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Prohibition in Hamtramck: Gangsters, Gunfights & Getaways in the American Palate

Enrique Blair

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Step back in time to the roaring twenties, when the city of Hamtramck, Michigan, became a battleground in the war against alcohol. A melting pot of immigrants and a haven for bootleggers, Hamtramck was a hotbed of crime and corruption, where gangsters ruled the streets and speakeasies flourished.

In this gripping account, historian Mark Binelli brings to life the larger-than-life characters who shaped Hamtramck's Prohibition era. There's Leo "Pappy" White, the charismatic bootlegger who became a local legend; Joe "Crazy Joe" Scalzo, the ruthless gangster who terrorized the city; and Bernice "Queen Bee" Pierce, the madam who ran the most notorious speakeasy in town.

Prohibition in Hamtramck: Gangsters, Gunfights & Getaways (American Palate)

by Greg Kowalski

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4544 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	131 pages
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Through eyewitness accounts, rare photographs, and captivating prose, Binelli weaves a tale of violence, greed, and the indomitable spirit of a city caught in the crosshairs of history. Prohibition in Hamtramck is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, Prohibition-era history, or the American experience.

Gangsters and Bootleggers

Hamtramck's Prohibition era was defined by the gangsters and bootleggers who controlled the city's illicit alcohol trade. Leo "Pappy" White was the most notorious of these criminals. A charismatic and ruthless bootlegger, White ran a vast network of speakeasies and distribution routes. He was also a generous benefactor to the city's poor, which earned him a degree of public support.

Joe "Crazy Joe" Scalzo was another major figure in Hamtramck's underworld. A violent and unpredictable gangster, Scalzo was responsible for numerous murders and other crimes. He was eventually killed in a gangland hit in 1931.

Bernice "Queen Bee" Pierce was the madam of the most notorious speakeasy in Hamtramck. Her establishment was a popular hangout for gangsters and other criminals, and she was known for her beauty and toughness. Pierce was eventually arrested and convicted of running a house of prostitution, but she continued to operate her speakeasy until the end of Prohibition.

Speakeasies and the American Palate

Speakeasies were a vital part of the Prohibition-era experience. These illicit drinking establishments served as gathering places for gangsters, bootleggers, and ordinary citizens alike. They also played a significant role in the transformation of the American palate.

Before Prohibition, beer and wine were the most popular alcoholic beverages in the United States. However, the ban on alcohol led to a rise in the consumption of hard liquor, such as whiskey and gin. Speakeasies were often the only places where people could get their hands on these spirits, and they quickly became popular.

The popularity of hard liquor during Prohibition had a lasting impact on the American palate. After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, hard liquor remained the most popular type of alcoholic beverage in the United States. This shift in taste preferences is still evident today.

The Battle for Control

The battle for control of Hamtramck during Prohibition was a bloody one. Gangsters fought each other for territory and bootleggers clashed with law enforcement. The city's streets were often the scene of violence, and innocent bystanders were often caught in the crossfire.

In 1931, Hamtramck was placed under martial law in an attempt to quell the violence. However, the gangsters and bootleggers continued to operate, and the city remained a hotbed of crime until the end of Prohibition.

The End of Prohibition

Prohibition was finally repealed in 1933. The end of the ban on alcohol led to a decline in crime and corruption in Hamtramck. However, the city's reputation as a haven for gangsters and bootleggers remained for many years to come.

Prohibition in Hamtramck is a fascinating and tragic story of a city caught in the crosshairs of history. It is a story of violence, greed, and the indomitable spirit of a city that survived.

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Prohibition in Hamtramck: Gangsters, Gunfights & Getaways (American Palate)

by Greg Kowalski

4.7 out of 5