Better known in the tattoo world as "Frenchie", William F. Neely tattooed for many years in Denver, Colorado. He operated shops in at least three different locations in that city at #637 West 14th Avenue, #1720 Curtis Street and #281 South Pearl Street.

Records show that Neely was also located in Balitmore, MD at #608 and #722 East Baltimore. Other than the business cards and a few photographs s that have survived, little of "Frenchie's" history is known to the Archive. His cards state the usual- proof of being 18 years old, sobriety required, 5000 designs, sanitary studio, bright colors, reasonable prices and old work covered or recolored. However, there were some things that were a bit different, like the latest electronic equipment and ultra-violet sterilization. "Frenchie" offered one of the few customer appreciation cards we have ever seen for a tattoo shop. When a customer got tattooed the cost of the tattoo was punched into the card. When the card was full of punches it was good for a free tattoo. Seen with this article is the front and back of a promonial postcard from Neely’s #281 South Pearl Street location in Denver, circa 1960s.

Thanks to Scott Boyer's research, we have a clip from the television show, "What's My Line" showing rare footage of William ("Frenchie") Neely. This show was originally aired on March 4th, 1956.

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