Wed 10/7 @ 7-8PM
Those who know 20th century Cleveland history know that in the middle chunk of the century Cleveland was a hotbed of the organized mob activity that exploded with prohibition. Many know of Eliot Ness’s tenure as Cleveland’s safety director and his efforts to go after local mobsters in the 1930s. Many remember names such as Danny Greene, Shondor Birns, and the Porrello brothers.
But many don’t know that a national Mafia summit was held in Cleveland in 1928, leading to a major mob bust downtown at the Statler Hotel, with top gangsters from around the country. Al Capone was sending a team (Capone himself had already left town). Thanks to a tip, police raided the hotel and made two dozen arrests. Most received small fines and short jail sentences, which were suspended.
Want to hear more? Local author/historian Don Billie will be at the Parma Heights Library to talk about his new book, Cleveland Mafia Summit: Seized at the Statler. He’ll be on hand to sell and sign books after the program. It’s free; register HERE.