Soapy Smith's Soap Box: New photo of Frank Reid's grave

August 28, 2021

New photo of Frank Reid's grave

Frank Reid's grave
Can you see the grave?

(Click image to enlarge)

ADDENDUM INFORMATION ADDED: AUGUST 31, 2021

(see bottom of article)

arliest known photograph of Frank Reid's grave.

Frank Reid was the vigilante combatant who shot and wounded "Soapy" Smith during the Shootout on Juneau Wharf, July 8, 1898. Reid died twelve days later, receiving Skagway's largest funeral up to that time. When I first saw this photograph on eBay I thought it was another one showing Frank Reid's first wooden grave marker. There are numerous markers in the background that are bleached out white and cannot be read or identified, and I had originally thought the one in the center of the photo was Reid's grave. It was only after I took a closer look that I found a "new" photograph of Reid's grave, probably taken shortly after the burial service ended and the attending crowd left.

Frank Reid's grave
The grave mound is hi-lighted

(Click image to enlarge)

With Reid's grave highlighted in the photograph above, the entire gravesite becomes clear. Two, possibly three wreaths are evident, one huge and semi-upright with a ribbon attached. The other two are horizontal also with a ribbon. Below these in the foreground are at least three bouquets of flowers, one in front of the other on the left and another on right before the horizontal wreath.

Frank Reid's grave service
The earliest grave service photo

(Click image to enlarge)

The photograph above depicts the grave site service at Reid's grave. Note that there are numerous hats taken off and "resting" at shoulder height. That July sun in Skagway can get rather warm.

Frank Reid's grave
Wooden marker in place
Date unknown
Courtesy of BC Archives Collection

(Click image to enlarge)

The photograph above was taken some time later. A wooden marker has been placed on Reid's grave. Note that trees surrounding the grave(s) have been cut down.

Frank Reid's grave
As it looks today
minus wear and tear.

ADDENDUM INFORMATION

Frank Reid's Grave
The first marker?

(Click image to enlarge)

A closer look of the photograph above by Art Petersen reveals what appears to be the very first grave marker for Frank Reid affixed to the open face of a split log. This is a small temporary marker properly identifying the grave until the wooden marker seen in the photograph within the article could be completed.

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