tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127229959267257059.post3145516931314134782..comments2024-01-20T16:49:46.154-08:00Comments on Soapy Smith's Soap Box: Whit Haydn on Soapy SmithJeff Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14680146273701688630noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127229959267257059.post-12876476305748345282011-05-01T22:42:52.119-07:002011-05-01T22:42:52.119-07:00It was certainly a game done during that era. I wo...It was certainly a game done during that era. I would be surprised if it was not done in Skaguay, as it was done on the wharfs in San Francisco in the late 1890's, but I have not heard of anyone doing it in the Gold Rush. Most of these guys knew lots of different scams and games. Pete Biro told me once of a millionaire friend of his from Hong Kong who had grown up on the streets. He was showing a group the three card monte at a table in a restaurant. When the waiter told him he would have to put the cards away, he took off his belt and began demonstrating the strap--an older version of Fast and Loose. I think the con men who worked for Soapy were like that--experienced and knowledgeable of all the major scams. The Strap and On the Barrelhead were probably both used in the Gold Rush, but I wouldn't know how to prove it. No one could call you on it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06113029394222013465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127229959267257059.post-74787662915746347942011-05-01T21:43:51.591-07:002011-05-01T21:43:51.591-07:00Very well stated Friend Whit! Those years [1890...Very well stated Friend Whit! Those years [1890's].... obviously were special 'times'. Times that called for 'resourceful survival'...after the 'Panic'.<br /><br />Whit...may I ask you a question? You certainly are recognized as an authority on the 'Fast and Loose' game or 'Endless Chain' as it is sometimes called. Whit.....do you have any knowledge of this 'game' being used in any of the Klondike Gold Rush towns?<br />Being an aficianado of Fast & Loose myself...I just can't believe that this wonderful 'game':) was not at least 'partially' as popular as the 'Shell Game' during the era. Thank-you in advance for any info.<br />All the best.<br />RichRichnoreply@blogger.com