Scalise, scalice, scalish…what’s in a name? It’s all criminal
John Scalish
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I’ve Been Kidnapped… How Inconvenient
Few figures in the annals of criminal history have embodied the cunning audacity and moral bankruptcy of John Factor, infamously known as “Jake the Barber.” While his brother, Max Factor, achieved fame as a cosmetics mogul, Jake carved out a legacy as a master swindler who left ruin and devastation in his wake. For over
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Kidnapped by Al Capone: The Unbelievable Tale of Fats Waller and a Gangster’s Birthday Bash
Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was no stranger to the spotlight. Born on May 21, 1904, in Harlem, New York, Waller became a towering figure in the jazz and swing eras, known for his electrifying performances and pioneering work in the Harlem stride piano style. His compositions, including “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Honeysuckle Rose,” are timeless classics,
The Dark Tale of the Regina Pacis Robbery and the Shadows of Joe Profaci
On January 10, 1952, an event steeped in grandeur and divine reverence unfolded in Rome. Pope Pius XII blessed two gold crowns encrusted with 500 diamonds and other precious stones. These opulent symbols of faith, destined for the Regina Pacis Votive Shrine in Brooklyn, were not merely artifacts; they were beacons of hope and devotion
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A Doorbell to Doom: Anastasia’s Wrath and the Disappearance of the Ferris
On a grim autumn night in October 1954, the shadow of judgment loomed over Albert Anastasia as the Newark courtroom pulsed with tension. Presided over by the stern Honorable Alfred E. Modarelli, the trial began, cloaked in the dry technicalities of tax law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick B. Lacey delivered a mechanical dissection of finances—gross
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The Silver Slipper
48th Street In the shadowy world of Prohibition-era New York, Owney “The Killer” Madden reigned as a kingpin of nightlife, his fingers in more clubs than anyone could count. Fresh out of Sing Sing in 1923, Madden carved out a niche far above the city’s lower criminal circles, distancing himself from the likes of the
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Pete’s Tavern
Address: Somewhere in Gramercy Park Nestled in the Gramercy Park Historical District, Pete’s Tavern is a living relic of New York City’s storied past, proudly wearing its title as “the Tavern that O. Henry made famous.” This iconic establishment, dating back to 1829, has seen more than its fair share of history, including a Civil
Place Piqualie
Address: W. 52nd Street Place Piqualie, nestled on West 52nd Street, was a curious gem of New York City during the Prohibition era. Unlike the bustling speakeasies of the time, this bar operated with a rare license, but paradoxically, it often found itself short on liquor. Perhaps it was the limited supply of booze, or
The Park Avenue Club
Address: 58th Street Near Broadway Step into the Park Avenue Club at 128 E. 58th Street, a glittering jewel in the heart of Manhattan’s nightlife. Owned by the infamous Owney “The Killer” Madden and fronted by the ever-charming George LaMaze, this is where high society mingles with the underworld, all under the glow of a
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The Trocadero
Address: ??? The Trocadero was the epitome of glamour during New York City’s Prohibition era, a speakeasy where the illicit thrill of forbidden liquor mingled with the dazzle of high society. The air hummed with the smooth melodies of Emil Coleman’s orchestra, a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the grace and elegance of Fred and Adele