| 1894 |
| Elisha's Sons Broom Handle Factory is Acquired |
 Charles Smith, Elisha's son, earlier opened a broom handle factory which is acquired by Menasha Wooden Ware. Charles receives 900 shares of Menasha common stock valued at $225,000. Charles is chief executive officer of Menasha Wooden Ware Company while Elisha remains titular head as president. |
| 1897 |
| Elisha Donates Land for Park |
 After spending 10 years assembling a 25-acre site on Doty Island to try to attract Downer College to the city and being rejected, Elisha gives the land to the city of Menasha for use as a park. It becomes the first public park in Menasha. Elisha does have conditions which the city has to follow including, no drinking alcoholic beverages in the park, a provision that still stands today. The city is delighted with the gift. In celebration, the fire and church bells ring, whistles blow, sky rockets are sent up, fire crackers go off, horns are blown and gongs are pounded. Six thousand residents of Neenah and Menasha, along with four marching bands, parade to Elisha's home to thank him for the park. |
| 1898 |
| Elisha Donates Land and Money for Library |
 Elisha Smith donates $32,500 to put toward a library. The site is bought and the building erected. The library becomes known as the Elisha D. Smith Free Public Library. It remains open until 1971, when a new facility is built. |
| 1899 |
| Elisha Smith Dies |
 Elisha D. Smith dies at age 72 after a brief battle with cancer. Being one of the city's few original settlers and the city's greatest benefactor, Menasha's residents do not take the news lightly. Flags are flown at half mast, buildings are draped in black and businesses close their doors for the funeral. The funeral procession extends more than a mile. At the time of his death, the name Menasha Wooden Ware is known across the United States. Revenues are $1 million annually, with 1000 employees and an annual payroll of more than $350,000. Elisha's older son, Charles, succeeds him as president. |
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