IN-PERSON & ZOOM MEETING : Cornelius Vanderbilt -- When the Rich Got Rich -- the Poor Got Some, Too

IN-PERSON & ZOOM MEETING : Cornelius Vanderbilt -- When the Rich Got Rich -- the Poor Got Some, Too
May 14, 2026 12:00 PM
Angela Smith
IN-PERSON & ZOOM MEETING : Cornelius Vanderbilt -- When the Rich Got Rich -- the Poor Got Some, Too

Angela will be comparing Cornelius Vanderbilt to today's billionaires and the amazing influence he's had on so much of what is going on now in our contemporary crazy, mixed up world.

About Angela Smith:

  • Native Texan and graduate of University of North Texas
  • Former reporter with the Associated Press in Capitol Press Corps covering LBJ
  • Executive Director Emeritus – Writers’ League of Texas
  • Author of several books, including music history bestsellers on steelbands and badass lady drummers  and a math comic book for kids.
  • Working musician – instruments include piano, cello, steeldrum, hammered dulcimer, ukulele, and now trying to learn lap steel guitar.
  • Avid amateur astronomer.  Observatory in Canyon Lake carries her name because of her work teaching young people visual astronomy
 
Even more interesting:
  • Expelled from Catechism at age 6
  • Flunked jello making in 7th grade home ec
  • Taken hostage by a Russian cab driver in St. Petersburg and released for a ransom of $30 American dollars and 3 Cokes