Jeff Smiths Parlor Museum Historic Structure Report

摘要

The Jeff. Smiths Parlor Museum building was the headquarters for Jefferson Randolph Soapy Smith during his tenure as self-anointed king of Skagway, Alaska, during the Klondike Gold Rush. From there he controlled a gang of con men, thieves and cutthroats. J. D. Stewart, a gold miner returning from the Klondike, was robbed of his gold dust by members of Soapy's gang, which led to Soapy's death in a gun battle with Frank Reid at the front of Juneau Wharf, on the evening of July 8, 1898. Soapy, of course, was one of the better known characters of the Klondike stampede. The story of how he took over Skagway and allegedly ran it to suit his own needs and how he died is found in virtually every book on the gold rush. This is the traditional story, much of which is disputed by more recent research. However, there is no disputing the importance of Soapy to the tourist industry in Skagway. The parlor museum building is also very strongly associated with the Skagway Fire Department, Martin Itjen, George Rapuzzi, and early Skagway tourism. After 1900, the building became property of the Skagway Fire Department. It served as the garage or shed for the Hook and Ladder Company.