Georgetown stars on ‘American Pickers’ Monday

BY CHRIS SMITH / The Press Democrat

Sorry for the short notice, but Guy Smith of Graton learned only the other day that the  episode of “American Pickers” featuring his family’s intriguing Georgetown old-west set and Hollywood museum will play Monday night on The History Channel.

Late last year, Guy had a swell time showing the program’s Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz and their crew the world-class collection of movie memorabilia, cars and fascinating junk amassed by his late father.

George Smith had bought just about anything that tickled him while he worked as a film extra, then a set builder, then an MGM scout. He was 82 when he died in Graton in 2001.

“What he really collected was people’s lives,” Guy said. Attached to every item his dad displayed and admired in Georgetown was a story.

Guy was pleased to have the treasure seekers from “American Pickers” come in and shop because, one, it was a gas, and two, he can use some cash to help care for his mom, Joyce.

A History Channel promo for the episode at Georgetown says:

“Like a Hollywood back lot, Guy’s jaw-dropping collection includes an entire village built from scratch. It’s the pick of a lifetime where every building is packed with classic cars and vintage movie memorabilia. Mike and Frank get first crack at a lifetime collection that includes the biggest collection of leather aviator helmets they’ve ever seen.”

Guy said the pickers asked a lot about his father. They were interested, too, in Guy’s trips as a kid to the ranch of a nice guy names Clark Gable.

“I didn’t know he was a movie star,” Guy said.

Parting with some of the items the pickers bought was bittersweet. There was a fine, old leather chair that his father’s mother had loved to sit in.

Guy was a bit sorry to see it leave Georgetown but at the same  he likes knowing it will start a new life somewhere else.