Page "Margaret Chase Smith" Paragraph 3

She received her early education at Lincoln and Garfield Elementary Schools.

At age 12, she went to work at a local five-and-dime store and even bought herself a life insurance policy.

She also shaved her father's customers when he was busy or away from the shop.

She attended Skowhegan High School, graduating in 1916.

During high school, she played on the girls ' basketball team, of which she was captain in her senior year.

She also worked as a substitute operator with a telephone company during this time.

In that position she met Clyde Smith, a prominent local politician, who arranged a job for her as a part-time assistant to the tax assessor.