Wicked Syracuse: A History of Sin in Salt City
Gangsters, train robbery, forgery and prostitution—these misdeeds are more often associated with New York City or the Wild West, but make no mistake, Syracuse, New York, has housed its fair share of vice and sinners. A riot prompted politicians to make Syracuse a city in the first place. A man who billed himself as "Dillinger the Second" once walked 'Cuse's streets, and a notorious gangster boasted of his desire to retire in Salt City. At the end of the nineteenth century, neither law enforcement nor fervent clergy could stop rampant illicit gambling. Local author Neil MacMillan tours the city of Syracuse, unearthing tales of its most infamous residents and their dastardly deeds—from strange murders to bounty jumpers to vandals.
1115225724
Wicked Syracuse: A History of Sin in Salt City
Gangsters, train robbery, forgery and prostitution—these misdeeds are more often associated with New York City or the Wild West, but make no mistake, Syracuse, New York, has housed its fair share of vice and sinners. A riot prompted politicians to make Syracuse a city in the first place. A man who billed himself as "Dillinger the Second" once walked 'Cuse's streets, and a notorious gangster boasted of his desire to retire in Salt City. At the end of the nineteenth century, neither law enforcement nor fervent clergy could stop rampant illicit gambling. Local author Neil MacMillan tours the city of Syracuse, unearthing tales of its most infamous residents and their dastardly deeds—from strange murders to bounty jumpers to vandals.
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Wicked Syracuse: A History of Sin in Salt City

Wicked Syracuse: A History of Sin in Salt City

by Neil K. MacMillan
Wicked Syracuse: A History of Sin in Salt City

Wicked Syracuse: A History of Sin in Salt City

by Neil K. MacMillan

Paperback

$21.99 
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Overview

Gangsters, train robbery, forgery and prostitution—these misdeeds are more often associated with New York City or the Wild West, but make no mistake, Syracuse, New York, has housed its fair share of vice and sinners. A riot prompted politicians to make Syracuse a city in the first place. A man who billed himself as "Dillinger the Second" once walked 'Cuse's streets, and a notorious gangster boasted of his desire to retire in Salt City. At the end of the nineteenth century, neither law enforcement nor fervent clergy could stop rampant illicit gambling. Local author Neil MacMillan tours the city of Syracuse, unearthing tales of its most infamous residents and their dastardly deeds—from strange murders to bounty jumpers to vandals.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781609497521
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date: 06/18/2013
Series: Wicked
Pages: 144
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Neil MacMillan holds a BA in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in history and creative writing from SUNY Empire State College. He has re-enacted the American Civil War for 16 years and is a veteran of the Navy with combat service in the Gulf War. He lives in Syracuse and is a member of the Onondaga Historical Association.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Introduction 9

1 Ringing in the New Year: The Cook Coffee House Riot 13

2 Fanning the Flames: Three Notable Arson Cases 17

3 The Dashing Train Robber 21

4 Broken Chains 25

5 Soiled Doves and Sporting Houses 31

6 Making Money the Old-fashioned Way 34

7 "Bud" and "Momsie" 38

8 Fallen Heroes: Detective Harvey, Patrolman Near, Patrolman Harmon and Officer Jarmacz 41

9 Toddy Stricken: Demon Rum and Prohibition 45

10 Bad Trips: Illegal Drugs in the City 50

11 "That's Where the Money Is": Bank Robbery 54

12 The Weird and Unusual: Crimes of the Heart 57

13 Ransom and Ruin: Kidnapping 61

14 Making Money the Old-fashioned Way II: Counterfeiting and Forgery 64

15 Murder Most Foul 68

16 The Weird and Unusual: Some People Will Steal Anything 72

17 "Can't We All Just Get Along?": Assault 76

18 Criminal Combines: Gangs in Syracuse 79

19 Making Money the Old-fashioned Way HI: Schemes, Frauds and Con Games 84

20 Vandalism for Fun and Maybe Profit 87

21 No Joy in This Ride: Vehicle Theft 91

22 Roll Them Bones: Gambling in the Salt City 95

23 Hell No, I Won't Go: Draft Dodgers and Bounty Jumpers 99

24 Rape 101

25 The Weird and Unusual: "You Stole What?" 105

26 Civil Unrest: Other Riots in the Salt City 109

27 Making Money the Old-fashioned Way IV: More Frauds and Schemes 113

28 The Weird and Unusual: More Crimes of the Heart 117

29 Getting Horizontal: More Prostitution in Syracuse 120

30 Smut Happens: Obscenity Cases in Syracuse 125

31 Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick: The Roosevelt/Barnes Trial 129

32 Syracuse and Crime: A Comparison of Then and Now 133

Epilogue 137

Notes 139

About the Author 141

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