed, the legacy lives on through memories shared at kitchen tables, stories passed down through generations, and the unmistakable feeling of belonging that only a true local institution can create. It’s a reminder that what we wear, remember, and celebrate often carries far more meaning than we realize—and that these stories are worth preserving.
At Nostalgic Brand Apparel, this is exactly why we tell stories like Smith Bros. Fish Shanty. Our mission is to honor the local places that shaped us—the restaurants, storefronts, and gathering spots that became part of everyday life and community identity. By keeping these stories alive, we’re not just looking back—we’re celebrating the people, values, and memories that still connect us today. Wearing these stories is a way of carrying that legacy forward, ensuring that places like Smith Bros. are never truly forgotten.
Carry the Story Forward
To honor the legacy of Smith Bros. Fish Shanty, we’ve created a collection inspired by its history and the generations who made it a local icon. Each shirt is a tribute to the place, the people, and the memories that lived within its walls.
Wearing a Smith Bros. tee isn’t about fashion alone—it’s about remembering a beloved local institution and keeping its story alive, one conversation at a time.
