Hilda Melin

Hilda Melin was the first wife of Monroe Smith. They were married on 16 June 1924. They had one child named Mertie Elizabeth (Betty) Smith. Hilda died 14 October 1926.

Hilda Melin in about 1904

Hilda Linnea Elizabeth Melin was born on 17 July 1901 in Middletown, Connecticut to John Hjalmar Melin and Laura Josefina Elisabeth Nilson. Both her parents were born on the island of Gotland, Sweden, but met while living in the United States. They were married on 9 March 1894 in Middletown.

Laura Josefina Elisabeth Nilson

John worked first at several factories upon arriving in the United States, and then eventually became a police officer for the city of Middletown. 

John Melin working at factory before becoming a Police officer

Together, John and Laura had four children, Carl, George, Hilda, and Esther.

Monroe met Hilda in 1923 while he was attending school in Middletown. He wrote a few lines in his journal about their courtship:

11 Oct 1923 – Met Hilda Elizabeth Melin (loveliest girl I've met in my life) Counting acquaintance is spo-iping up.

29 Oct 1923 – Hilda (nickname Gyp – same as mine!) and I have exchanged a ring for a fraternity pin. We are in love.

11 Nov 1923 – Took Hilda to church to hear me preach. We had the best time of our lives. She has promised to be mine. (affirmative?) ----tive Day – we went a t----l(h)ing together.

16 Jun 1924 – 10 A.M. Senior Oration (2000 present) First Prize $100 – M.W.S. “Morales”
12 A.M. Degrees. B.P.h. 2 P.M. Married. H.E.M to M.W.S.

Marriage of Monroe and Hilda

Hilda and Monroe had one daughter named Mertie Elizabeth (Betty) Smith, born on 5 October 1925. Less than ten days after Betty's first birthday, Hilda drowned on 14 October 1926. Monroe and Hilda had been out on Lake Mahopac in New York, when Monroe left Hilda in the canoe next to the shore, so he could explore one of the islands. Hilda apparently decided to go out on her own and stood up in the canoe to wave to Monroe while he was climbing the small island hill. When Monroe saw the canoe overturn, and Hilda “struggling in the water almost 200 feet from shore, he swam out and dived for about twenty minutes but found the water too deep. He was unable to locate his wife.” Monroe cried out for help, and soon his exhausted yells were heard by a local group of people on the shore. One hour later they found the motionless body of Hilda at the bottom of the lake.

Monroe was devastated and heartbroken. To add to the tragedy, Hilda’s family tried to kidnap Betty because they adored her so much and didn’t want her to be raised by the rough Monroe. To protect her, Monroe sent Betty to his mother’s sister, Emily Loomis Clark, to take care of her so they would not be able to find her.

Monroe Smith & Hilda Melin in about 1925