Frank's Suitcase

Several months ago Paul Willrodt handed us an old suitcase full of musty documents, aged photographs, forgotten letters and cards, and an odd assortment of objects. Hidden underneath these old items was Frank Smith's razor, comb and hearing aids. Two old rosaries, one in need of repair, laid at the bottom of the case. Frank's wallet and driver's license lays in darkness inside this old case. Several old buttons and empty leather bags were tucked away within this suitcase.

I was immediately drawn to a large crucifix in the case. It was old, perhaps over 100 years old, and possibly of Irish origin. At the bottom of the cross appears the skull and crossbones motif, which represents the first Adam and symbolically represents Christ's triumph over death. Ancient church teachings tell us Christ was crucified over the place where the first Adam was buried (Golgotha, or place of skulls).

Large crucifixes, or pectoral crosses, are sometimes worn by religious leaders. There is a ring at the top of this crucifix. Sometimes chains or cords are used to suspend these crosses on the wearer. Was this cross originally worn by an ancient Smith priest or sister? Maybe not. This crucifix probably hung on a wall somewhere in the old Smith homestead.

For those old enough to remember, this cross served another purpose. I recall a crucifix sitting atop coffins containing our old Smith relatives. Perhaps this is the same crucifix used to adorn the coffin top for all Irish John's family. The two rosaries found in the suitcase may have draped Frank and Eleanor's fingers prior to their burial.

Below are the contents which have been organized for your viewing. It can also be accessed on the homepage where you see the suitcase "Frank's suitcase".

	Homestead Documents. Click to Enter.		Father O'Flaherty. See O'Flaherty Click to Enter.
	Eleanor Smith. See Eleanor Click to Enter.		Way of the Cross. See stations Click to Enter.
	On Being Catholic. See Catholic Click to Enter.		Civil War Records. See War Click to Enter.
	Smith News clips. See News. Click to Enter.		Crucifixes, Wallets, IDs, etd. See Identity Click to Enter.