Dr. Robert Smith House

Built in 1910, this neo colonial architectural home was the medical office of Robert E. Smith, M. D. (1897 – 1971), the eldest son of Jefferson Davis and Gertrude Gilmer Smith.  He is additionally the brother of designer, preservationist, and benefactor Miss Gertrude Smith (1891 – 1981).  The historic home is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since the formation of the Gilmer-Smith Foundation in 1981 (at the death of Miss Gertrude Smith), the house has been the location for several community agencies, including Surry Friends of Seniors and Hospice of Mount Airy.  Most recently, it was home to the Mount Airy Visitors Center , the Andy Griffith Museum (until 2005), and the Donna Fargo Exhibit (until 2009).  As the former Mount Airy Visitors Center, the house at 615 North Main Street is a familiar site to locals and visitors alike.

In May of 2010, the Gilmer-Smith Foundation  offered the first level space to the Gallery Group Studio of Mount Airy....thus the establishment of the Uptown Gallery in the Historic Dr. Robert Smith House.  Local and regional artists belonging to the Gallery Group Studio now have a beautiful 1910 historic home to display their various genres of art.  Currently, there are forty artists who have joined the gallery and have their artwork on display.  Do stop by to meet Gallery Director Donna Jackson and her volunteers, see the amazing transformation, and take home a work of local art as a souvenir of your visit to Mount Airy.  Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 – 4 PM, Sunday from 1 – 4 PM.  Phone:  336-719-0059  Website:  www.gallerygroup.biz