WE ARE MOVING... — Jeff Smith, Fri Jul 4 11:58AM Hello Gang- We are moving this What's New page to another site. Please make note of the new address and bookmark it! CLICK HERE
Billy the Kid and Soapy Smith... — Jeff Smith, Thu Jul 3 7:31PM While editing my book this afternoon I ran into some spelling differences in one of Soapy Smith's long time attorney's, Edgar Caypless. I googled the name and found a connection to Billy the Kid of all things. Caypless had defended bunco men in Denver as early as 1883. He defended Soapy in July of 1889 in an assault... more The "Prize Auction" swindle continues on eBay — Jeff Smith, Thu Jul 3 11:32AM “There’s a sucker born every minute…and 1,402 to take 'em.” OR The Modern “Mystery Auctions.” “Here is the deal! I have 1,000 numbered envelopes all with a piece of paper with an amount on it randomly placed in them. I mixed them up and don't know myself what is in each. Then I let my youngest daughter (5 years... more NPS study of Jeff Smith's Parlor begins — Jeff Smith, Wed Jul 2 6:53PM A detailed Historic Structure Report of Jeff Smith's Parlor began on June 30, 2008. The study is being performed by historical architect Grant Crosby and his student interns of the Park Service regional office. They are also working on "the Ice House, another building that needs restoration. The study unit is... more New Soapy Smith marker unveiled — Jeff Smith, Mon Jun 30 10:17AM A reproduction of the very first grave marker placed on Soapy Smith's grave will be unveiled in the memorial cemetery at the first annual Soapy Smith Wake held on July 8th at the Whitehorse Movie Ranch in Landers, Ca. The owner, "German Pete" offered to have the annual event on the precise date Soapy Smith was... more
Have something to say? Click "POST MESSAGE" (nm) — Jeff Smith, Wed Jun 18 8:56AM Soapy Smith’s saloon in eminent danger! — Jeff Smith, Fri Jun 13 11:53PM Believe it or not Jeff Smith's Parlor in Skagway, Alaska is in real danger of losing it's identity. I am currently pleading my case.The letter below was recently sent. Superintendent Susan Boudreau Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Skagway, Alaska 99840 Subject: Soapy Smith’s Parlor Dear, Superintendent... more Chip Cooper's, SOAPY..(photo) — Jeff Smith, Wed Jun 11 9:25AM Chip Cooper's Coopertoons is devoted to Cartoons, Caricatures, and Other Illustrated Humor. He decided to add Soapy Smith to his growing cast of characters he has drawn. Chips, Soapy is seen below and has a special page to see Soapy at Coopertoons Thank you Chip!
Skaguay News, July 1898.."Soapy Smith Last Bluff" — Jeff Smith, Mon Jun 9 6:54PM I found a link where you can buy authentic reproductions of the July 15, 1898 Skaguay News that headlines the gunfight death of Soapy Smith. Click HERE
The Dyea Trail & the Skagway Trail ..revisited. — Jeff Smith, Sun Jun 8 6:52PM You might recall in a post dated April 11, 2008 entitled, " The Dyea Trail and the Skagway Jail." in which I had located a Dyea newspaper on microfilm from the Library of Congress newspaper collection that clearly indicates that a photograph (see below) thought to be taken after Soapy was killed was actually taken... more Bob Ford killed on this date... — Jeff Smith, Sun Jun 8 8:16AM It was in Creede (Jimtown), Colorado on June 8, 1892 only three days after fire had gutted the entire business district that saloon proprietor Ford tried to reestablish his business in a tent. Ford is famous as being the man who killed outlaw Jesse James in 1882 Edward Capehart O'Kelley showed up in town and was... more The Klondike Travels of Mattie Silks... — Jeff Smith, Sat Jun 7 8:20AM Some of you may know that Soapy had some ill feelings towards famed Denver madame Mattie Silks and her husband Cort. That association was not helped any when Mattie traveled to Skagway, Alaska and then upon returning had accused Soapy of planning to murder her. This story will be detailed in my upcoming book, but in ... more Identical to the Soap Swindle! (video) — Jeff Smith, Sat Jun 7 7:58AM The Real Hustle put out a Youtube video called the Purse Swindle. It is identical to the Prize Package Soap Sell Racket.
Latest Soapy Wake News... — Jeff Smith, Fri Jun 6 3:35PM Hi, Gang. Things are looking very good for the upcoming Soapy Wake. On July 8th the White Horse Ranch will host their first annual Soapy Smith Wake. It will be filmed as will several gunfight reenactments, including the Gunfight on the Juneau Company Wharf , in which Soapy Smith was killed. On July 12th the ... more New ballad on Soapy Smith's demise — Jeff Smith, Thu Jun 5 12:33PM The Bloody Ballad of Notorious Bad Man Soapy Smith’s Wretched and Violent Demise by Ed Parrish © 2008 (Note: Mr. Parrish has written music to this ballad and we are currently seeking a period 1800s musical group to record this music) Alaska in the Gold Rush days, where life was cheap and thin, Such desperate... more Klondike still offers glimpses of colorful gold rush history — Jeff Smith, Wed Jun 4 8:42PM The Daily News-Miner talks of the gold rush and Soapy. Read the story HERE .
Miss Melanie as Soapy Smith (photo) — Jeff Smith, Tue Jun 3 5:09PM On May 28, 2008 Monique's daughter, Melanie gave a presentation to her 4th grade class mates and on the evening of May 29 she performed for the parents. She received an "A" for her efforts. We know her mother is proud of her and so are we. The photograph and costume clearly show she really got into her performance. So ... more
A thoughtful message to Soapy... — Jeff Smith, Tue Jun 3 7:51AM A person known as "Charmante" left this thoughtful message to Soapy over at his page on FIND A GRAVE "You were one slippery guy. I am happy to have learned about you. You left your mark on this world, and because of your stories I have learned not to be one. Thank you Mr. Smith. Jessi"
Jeff Smith talks about Soapy's "murder" to Psychic (video) — Jeff Smith, Tue May 27 9:40AM (NOTE: edited video version of the interview below)
9:00 am, May 27, 2008 I just received a call from Terry Clanton, who broke his back in a boating accident this weekend. He says he will recover. We all wish him well. In the mean time, "the show must go on!" I don't know the details but Terry asked me to be on... more Is "Smithy" Soapy? (photo) — Jeff Smith, Mon May 26 9:48AM Chris Penn writes, Hello again Jeff: I came across this earlier today and, given the reference to "Smithy," thought you might be interested. Do you think it is Soapy? The reference to Bat being dead relates to the fact that when Jim Masterson died the previous month it was widely reported that Bat was dead. Best... more |
