I got the CWS brown chip in a trade in 1998. I picked up a blue one in 2003. Never gave them much thought. I picked up a dupe at the Arizona Charlie’s show from a junk box.

After The big success in researching the FEB chips from Akron, Ohio featured in “Illegal Of The Day Ohio 4” posted on 2/8/11, I thought it was time to take a look at the CWS chips.
Unfortunately not all chips are created equal when it comes to researching.

One part of the problem is the buyer’s common name, CW Smith.

Enough of that:

Ohio – Cincinnati:

CWS:
The chip delivery address was a residential complex called “The Beverly” and Clarence W. Smith resided in flat #10 in 1936 when the chips were ordered. He’s not living at that address in subsequent years. His occupation was listed as salesman.

Smith is a hard name to research. There were 16 Clarence Smith’s in Cincinnati in 1936. In the early 40’s there was a Clarence W. Smith who described himself as a salesman living in Cincinnati and working in Latonia, KY (not sure if same Clarence W.)
Wish I had more, but that’s all I’ve come up with.

My note: I grew up on Taylor Mill road that runs out of Ritte’s Corner in Latonia but 1936 is a little early, even for me.

Looks like it stays in the “Home Chip” file.