The Purple Gang: Organized Crime in Detroit 1910-1945
Now back in print, this is a story of one of America’s most powerful and infamous groups of thugs and mobsters.

The Prohibition Era allowed the sinister practices of the black market to gain a foothold in American commerce. When legal trade was no longer allowed to supply American consumers with alcohol, they turned to those who could supply the booty. And so in Detroit, a city perfectly positioned to receive contraband from neighboring Canada, a group of young men grew in power and profile to become one of the nation’s most notorious gangs of organized crime.

The Purple Gang, as they came to be called, quickly rose to power and wealth. Alcohol, gambling, drugs and extortion were only some of the methods they used to make quick money. Law enforcement was powerless against the fearless “Purples” whose strong-arm tactics and bribery stretched from the local to the federal level, rendering them truly untouchable. Among the legendary leaders of the gang were Abe Axler, the four Bernstein brothers, and the cruel and violent thug, Harry Millman. When the gang put a contract out on Millman’s life, they imported killers from Murder, Inc.

During the chaos of the Prohibition Era, these men rose to the highest ranks of organized crime and then shattered it all with bloodthirsty greediness and murderous betrayal.
1103391962
The Purple Gang: Organized Crime in Detroit 1910-1945
Now back in print, this is a story of one of America’s most powerful and infamous groups of thugs and mobsters.

The Prohibition Era allowed the sinister practices of the black market to gain a foothold in American commerce. When legal trade was no longer allowed to supply American consumers with alcohol, they turned to those who could supply the booty. And so in Detroit, a city perfectly positioned to receive contraband from neighboring Canada, a group of young men grew in power and profile to become one of the nation’s most notorious gangs of organized crime.

The Purple Gang, as they came to be called, quickly rose to power and wealth. Alcohol, gambling, drugs and extortion were only some of the methods they used to make quick money. Law enforcement was powerless against the fearless “Purples” whose strong-arm tactics and bribery stretched from the local to the federal level, rendering them truly untouchable. Among the legendary leaders of the gang were Abe Axler, the four Bernstein brothers, and the cruel and violent thug, Harry Millman. When the gang put a contract out on Millman’s life, they imported killers from Murder, Inc.

During the chaos of the Prohibition Era, these men rose to the highest ranks of organized crime and then shattered it all with bloodthirsty greediness and murderous betrayal.
19.95 In Stock
The Purple Gang: Organized Crime in Detroit 1910-1945

The Purple Gang: Organized Crime in Detroit 1910-1945

by Paul R. Kavieff
The Purple Gang: Organized Crime in Detroit 1910-1945

The Purple Gang: Organized Crime in Detroit 1910-1945

by Paul R. Kavieff

Paperback

$19.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 1-2 days.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

Now back in print, this is a story of one of America’s most powerful and infamous groups of thugs and mobsters.

The Prohibition Era allowed the sinister practices of the black market to gain a foothold in American commerce. When legal trade was no longer allowed to supply American consumers with alcohol, they turned to those who could supply the booty. And so in Detroit, a city perfectly positioned to receive contraband from neighboring Canada, a group of young men grew in power and profile to become one of the nation’s most notorious gangs of organized crime.

The Purple Gang, as they came to be called, quickly rose to power and wealth. Alcohol, gambling, drugs and extortion were only some of the methods they used to make quick money. Law enforcement was powerless against the fearless “Purples” whose strong-arm tactics and bribery stretched from the local to the federal level, rendering them truly untouchable. Among the legendary leaders of the gang were Abe Axler, the four Bernstein brothers, and the cruel and violent thug, Harry Millman. When the gang put a contract out on Millman’s life, they imported killers from Murder, Inc.

During the chaos of the Prohibition Era, these men rose to the highest ranks of organized crime and then shattered it all with bloodthirsty greediness and murderous betrayal.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781569804940
Publisher: Barricade Books, Incorporated
Publication date: 06/16/2013
Pages: 214
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Paul R. Kavieff is an engineer and historian who has devoted more than ten years to the research of crime in Detroit. He resides in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan.

Table of Contents

Prefaceix
Chapter 1Origins of the Purple Gang 1902-19191
Chapter 2The Birth of the Oakland Sugar House Gang 1922-192613
Chapter 3The Murder of Johnny Reid 1920-192633
Chapter 4The Milaflores Apartment Massacre 192741
Chapter 5The Murder of Vivian Welch 192847
Chapter 6The Cleaners and Dyers War 1925-192853
Chapter 7The St. Valentine's Day Massacre 1928-193067
Chapter 8Bloody July 193095
Chapter 9Collingwood Manor Massacre-The Era of Decline 1931109
Chapter 10The Self-Destruction 1932-1935145
Chapter 11The Brothers Fleisher 1934-1940155
Chapter 12Harry Millman: Last of the Purple Gang Cowboys 1931-1937179
Chapter 13The Murder of Warren Hooper 1945189
Chapter 14The Prison Years 1930-1965199
Bibliography205
Index211
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews