I'm a Black native to Cleveland and I can confirm Little Italy is one of the coolest places this city has. It's probably a little modernized but the heart and soul of it is still there.
It all depends where you grow up and live in Cleveland. I would bet a lot of kids and their parents would disagree on it being a great place to grow up and live on the east side and a lot of the west side noe. It's a shame that the richest neighborhoods and the nicest and biggest houses on the east side turned into basically a war zone. The place isn't a safe place to live at all!
Most small towns had 2 bit mobsters running things. For example my home town of newark in the 30s had 30 different illegal bars. The town had 30000 people at the time thats a bar per 1000 people
Cleveland native here and I genuinely want to meet you. I live a little outside Little Italy. Cleveland is a little gem that so few people take advantage of city.
Really cool to hear you talk about Cleveland! My family is from the east side, and my nonno had a grocery store called Russo's Stop-N-Shop through the 60s and 70s. My uncles have told me a few stories so it's always interesting to hear about where/what you come from. Whenever i'm home my family always goes out to eat in Little Italy! You should come down one year for the Feast of the Assumption festival it's awesome to see!
My memory could be off but I'm fairly certain we had them until the 90s when they finally all turned into Giant Eagles. I had some good memories with my Grandpa at Stop n Shop.
My grandpa was approached by the Cleveland Mafia to make wine for them during prohibition. According to my Dad, my grandpa had a great personality and basically told the Mafia that they could have all the wine they wanted and can come over anytime to drink some, but he would not sell them any. The mafia respected that and let my grandpa alone. My grandpa made wine for 50 yrs and never had a bad bottle! His red was strong, but very good. Just don’t get any on a white shirt!
This episode brings a smile to my face. And yes, Murray Hill (AKA Lil Italy - Cleveland) is a favorite, and for so many reasons. The feast is excellent, of course, but on any given day (or evening), it's a great place to visit. It'll be great to see you, Michael! I will be making my ticket purchase, for sure! At any rate. this topic, as you've covered it, is excellent. The Italian influences here, past and present, extend to various places; from Parma, OH, to Willowick, OH (all surrounding Cleveland, of course. I remain in Cleveland, because the people here, with the "blue collar" feel, also have just the right amount of "midwestern hospitality". Some grit, and some charm. Thanks for covering us, Michael. Looking forward to seeing you here!
I'd have to agree with you. I've always known Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio area is such a hidden gem. There's alot of old school history here but there's also a lot of peace and for the most part ppl leave u alone unlike a lot of other places. That's really what makes it so great
Cleveland is a GREAT town. As a Detroit native, I’ve always enjoyed going down to the Land to spend some spare time. Always heard stories from my uncle in Chicago about the Cleveland Mob. Guys like Moe Kleinman, Sammy Tucker and Moe Dalitz! Legends in Cleveland.
@@padraig5335 obviously they weren’t Cosa Nostra, but they were BIG TIME gangsters. Bigger than most of the Italians in Cleveland. Made a helluva lot more money too. And those guys i named funneled millions of dollars into early Vegas gaming when most Cosa Nostra guys hadn’t ever seen a million dollars. Their legacies are not eclipsed by the Italians by any means.
@@desertdetroiter428 Very interesting. Hope my comment didn't come off rude. I just noticed this in an earlier conversation I had, I need to work on that. I've heard of Moe, but not the other two. I'll definitely have to look into Tucker, and Kleiman then. Thank you. I was just lost when you said mob guys and proceeded to name non Italians.
@@padraig5335 no, I understand what you’re saying. But Cosa Nostra guys were VERY aware of these three men and worked with them quite often. Dalitz, Kleinman and Tucker were running big time illegal gambling joints all over Ohio and Kentucky long before the Italians got into the business. Pretty much, the Jews built the gambling business for the Italians, but the Jewish gangsters were smart enough to own legal stakes in casinos so that they could claim their profits and reinvest them. Jimmy Fratianno from the LA Cosa Nostra talked a lot about how the Italians lacked the expertise to break into the business.
Genovese family still has a presence in Cleveland. My sister was a lawyer working with the OH Attorney General and had to prosecute a known member of the Genovese family. He ended up screaming during his trial saying so you know I am and who I’m made with? He then threatened to put a hit on our whole family. But nothing came from it, either that or this is the slowest hit in the world cause it’s been 5 years lol
My great grandparents Zamborsky moved to east side in 1957 and I remember hearing some wild stories from my great grandfather about the mafia in Cleveland. He was a different walk of life.
Michael, after hearing you mention your friend, Boom Boom Mancini, I thought you might appreciate this. Ten years ago, I moved from Alabama to San Diego, CA. I moved into a transitional apartment for veterans when I first arrived. We had a meeting the week after I moved in. At that meeting the manager of the facility informed us that “tomorrow is a state holiday, Cesar Chavez Day”. My country butt said, “ I loved watching him fight, but a state holiday??!”. Of course the rest of the guys nearly fell out of their chairs laughing at my thinking the holiday was for Julio Cesar Chavez.
The Kansas City mob was pretty powerful at one time. Had their hand in much of Las Vegas before the feds kind of shut them down. They still exist. But are not near as powerful.
When I moved to Texas, I used to think the same thing. I'd never heard of Cesar Chavez, but I was (still am) a huge boxing fan, so I thought people were talking about JCC. I didn't understand the lettuce references at the time.
Former little Italy resident (lived there a year while in law school). You are right, little Italy is still very much Italian. It’s a little touristy, but go even a block off mayfield and it feels less so. Every day at 6, 12, and 6 they ring the church bells for the angelus prayer. Also, Guarinos is, hands down, best of all of the restaurants. Doesn’t have fancy decor or a theme or whatever, but it is amazing food. Best service ever, and the people who run it are the nicest people ever. When I told them I was a week away from exams, They offered to pray for me. I am so glad you are wanting to check that out. (Also, when you are on Cleveland, go to Corbos, get a cannoli. They are best if you don’t eat them immediately, stick them in the fridge for a day) Every business you named (with the exception of La dolce vita, only because I have not been) I recommend highly! Also, the feast of the assumption is absolutely great. Best food ever, amazing vibe. Saturday of the Feast gets a little crowded.
Back in the late 60's and 70's my grandfather was in the United Auto Workers. He wasn't the president or anything but he was someone with serious pull. Brookpark, which is a suburb of Cleveland, has a Ford plant that back then was a major factory. My grandpa was very friendly with Danny Green and a few members of the Cleveland outfit because of their dealings with the UAW. My grandpa passed 2 years before I was born but he was a very respected man in Brookpark. When I was 18, I was warming up before a softball game in Brookpark. I had my last name on my jersey. A gentleman who was probably in his late 60's walked up to me and asked if Gary was my grandpa. I told him he was. He said "I just want to shake your hand out of respect. Your grandfather was a good man" Blew my mind
We love Tito in Cleveland! As an Italian-American and lifelong Cleveland resident, I've been to The Feast of the Assumption every year without fail since '98. Always a great time. Peace to you Michael!
Michael. My grandmother Edith provided a safe haven during prohibition times in Little Italy for Capone's men traveling to Chicago. She would cook for them and they saw her as a place to go to be safe in Murray Hill. My father told me the whole story about this in 2010, which involved the man before my grandfather who was abusive to her. One time, Capone's men came and had stopped as usual for her wonderful Italiana Kitchen cooking, and saw my Grandmother beaten by this man. They asked where he was... and soon after he was never found... My grandmother then met my wonderful Grandfather, Giovanni. I have the mob to thank that I am alive today. I grew up in Little Italy, but we moved out to the suburbs by the end of the 70's.
HEY my grandmother's cousin was Johnny Boy Del Zoppo!! We are the Murray Hill Anthony Lanese family . Also the Nicola Minadeo family from Ripalimosni Italy!!
My grandfather was associated with the Cleveland mafia in the 60s. I've always wanted to learn more but all of his stories went to the grave with him. Thanks for sharing!
Elliot Ness was also Cleveland's Safety Dir. not Chicago's, the Untouchables TV series used Chicago because of notoriety but he actually was a Cleveland figure.
He was in Chicago for prohibition as a revenue agent. Everything that happened in Cleveland was after prohibition. He was brought here to Cleveland to run the Police and Fire Departments. He did a lot of good here modernizing the public safety departments but he also had some scandals. Under his watch the Torso Murders went unsolved. He also made the call to destroy the shanty towns where the people who lost everything in the Great Depression lived.
Great sit down as always, happy to catch this one as soon as it was posted. I live in Nashville area and grew up a Tennessean, thank you for the brief distraction from this awful week and God bless Mr Franzese 🍷
Born, raised and still living on the east side of Cleveland today. Mayfield road and Murray hill have italilan joints littered all around. Still a large italian presence too. Awesome vid
Thank you for covering my hometown! My grandfather was present in the mafia under John Scalish. I remember hearing stories about Shondor Birns, Don King and others in the city during those times. Crazy but captivating stories that I could listen to for hours. God bless!
Mike, I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you very much sir! My dad just recently passed away, we loved mafia stories and anything about our city, my dad definitely made this video pop up! Thanks again, huge fan
Cleveland!! The city my family went to after getting off the boat at Ellis Island. That’s awesome you’ll be visiting the area Michael!! I hope you have a great time here!!
Capone used to lay low in a second story storefront on woodland Rd, which was the biggest Italian area of Cleveland circa 1920 1930s before they moved east further then finally up to Mayfield in the late 50s. Actually Cleveland heights, south Euclid, Lyndhurst and Mayfield, all the neighborhoods that run across Mayfield.
No kidding? I live on Woodland and I didn't know it was an Italian neighborhood back then. I did hear that a famous Italian boxer would come regularly to this neighborhood for a haircut.
I was raised just off Woodland Ave close to Shaker Hts border as a kid in the 60's between Woodland and Fairhill, and yes the area had a large Italian population along with the Hungarians (me) and Slovaks... our Italian next door neighbor had some Mafia friends that would stop over and drink the vino in the backyard. Those guys were very nice to us kids growing up, and actually played baseball with us and of course bocci ball... good times . I was a caddy at Hawthorne Valley CC and was one of Jackie Presser's favorite caddies .. He was a nice guy and tipped bigtime...
My nana worked at a courthouse I believe in Youngstown in the 70s and 80s and when a bunch of mobsters were going through trial she asked if one of them would sign something for her. All she had to sign was a dollar bill and one of the guys that signed it wrote “mob money” on it
@@BlackMan614 He did when he mention Boom Boom Mancini ,also says there was a big presents at one time ,old timer used to tell me storie getting paid to go start the boss mans car car bombs happened a lot after Jim Traficant passed you dont hear about the Mafia in Youngstown
This would be a great series Michael....talk about the lesser known families like in Cleveland, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Providence, etc. You really dont hear much about them unless its some story that is connected to the 5 Families, the Chicago Outfit and the crime families in Florida(their names escape me at the moment). There has to be a presence in those cities and in places like Houston. Any place where there is a big influx of illegal goods (drugs for example) there should be a mob representative or something to that effect. The big 4 states for drugs should have an equally large mafia presence....Florida, Texas, California, and New York.
There’s no mob in Texas, California, or Florida nowadays. No actual organized families at least. Florida has random guys from the NY families but nothing formidable. The drug cartels own those markets in the US.
I'm from Cleveland born and raised. I remember some Mafia stuff happening in the'70s and '80s. I've also talked to some of the old-timers guys that are older than me. Cleveland has always had a big mafia presence.
Mike thanks for commenting on this. I grew up on Murray Hill during The Jack White era. This guy is spot on on Cleveland. Presser put many people I know in the can.
A.J. My Uncle was a Union Organizer for the Teamsters, first under William Presser the Father who he respected. When his son Jackie followed in his Dad's Power, my Uncle never trusted him. My Uncle "E" aka "Hands" could see the downward spiral.
I grew up in Youngstown. I left Ohio at 18 and didn’t realize how great the Italian restaurants are back home until I couldn’t find anything comparable in my area. 😢
Michael, this was enjoyable coming from Cleveland. You can't talk about the Mafia there without mentioning the Collinwood area and Collinwood High School. Back in the day that area was solid Italian and when I was at Collinwood High the school was 25% Italian. Little Italy was founded by Italians who worked as stone masons in Lakeview Cemetery. They moved there from Big Italy which was near downtown.
Dave, Absolutely Collinwood, East 110th and Woodland Ave and Little Italy. The three big Italian Neighborhood's back in the 50's and Sixties when I was growing up.
@@RelativelyAttractiveMan Cleveland heights is the way it is because of John D Rockefeller who basically lived where the Forest Hill Parks are and people from his company had house all throughout East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights. East Cleveland for how poor the city is has huge houses because of this.
Absolutely. Collinwood Village deserves its rightful place in this history. As one of those 25% Italians at Collinwood High back in the early 70's I would agree wholeheartedly.
I'm a native Bronxite living in Parma Ohio, I grew up near Bronx Little Italy, White Plains Road, and Morris Park in the 70s and 80s. My grandfather was a number runner down in Spanish Harlem and spent a lot of time on Pleasant Ave near Rayo's and La Marqueta with those guys around that area so I know what Cossa Nostra looks and feels like. The Cleveland Mob is still alive and well here but they are very discrete. I'm sure they have ties to Detroit, Buffalo and Montreal. In this day and age though these guys are pretty low-key but if you know what to look for you'll see it all over Cleveland and the suburbs of Cleveland. The history is rich here for sure. Anytime I'm out that way in Little Italy, it's the only place I can find a meal that reminds me of Italian restaurants in NYC. Enjoy your time here when you're here.
I was a caregiver for many years in Cleveland. My older clients would tell me stories of the bath tub gun stills. I was told that how bath houses got some popular in Cleveland, you always save the time for a bath once a week. From what ai was told, young performers would be sent to cleveland night clubs before New York, the saying went, if Cleveland loved you, you would be a smash hit in New York lol. One client said in some of the clubs they the floor had a hidden panel and the performer would come up through the floor singing. The neighborhood kids would peek in the windows of the night clubs at night and watch the acts. The mob on the clubs and you would be them with beautiful women on their arms all glammed up. Loved their memories.
This is awesome because I’m from the Cleveland area, just outside of Cleveland! Cool video Michael! Definitely peaked my interest! Keep up the awesome work
Thanks, Michael! Great video like always. I live in the Cleveland area and thanks for covering our area’s history so well. Hope to meet you when you’re here in town.
Thanks for highlighting Cleveland Michael! Love this video, I grew up in Mayfield heights, right off of mayfield road. Ironically now I’m Brooklyn, NY (your old stomping grounds). But there’s no place like home. Great Italian community that still remains there. Always fun to go back and visit. Appreciate your videos!
@@camcruise9600 you sure about that? Mayfield heights is a 10-15 min car ride from little Italy. Not to mention aside from little Italy, Mayfield has a huge population of Italians. I guess “close” is a relative term. Depends how you would define it. The funniest part is nowhere in my comment did I say mayfield was close.
I’m a 42 yo Missourian and relatively history oriented but had never heard of the Cleveland ties. Please do more little mob cities. There is a LOT of forgotten history.
1. This was your best opening remarks ever, Michael. 👍 2. I 100% agree with you! 3. Turning away from God, caused our current decline. 4. Returning to God, is our only hope. 🙏
Wow being from Cleveland living here my whole life I never knew so much intel was here with the Mob … as always great content Micheal much love brother !
Michael, you should make a video on the Pittsburgh family, theres no presence anymore but would be interesting to hear you speak on them and if you had any experiences with guys from there in your time!
Awesome to hear you speak about my hometown, Mike! Looking forward to seeing you this June. If you get a chance, stop by Trattoria on Murray Hill, delicious food, and of course, stop by Corbos Bakery for some of the best cassata cake!
@@010JordiGaul hardly represents everything the Romans ruled. At one point the Romans held nearly everything from Britain to what is Iraq today. They held a massive amount of territory for much longer than 300 years.
Grew up in the Collinwood neighborhood (Nottingham and St. Clair). Knew Danny Greene. He had a strange relationship with the Mafia connected people in the Cleveland area. Sometimes cooperating, sometimes deadly enemies. Probably similar to Whitey Bolger and the Italians in Boston. Thanks Mr. Francese for your enlightening report on the "Cleveland" people.
Shondo Burnes worked with Don King. My dad just came home from Vietnam when the bombings took place. There was a well known mob family in Cleveland by the last name Licavoli. They've been there for decades. The Castles ran Youngstown. We have alot of history between Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown.
Al Capone tunnel was in the Tudor Arms Double Tree on Carnegie next to Cleveland Clinic. My old boss used to give hour long tours about the history. I worked 3 shift security their people used to love to see the old Olympic size pool that was used when they opened back in the 30's. They just put wood over the entrance to the tunnel. Capone also had a smaller pool put in behind the big pool for privacy and security or so goes the story.
Michael, I've been a fan of yours for awhile and have been waiting anxiously for you to cover the Cleveland mob. Most of what I know are stories from my father and other family members. I still get stories from my 92 yr. old cousin. I run a bar in Lakewood that was purchased with money my dad made running liquor in from Canada during prohibition. Thank you for this and God Bless.
When you go to little Italy 🇮🇹, go to Velarios, tiny amazing joint! I can almost guarantee you’ll run into Mike Fratello, from the Brad Dougherty, Mark Price days!
Thank you Mr. Franzese for highlighting Cleveland's mob history. I was born in Cleveland in the mid fifties and still live here. I remember reading about Shondor Birns and Danny Greene in our local newspapers, The Plain Dealer and The Cleveland Press. There was a lot of car bombing back then. It was only when I got older did I realized who they were. A coworker of mine in the early 70s who used to wotk for an attorney for Shondor Birns. He had office somewhere on Mayfield Rd. I didn't realize Cleveland had a Mafia presence until I did a some research. At 70 yrs old, I'm still learning about little known history facts about my beloved city. One more thing, Cleveland's federal courthouse used to be on Superior Ave downtown. That's when i found out about Jackie Presser, i saw him going into the building. Anyway thanks for the history lesson.
Michael, evil is so everywhere now, and these people don’t care who they hurt and that’s scary. Our government doesn’t seem to care and all we can do is pray- it’s So Overwhelming!! Praying for you and your family. Be Blessed in Jesus Name !❤
Nice of you to mention Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, from Youngstown as I have seen parts of your Interview with him, Michael!!. I can't wait to see the Whole Video of your Interview with Mancini!!😀🙏👏👏👏👍👋
When I think of the Cleveland family I can’t help but think of Danny Greene and the way he embarrassed the mob in Cleveland by waging a one man war on them that they started by messing with him! Lol
It wasnt a one man war. Greene was surrounded by Killers and had many in his circle. Keith 'The enforcer' Ritson, Kevin McTaggart, Brian O'Donnell, Danny Greene Jr., Billy McDuffy, Elmer Brittain, Ernest "Ted" Waite, Art "Snep" Snepereger and Jimmy "Icepick" Sterling as well as some Bikers..
Greene was obviously a tough guy, but he didn't exactly wage a "one man" war against the Cleveland mafia, and it wasn't because they "messed" with him. Greene was a criminal, and as most "conflicts" criminals wage with other criminals, it was for control of rackets. Greene was partnered with a powerful Italian Mafia associate named John Nardi who had a crew, and Greene had some heavy hitters in a local Irish crew, so he was not waging a "one man war", and let's not forget that Greene was an FBI informant (ironically, almost every Cleveland hood was an FBI informant in those days) that gave him a LOT of helpful information to know when and where people planned to move against him. Greene and Nardi both ended up blown to pieces, just like Shondor Birns, and plenty of others, and most of the Cleveland mafia they fought ended up in prison or dead in car trunks. So while the 70's of Cleveland makes for overromanticized tales of legends and lore and bombs exploding every week, guess what? Almost every single one of them ended up dead or in prison by 1985.
Hello Michael! You're doing a great job and your channel is fantastic. Thanks for all you do! I live in Detroit. Any content or knowledge you can share about the history of Cosa Nostra in the Motor City? That would be an interesting Sit Down for the viewers. God Bless!!!
Great video. Please do one on the Milwaukee Mob sometime down the line if you can. My home city has some interesting mob history despite being relatively small and in the shadow of the Chicago Outfit. Especially during the Balistreri/ Vegas Casino Skim era during the 70's and 80's there was a lot of activity going on here.
Growing up in shaker/Cleveland, it was our understanding that the mob actually started with the Murray hill mob on Murray hill and up euclid and all around woodland around 93 and buckeye and woodland. I'm 67. Later.
Hi Michael from 20-miles south of Cleveland. Welcome to Cleveland when you come here, have fun at Little Italy. I raised in Cicero, IL. and then my family moved to Cleveland. My 2nd wife and I go to Little Italy during the summer time and we have a lot of fun. You're right, it's not used to be back in the old days. God Bless you and your family. I enjoy watching your videos, keep them coming. By the way, I used to hang around West Park and there was also the mafia. Alot of history in Cleveland and Cicero.🤓
I live in Cleveland n thank you so much no one ever talks about the Cleveland family my ex girlfriend's dad was a made guy in the family please do more about the Cleveland family
Michael, thank you for the Cleveland episode. You are spot on with this. Grew up on the East Side and was around for the end in the 80s. Collinwood should get a proper mention next time. Thanks again.
I really enjoy watching your videos and listening to your content. I'm glad you were able to turn your life around. I'm still struggling with doing the right thing in my life, but I'm working on it. You seem like a good man. I hope the best for you and your family ❤🎉
Thanks so much for bringing up Cleveland, uncle Mike. My Grandpa and Great Uncle were involved in numbers. My great uncle Tony Panzarella controlled the numbers racket in Cleveland for years and also got kickbacks from Don King and allowed King to do business. My uncle even had a small role in the Don King movie.
Great to hear you cover my hometown (well, I lived in the suburbs outside of Cleveland). I haven't been to little Italy in a long time. The bakery I went to with my girlfriend at the time had t-shirts that said "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli." . My girlfriend had no clue what it meant. I had to explain.it to her 😂😂😂😂
Michael, Guarino's is fantastic. Also, consider stopping by the Schvitz. As one of the current owners, I can tell you it has a tremendous history in Cleveland, opening its doors in 1927. Many business deals were discussed there . Not to mention one of the best steaks in the city. My partner who owns/manages the Schvitz also owns Murray Hill Market in Little Italy. He has so much knowledge of not just the area, but the history--not to mention his wife is Italian and has roots in Little Italy. Anyhow, happy to treat you to a Schvitz during. your visit.
the Cleveland chapter of the Hells Angels were absolutely beyond the pale violent in the 70s too. Cleveland mob and Philly/Pennsylvania as a whole went to war over Youngstown. Also theres a famous retired thief named Phil Christopher from Cleveland who put a crew together and hit a bank at night in California and got em for around 30 million
The HA's had a clubhouse in Collingwood in the 70's, they were really dangerous and worked with the mob. Phil was also from Collingwood. So was Danny Greene!
Philadelphia has never been involved in Youngstown Ohio. The Pittsburgh crime family is who was vying for control of Youngstown with the Cleveland crime family.
We're from Cleveland originally, I was a Teamster under Sonny Nardi (son) The hole where his father was killed by a bomb in the Tramster Union parking lot stayed there all the way til Sonny retired due to health. But yes Little Italy is still the best Italian food around.
As a 42 year old African American from Cleveland, we were always told to stay away from there, stories of being beaten and or chased away with bats, so it was a scary place for us. It’s different now, more accepting, but still get those what are you doing here looks at some places.
I would love to hear about the Kansas City mob. You never really hear about them. I know there's a strong Irish Presence there, or used to be years back. That would be interesting to hear about.
Yes, we have a big Irish presence, me being one of them myself. St Paddy's day was awesome, and always is. The Mafia history is great. I worked at a restaurant that was once connected that's a steak house. Where the original location was burned down for insurance money. 10 or so years ago, they got busted for running an illegal gambling website using an IP out of central America.
Very interesting. I never really think of Cleveland. Great video today. I would love to hear you talk about area outside of Chicago where some of Capone's guys went to get off the radar. Areas like Gary and Hammond Indiana were known as Michigan city because of the mob movement there. Very cool and obscure stories there too.Happy Opening Day Michael! Go Yankees! ❤🗽⚾
I'm from Hammond, grew up south side of Chicago and have live in gary, east Chicago, and am back in Hammond. I work for a company started by an alleged mobster named Chic Roviaro, this company is a pop and juices producer as well as co2 and beer gases, always wonder if this started over knowledge of bootlegging. Hammond and Calumet City had what I heard is thee original Strip from Stateline down State St. I even deliver to the Green Mill which was a Capone club on the north side on Broadway.
Michigan City is almost an hour away, probably 45 minutes away, I can throw a rock and land in Chicago from where I live in Hammond. Michigan City is its own place on the border of Michigan. Never heard of Region cities Hammond, East Chicago, or Gary, being called Michigan City ever.
@@m.e.5482 It was called that because of mob activity into the late 80s. During the 70s that entire outskirt area was inundated with family activity and hide outs.. and the feds. Probably why you didn't know
I'm convinced I met a couple mob bosses in cleveland a few years ago. Game 7 of the World Series in 2016 I was looking for a spot to watch and there was this little dive bar in the middle of downtown. No markings or signage anywhere and no tables or chairs or barstools inside. Just a bar, the booze and 1 TV. But the door was open and it was pretty full. Everyone inside seemed to know each other and were on a first name basis with the bartenders. I went in and watched the game there. Everybody was nice. After the game, two VERY italian looking guys in suits (NOT a suit and tie type place) walked in and sat in the corner. They did not order drinks. Being a bit drunk, I struck up a conversation and they told me I should try their restaurant in Little Italy. Then they got up, told the bartender the bar was closed for the night (way before normal bar closing time) and everyone just left. Also possibly worth noting, the bar was cash only. I've spent a lot of time in Cleveland and I never saw that bar open before that night or since that night. In fact, walking past it, you'd never know that building was even occupied. It didn't occur to me until the next day that it was probably a mob bar.
No they are not . I lived in little italy cleveland for years and worked in most of the restaurants there . Most of the restaurants are owned by Albanians.
I feel right at home watching your show. I am Italian and currently live in Cleveland. I remember as a child in the 60's, my Uncle was a bookie. He drove his catering truck while taking bets. I knew the son of Angelo Lonardo (from the Collinwood Crew). He told me about the 6th district police in Collinwood being arrested in the 90's for being involved with this mob. There were so many officers arrested that regular security guards had to fill in.
I'm a Black native to Cleveland and I can confirm Little Italy is one of the coolest places this city has. It's probably a little modernized but the heart and soul of it is still there.
Yea i still love riding through there till this day
My Dad got ran out of Little Italy as a kid. It was racist though.
You can’t be black saying little Italy is cool it’s super racist there
@@urameshi6254it’s still racist there
I love little Italy. I'm half Jamaican and Italian. Lovely place. Great atmosphere.
Thank you for the kind words and history lesson. Cleveland gets a bad wrap but it’s a great place to grow up and live
It all depends where you grow up and live in Cleveland. I would bet a lot of kids and their parents would disagree on it being a great place to grow up and live on the east side and a lot of the west side noe. It's a shame that the richest neighborhoods and the nicest and biggest houses on the east side turned into basically a war zone. The place isn't a safe place to live at all!
Tf are you talking about lol. Of course there are bad areas. But don't be hyperbolic @austinpowers8550
I’m from Buffalo NY and I love coming to Cleveland. Like Buffalo, it gets a bad rap but it’s actually a very nice place and a great American city!
@@austinpowers8550I’m born and raised here. Most of it is fine. Every city has its bad areas but you’re just fear mongering with this nonsense.
As an Ohioan, I was very excited to watch this one! I enjoy everything about this channel! TY for all of it Michael!
Same!
Most small towns had 2 bit mobsters running things. For example my home town of newark in the 30s had 30 different illegal bars. The town had 30000 people at the time thats a bar per 1000 people
Me too
Ditto!
June 24th, Loraine Palace Theater, I'm going.
Cleveland native here and I genuinely want to meet you. I live a little outside Little Italy. Cleveland is a little gem that so few people take advantage of city.
Really cool to hear you talk about Cleveland! My family is from the east side, and my nonno had a grocery store called Russo's Stop-N-Shop through the 60s and 70s. My uncles have told me a few stories so it's always interesting to hear about where/what you come from. Whenever i'm home my family always goes out to eat in Little Italy! You should come down one year for the Feast of the Assumption festival it's awesome to see!
My memory could be off but I'm fairly certain we had them until the 90s when they finally all turned into Giant Eagles. I had some good memories with my Grandpa at Stop n Shop.
Hey ! I grew up shopping there ! Hate to say , like so many things here , Its empty now . I remember John and Sal very well
Been to Russo’s.
Grew up in Lyndhurst, shopped at Russo's, also Ferrara's and Alesci's, been to The Feast, Cleveland Rocks!!!
Momma Santa's all the way!
My grandpa was approached by the Cleveland Mafia to make wine for them during prohibition. According to my Dad, my grandpa had a great personality and basically told the Mafia that they could have all the wine they wanted and can come over anytime to drink some, but he would not sell them any. The mafia respected that and let my grandpa alone.
My grandpa made wine for 50 yrs and never had a bad bottle! His red was strong, but very good. Just don’t get any on a white shirt!
I bet he made it for them..
Your grandfather sounds like a great man. 👍
🧢 cap
71 , you look great for 71, wow, always a pleasure listening to you mr franceze, take care , god bless you and your lovely wife and family 😊
It's amazing that you are still alive . I guess they think it's not worth clipping you anymore.
This episode brings a smile to my face. And yes, Murray Hill (AKA Lil Italy - Cleveland) is a favorite, and for so many reasons. The feast is excellent, of course, but on any given day (or evening), it's a great place to visit. It'll be great to see you, Michael! I will be making my ticket purchase, for sure!
At any rate. this topic, as you've covered it, is excellent. The Italian influences here, past and present, extend to various places; from Parma, OH, to Willowick, OH (all surrounding Cleveland, of course. I remain in Cleveland, because the people here, with the "blue collar" feel, also have just the right amount of "midwestern hospitality". Some grit, and some charm.
Thanks for covering us, Michael. Looking forward to seeing you here!
I'm there with u! I love living in northeast Ohio
I'd have to agree with you. I've always known Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio area is such a hidden gem. There's alot of old school history here but there's also a lot of peace and for the most part ppl leave u alone unlike a lot of other places. That's really what makes it so great
Good comment. I'm half Sicilian born in Cleveland and raised in lake county
Thank you for sharing light on my city. Cleveland had a mafia presence that’s not spoke about often. Thank you Micheal.
Cleveland is a GREAT town. As a Detroit native, I’ve always enjoyed going down to the Land to spend some spare time. Always heard stories from my uncle in Chicago about the Cleveland Mob. Guys like Moe Kleinman, Sammy Tucker and Moe Dalitz! Legends in Cleveland.
Bro, not one of those are Italian though. They were associates, but none were in the Mafia.
@@padraig5335 obviously they weren’t Cosa Nostra, but they were BIG TIME gangsters. Bigger than most of the Italians in Cleveland. Made a helluva lot more money too. And those guys i named funneled millions of dollars into early Vegas gaming when most Cosa Nostra guys hadn’t ever seen a million dollars. Their legacies are not eclipsed by the Italians by any means.
@@desertdetroiter428 Very interesting. Hope my comment didn't come off rude. I just noticed this in an earlier conversation I had, I need to work on that. I've heard of Moe, but not the other two. I'll definitely have to look into Tucker, and Kleiman then. Thank you. I was just lost when you said mob guys and proceeded to name non Italians.
@@padraig5335 no, I understand what you’re saying. But Cosa Nostra guys were VERY aware of these three men and worked with them quite often. Dalitz, Kleinman and Tucker were running big time illegal gambling joints all over Ohio and Kentucky long before the Italians got into the business. Pretty much, the Jews built the gambling business for the Italians, but the Jewish gangsters were smart enough to own legal stakes in casinos so that they could claim their profits and reinvest them. Jimmy Fratianno from the LA Cosa Nostra talked a lot about how the Italians lacked the expertise to break into the business.
Genovese family still has a presence in Cleveland. My sister was a lawyer working with the OH Attorney General and had to prosecute a known member of the Genovese family. He ended up screaming during his trial saying so you know I am and who I’m made with? He then threatened to put a hit on our whole family. But nothing came from it, either that or this is the slowest hit in the world cause it’s been 5 years lol
My great grandparents Zamborsky moved to east side in 1957 and I remember hearing some wild stories from my great grandfather about the mafia in Cleveland. He was a different walk of life.
Michael, after hearing you mention your friend, Boom Boom Mancini, I thought you might appreciate this. Ten years ago, I moved from Alabama to San Diego, CA. I moved into a transitional apartment for veterans when I first arrived. We had a meeting the week after I moved in. At that meeting the manager of the facility informed us that “tomorrow is a state holiday, Cesar Chavez Day”. My country butt said, “ I loved watching him fight, but a state holiday??!”. Of course the rest of the guys nearly fell out of their chairs laughing at my thinking the holiday was for Julio Cesar Chavez.
The Kansas City mob was pretty powerful at one time. Had their hand in much of Las Vegas before the feds kind of shut them down. They still exist. But are not near as powerful.
Hilarious 😂
Remember when Ray Mancini killed Doo Koo Kim in the ring, in 1982. I was 14 when I saw this fight.
@@brianrash9885 Kim Duk-koo was a great fighter. So sad. I also watched it live... 😢
When I moved to Texas, I used to think the same thing. I'd never heard of Cesar Chavez, but I was (still am) a huge boxing fan, so I thought people were talking about JCC. I didn't understand the lettuce references at the time.
Former little Italy resident (lived there a year while in law school). You are right, little Italy is still very much Italian. It’s a little touristy, but go even a block off mayfield and it feels less so. Every day at 6, 12, and 6 they ring the church bells for the angelus prayer. Also, Guarinos is, hands down, best of all of the restaurants. Doesn’t have fancy decor or a theme or whatever, but it is amazing food. Best service ever, and the people who run it are the nicest people ever. When I told them I was a week away from exams, They offered to pray for me. I am so glad you are wanting to check that out.
(Also, when you are on Cleveland, go to Corbos, get a cannoli. They are best if you don’t eat them immediately, stick them in the fridge for a day)
Every business you named (with the exception of La dolce vita, only because I have not been) I recommend highly!
Also, the feast of the assumption is absolutely great. Best food ever, amazing vibe. Saturday of the Feast gets a little crowded.
Back in the late 60's and 70's my grandfather was in the United Auto Workers. He wasn't the president or anything but he was someone with serious pull. Brookpark, which is a suburb of Cleveland, has a Ford plant that back then was a major factory. My grandpa was very friendly with Danny Green and a few members of the Cleveland outfit because of their dealings with the UAW. My grandpa passed 2 years before I was born but he was a very respected man in Brookpark. When I was 18, I was warming up before a softball game in Brookpark. I had my last name on my jersey. A gentleman who was probably in his late 60's walked up to me and asked if Gary was my grandpa. I told him he was. He said "I just want to shake your hand out of respect. Your grandfather was a good man" Blew my mind
We love Tito in Cleveland! As an Italian-American and lifelong Cleveland resident, I've been to The Feast of the Assumption every year without fail since '98. Always a great time. Peace to you Michael!
I’m from Cleveland too . What’s the best Italian restaurants. I’m on the younger side 28 so I’m still trying to find all the spots in the city
@@Cleveland-fp8kh I'll suggest a few of my faves: Trattoria and Michaelangelo's..both in Little Italy. Both are excellent.
Where do they have it at
@ where do they have what at?
Michael. My grandmother Edith provided a safe haven during prohibition times in Little Italy for Capone's men traveling to Chicago. She would cook for them and they saw her as a place to go to be safe in Murray Hill. My father told me the whole story about this in 2010, which involved the man before my grandfather who was abusive to her. One time, Capone's men came and had stopped as usual for her wonderful Italiana Kitchen cooking, and saw my Grandmother beaten by this man. They asked where he was... and soon after he was never found... My grandmother then met my wonderful Grandfather, Giovanni. I have the mob to thank that I am alive today. I grew up in Little Italy, but we moved out to the suburbs by the end of the 70's.
Grow up with any Del Zoppos or Carbones?
HEY my grandmother's cousin was Johnny Boy Del Zoppo!! We are the Murray Hill Anthony Lanese family . Also the Nicola Minadeo family from Ripalimosni Italy!!
Michael, you are a living encyclopedia. Congratulations!
@michaelfranzese ... You have a bot in your comments....
Except if you knew anything about the mob you'd know about this already
Danny Green used to come to our house to buy fireworks from my dad. I remember him as a loud but hilarious character.
My grandfather was associated with the Cleveland mafia in the 60s. I've always wanted to learn more but all of his stories went to the grave with him. Thanks for sharing!
Look them up on youtube
Same
Elliot Ness was also Cleveland's Safety Dir. not Chicago's, the Untouchables TV series used Chicago because of notoriety but he actually was a Cleveland figure.
He was in Chicago for prohibition as a revenue agent. Everything that happened in Cleveland was after prohibition. He was brought here to Cleveland to run the Police and Fire Departments. He did a lot of good here modernizing the public safety departments but he also had some scandals. Under his watch the Torso Murders went unsolved. He also made the call to destroy the shanty towns where the people who lost everything in the Great Depression lived.
He's buried at Lake View Cemetery here in Cleveland.
Great sit down as always, happy to catch this one as soon as it was posted. I live in Nashville area and grew up a Tennessean, thank you for the brief distraction from this awful week and God bless Mr Franzese 🍷
@@michaelfranzese michael what about mafia in canada
Born, raised and still living on the east side of Cleveland today. Mayfield road and Murray hill have italilan joints littered all around. Still a large italian presence too. Awesome vid
Thank you for covering my hometown! My grandfather was present in the mafia under John Scalish. I remember hearing stories about Shondor Birns, Don King and others in the city during those times. Crazy but captivating stories that I could listen to for hours. God bless!
Is there still a mob presence in Cleveland lake erie docks?
Wiew from Europe in America the main problems are 2: free guns and no welfare state
@Francesco Caci we have tons of welfare programs and no one gives out guns 😂😂
@Francesco Caci I would argue that there are too many welfare programs running.
Yes Don King
Mike, I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you very much sir! My dad just recently passed away, we loved mafia stories and anything about our city, my dad definitely made this video pop up! Thanks again, huge fan
I wish Johnny fratto was still alive. Loved him on Stern and hearing his father's stories were great. He would've been an epic sit down
"Johnny you KNOW! What to do!"
@@xxbobsetsfirexx4269 you know what to do. Eric was by far the greatest wack packer.
Dude, as a fan of your channel, history buff, and a northeast Ohioan I’m excited for this episode
Cleveland!! The city my family went to after getting off the boat at Ellis Island. That’s awesome you’ll be visiting the area Michael!! I hope you have a great time here!!
Capone used to lay low in a second story storefront on woodland Rd, which was the biggest Italian area of Cleveland circa 1920 1930s before they moved east further then finally up to Mayfield in the late 50s. Actually Cleveland heights, south Euclid, Lyndhurst and Mayfield, all the neighborhoods that run across Mayfield.
No kidding? I live on Woodland and I didn't know it was an Italian neighborhood back then. I did hear that a famous Italian boxer would come regularly to this neighborhood for a haircut.
I was raised just off Woodland Ave close to Shaker Hts border as a kid in the 60's between Woodland and Fairhill, and yes the area had a large Italian population along with the Hungarians (me) and Slovaks... our Italian next door neighbor had some Mafia friends that would stop over and drink the vino in the backyard. Those guys were very nice to us kids growing up, and actually played baseball with us and of course bocci ball... good times . I was a caddy at Hawthorne Valley CC and was one of Jackie Presser's favorite caddies .. He was a nice guy and tipped bigtime...
I'm sure it was different back then. It's really an awful neighborhood now. I am really looking forward to moving back to lake county.
My nana worked at a courthouse I believe in Youngstown in the 70s and 80s and when a bunch of mobsters were going through trial she asked if one of them would sign something for her. All she had to sign was a dollar bill and one of the guys that signed it wrote “mob money” on it
Ronny Carabia, Pasquale "Buchie" Cistranino were "acquaintances" of mine ....at "band camp".
I worked at a bank in Youngstown and the Carrabia’s and Naples frequently came by to see my boss who was the bank president.
Yeah... how can you mention the Cleveland mob without reference to Youngstown. Holy crap... Youngstown was ground zero.
Interesting. I wondered if I was the only one on who hearing "Cleveland" automatically thought "Youngstown".
@@BlackMan614 He did when he mention Boom Boom Mancini ,also says there was a big presents at one time ,old timer used to tell me storie getting paid to go start the boss mans car car bombs happened a lot after Jim Traficant passed you dont hear about the Mafia in Youngstown
This would be a great series Michael....talk about the lesser known families like in Cleveland, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Providence, etc. You really dont hear much about them unless its some story that is connected to the 5 Families, the Chicago Outfit and the crime families in Florida(their names escape me at the moment). There has to be a presence in those cities and in places like Houston. Any place where there is a big influx of illegal goods (drugs for example) there should be a mob representative or something to that effect. The big 4 states for drugs should have an equally large mafia presence....Florida, Texas, California, and New York.
Detroit had one of the biggest families in the country, plus the Purple Gang.
Youngstown Ohio
The Purple Gang was no joke. Even Big Al didn't want want to mess with them.
There’s no mob in Texas, California, or Florida nowadays. No actual organized families at least. Florida has random guys from the NY families but nothing formidable. The drug cartels own those markets in the US.
KC Mob, John Lazia and the history with Tom Pendergast.
My moms side is from the Cleveland area and I have family in Lorain...small world! Thank you for sharing!
I'm from Cleveland, super cool to hear you talk about this
I'm from Cleveland born and raised. I remember some Mafia stuff happening in the'70s and '80s. I've also talked to some of the old-timers guys that are older than me. Cleveland has always had a big mafia presence.
Mike thanks for commenting on this. I grew up on Murray Hill during
The Jack White era. This guy is spot on on Cleveland. Presser put many people I know in the can.
A.J.
My Uncle was a Union Organizer for the Teamsters, first under William Presser the Father who he respected. When his son Jackie followed in his Dad's Power, my Uncle never trusted him.
My Uncle "E" aka "Hands" could see the downward spiral.
Fellow Christian here. Appreciate your content. Sounds like the lord changed your heart. U are a walking testimony. Much love
I grew up in Youngstown. I left Ohio at 18 and didn’t realize how great the Italian restaurants are back home until I couldn’t find anything comparable in my area. 😢
Same. Cheers
Yeah, we came up spoiled for choice around here. I moved away for like a decade and didn't realize how good the eating was until I left.
It’s the best
@@christophercampbell1677 Cheers! 🍻
Michael, this was enjoyable coming from Cleveland. You can't talk about the Mafia there without mentioning the Collinwood area and Collinwood High School. Back in the day that area was solid Italian and when I was at Collinwood High the school was 25% Italian. Little Italy was founded by Italians who worked as stone masons in Lakeview Cemetery. They moved there from Big Italy which was near downtown.
Is that why Cleveland heights has so many nice houses? Was that the suburb that A lot of those guys moved to ?
@@RelativelyAttractiveMan Not so much Cleve Hts but out to the Hillcrest area and Gates Mills.
Dave,
Absolutely Collinwood, East 110th and Woodland Ave and Little Italy.
The three big Italian Neighborhood's back in the 50's and Sixties when I was growing up.
@@RelativelyAttractiveMan Cleveland heights is the way it is because of John D Rockefeller who basically lived where the Forest Hill Parks are and people from his company had house all throughout East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights. East Cleveland for how poor the city is has huge houses because of this.
Absolutely. Collinwood Village deserves its rightful place in this history. As one of those 25% Italians at Collinwood High back in the early 70's I would agree wholeheartedly.
I'm a native Bronxite living in Parma Ohio, I grew up near Bronx Little Italy, White Plains Road, and Morris Park in the 70s and 80s. My grandfather was a number runner down in Spanish Harlem and spent a lot of time on Pleasant Ave near Rayo's and La Marqueta with those guys around that area so I know what Cossa Nostra looks and feels like. The Cleveland Mob is still alive and well here but they are very discrete. I'm sure they have ties to Detroit, Buffalo and Montreal. In this day and age though these guys are pretty low-key but if you know what to look for you'll see it all over Cleveland and the suburbs of Cleveland. The history is rich here for sure. Anytime I'm out that way in Little Italy, it's the only place I can find a meal that reminds me of Italian restaurants in NYC. Enjoy your time here when you're here.
The movie Casino by Scorsese actually mentions the Cleveland mafia
And Cleveland was mentioned in Godfather 2
Michael, I love your stories, opinions, ideas, likes, and yes your personal life tidbits as well. So glad the Bone Scan went well. Bless you, Paisan!
Wise words Michael! I look forward to your Sit Downs I learn so much from watching you. Thanks!
I was a caregiver for many years in Cleveland. My older clients would tell me stories of the bath tub gun stills. I was told that how bath houses got some popular in Cleveland, you always save the time for a bath once a week.
From what ai was told, young performers would be sent to cleveland night clubs before New York, the saying went, if Cleveland loved you, you would be a smash hit in New York lol.
One client said in some of the clubs they the floor had a hidden panel and the performer would come up through the floor singing.
The neighborhood kids would peek in the windows of the night clubs at night and watch the acts. The mob on the clubs and you would be them with beautiful women on their arms all glammed up.
Loved their memories.
When you mentioned Youngstown, Ohio it made me remember the joke Richard Pryor told about working a mafia night club. LOL
This is awesome because I’m from the Cleveland area, just outside of Cleveland! Cool video Michael! Definitely peaked my interest! Keep up the awesome work
Getting closer to me in Western Pennsylvania. Look forward to another great video. Keep it up and thank you. Have a tremendously great day!!!
Hi Michael! I look forward to this video. I love history and neat trivia facts. Will you do one about Montreal? 😊
Thanks, Michael! Great video like always. I live in the Cleveland area and thanks for covering our area’s history so well. Hope to meet you when you’re here in town.
Covered it well my ass! You can't talk about the mafia in Cleveland without mentioning Licavoli.
This is fascinating, 🤔👍 I always heard of the Families in New York and In Chicago, but I never knew about Cleveland. Great video!
Youngstown and Cleveland both have their history in lcn.
Thanks for highlighting Cleveland Michael! Love this video, I grew up in Mayfield heights, right off of mayfield road. Ironically now I’m Brooklyn, NY (your old stomping grounds). But there’s no place like home. Great Italian community that still remains there. Always fun to go back and visit. Appreciate your videos!
Alesci's is gone, though. :( Loved their bread.
Mayfield heights is no where near the part of mayfield he’s speaking of lol
@@camcruise9600 you sure about that? Mayfield heights is a 10-15 min car ride from little Italy. Not to mention aside from little Italy, Mayfield has a huge population of Italians. I guess “close” is a relative term. Depends how you would define it. The funniest part is nowhere in my comment did I say mayfield was close.
@@marksuslik6027 I said near not close
I’m trolling Mark didn’t think you would respond 😂
clevelands slogan: "at least we're not detroit!"
im kidding, love you cleveland.
I’m a 42 yo Missourian and relatively history oriented but had never heard of the Cleveland ties. Please do more little mob cities. There is a LOT of forgotten history.
1. This was your best opening remarks ever, Michael. 👍
2. I 100% agree with you!
3. Turning away from God, caused our current decline.
4. Returning to God, is our only hope. 🙏
Wow being from Cleveland living here my whole life I never knew so much intel was here with the Mob … as always great content Micheal much love brother !
Michael, you should make a video on the Pittsburgh family, theres no presence anymore but would be interesting to hear you speak on them and if you had any experiences with guys from there in your time!
New Kensington specifically
When I hear Cleveland mob, I think Richard Pryor’s stand up set on Cleveland’s mob lol 😊
Awesome to hear you speak about my hometown, Mike! Looking forward to seeing you this June. If you get a chance, stop by Trattoria on Murray Hill, delicious food, and of course, stop by Corbos Bakery for some of the best cassata cake!
and cannoli's!
Wow...alot of great Cleveland history.
Thank you!!!! I grew up in Cleveland 1959 - 1978
Hey Mike. The Roman Republic then empire ruled the world for much longer than 300 years. Over a thousand years for that matter. Love the show.
The Roman's only had control of Gaul from 51BC until 476AD the Roman's definitely did not rule the world for over a thousand years
@@010JordiGaul hardly represents everything the Romans ruled. At one point the Romans held nearly everything from Britain to what is Iraq today. They held a massive amount of territory for much longer than 300 years.
Grew up in the Collinwood neighborhood (Nottingham and St. Clair). Knew Danny Greene. He had a strange relationship with the Mafia connected people in the Cleveland area. Sometimes cooperating, sometimes deadly enemies. Probably similar to Whitey Bolger and the Italians in Boston. Thanks Mr. Francese for your enlightening report on the "Cleveland" people.
Shondo Burnes worked with Don King. My dad just came home from Vietnam when the bombings took place. There was a well known mob family in Cleveland by the last name Licavoli. They've been there for decades. The Castles ran Youngstown. We have alot of history between Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown.
Hey, Michael, I’m a native Clevelander. Thank you so much for doing this video! We’ll done.
Al Capone tunnel was in the Tudor Arms Double Tree on Carnegie next to Cleveland Clinic. My old boss used to give hour long tours about the history. I worked 3 shift security their people used to love to see the old Olympic size pool that was used when they opened back in the 30's. They just put wood over the entrance to the tunnel. Capone also had a smaller pool put in behind the big pool for privacy and security or so goes the story.
Michael, I've been a fan of yours for awhile and have been waiting anxiously for you to cover the Cleveland mob. Most of what I know are stories from my father and other family members. I still get stories from my 92 yr. old cousin. I run a bar in Lakewood that was purchased with money my dad made running liquor in from Canada during prohibition. Thank you for this and God Bless.
When you go to little Italy 🇮🇹, go to Velarios, tiny amazing joint! I can almost guarantee you’ll run into Mike Fratello, from the Brad Dougherty, Mark Price days!
Thank you Mr. Franzese for highlighting Cleveland's mob history. I was born in Cleveland in the mid fifties and still live here. I remember reading about Shondor Birns and Danny Greene in our local newspapers, The Plain Dealer and The Cleveland Press. There was a lot of car bombing back then. It was only when I got older did I realized who they were. A coworker of mine in the early 70s who used to wotk for an attorney for Shondor Birns. He had office somewhere on Mayfield Rd. I didn't realize Cleveland had a Mafia presence until I did a some research. At 70 yrs old, I'm still learning about little known history facts about my beloved city. One more thing, Cleveland's federal courthouse used to be on Superior Ave downtown. That's when i found out about Jackie Presser, i saw him going into the building. Anyway thanks for the history lesson.
Cleveland was nicknamed "Bomb City, U.S.A." by the local papers after 36 bombs exploded in the area in 1976.
Michael, evil is so everywhere now, and these people don’t care who they hurt and that’s scary. Our government doesn’t seem to care and all we can do is pray- it’s So Overwhelming!! Praying for you and your family. Be Blessed in Jesus Name !❤
Our govt doesn't care about evil is because it almost literally promotes it.
I watch stuff about USA it must be scary I feel lucky I live in the UK
@@peterllwlln lol
@@peterllwlln if you're not gangbanging your likelihood of being shot are astronomical
Yanks say England People drink to much
Nice of you to mention Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, from Youngstown as I have seen parts of your Interview with him, Michael!!. I can't wait to see the Whole Video of your Interview with Mancini!!😀🙏👏👏👏👍👋
When I think of the Cleveland family I can’t help but think of Danny Greene and the way he embarrassed the mob in Cleveland by waging a one man war on them that they started by messing with him! Lol
It wasnt a one man war.
Greene was surrounded by Killers and had many in his circle. Keith 'The enforcer' Ritson, Kevin McTaggart, Brian O'Donnell, Danny Greene Jr., Billy McDuffy, Elmer Brittain, Ernest "Ted" Waite, Art "Snep" Snepereger and Jimmy "Icepick" Sterling as well as some Bikers..
The movie about danny Greene that came out like 11 12 years ago is pretty fire
Greene was obviously a tough guy, but he didn't exactly wage a "one man" war against the Cleveland mafia, and it wasn't because they "messed" with him. Greene was a criminal, and as most "conflicts" criminals wage with other criminals, it was for control of rackets. Greene was partnered with a powerful Italian Mafia associate named John Nardi who had a crew, and Greene had some heavy hitters in a local Irish crew, so he was not waging a "one man war", and let's not forget that Greene was an FBI informant (ironically, almost every Cleveland hood was an FBI informant in those days) that gave him a LOT of helpful information to know when and where people planned to move against him. Greene and Nardi both ended up blown to pieces, just like Shondor Birns, and plenty of others, and most of the Cleveland mafia they fought ended up in prison or dead in car trunks. So while the 70's of Cleveland makes for overromanticized tales of legends and lore and bombs exploding every week, guess what? Almost every single one of them ended up dead or in prison by 1985.
Danny and his hair plugs
And they blew him up in the parking lot of his dentist....
Hello Michael! You're doing a great job and your channel is fantastic. Thanks for all you do! I live in Detroit. Any content or knowledge you can share about the history of Cosa Nostra in the Motor City? That would be an interesting Sit Down for the viewers. God Bless!!!
Being Sicilian and from Cleveland this video feel like I was learning my history
I always enjoy the content Michael
Thank you for the extra ladies look around you. God bless you franzese
Great video. Please do one on the Milwaukee Mob sometime down the line if you can. My home city has some interesting mob history despite being relatively small and in the shadow of the Chicago Outfit. Especially during the Balistreri/ Vegas Casino Skim era during the 70's and 80's there was a lot of activity going on here.
The most famous Italian from Milwaukee is Fonzie Fonzarelli. Milwaukee even has a public statue of The Fonz!
@@josephimperatrice5552played by a Jew.
Growing up in shaker/Cleveland, it was our understanding that the mob actually started with the Murray hill mob on Murray hill and up euclid and all around woodland around 93 and buckeye and woodland. I'm 67. Later.
East 110th and Woodland Ave.
Hi Michael from 20-miles south of Cleveland. Welcome to Cleveland when you come here, have fun at Little Italy. I raised in Cicero, IL. and then my family moved to Cleveland. My 2nd wife and I go to Little Italy during the summer time and we have a lot of fun. You're right, it's not used to be back in the old days. God Bless you and your family. I enjoy watching your videos, keep them coming. By the way, I used to hang around West Park and there was also the mafia. Alot of history in Cleveland and Cicero.🤓
I live in Cleveland n thank you so much no one ever talks about the Cleveland family my ex girlfriend's dad was a made guy in the family please do more about the Cleveland family
Michael, thank you for the Cleveland episode. You are spot on with this. Grew up on the East Side and was around for the end in the 80s. Collinwood should get a proper mention next time.
Thanks again.
Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown.
I really enjoy watching your videos and listening to your content. I'm glad you were able to turn your life around. I'm still struggling with doing the right thing in my life, but I'm working on it. You seem like a good man. I hope the best for you and your family ❤🎉
Thanks so much for bringing up Cleveland, uncle Mike. My Grandpa and Great Uncle were involved in numbers. My great uncle Tony Panzarella controlled the numbers racket in Cleveland for years and also got kickbacks from Don King and allowed King to do business. My uncle even had a small role in the Don King movie.
Thanks for talking about this, my grandpa and the neighborhood on the west side seems to know every little thing about it and never hear anywhere.
Great to hear you cover my hometown (well, I lived in the suburbs outside of Cleveland). I haven't been to little Italy in a long time. The bakery I went to with my girlfriend at the time had t-shirts that said "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli." . My girlfriend had no clue what it meant. I had to explain.it to her 😂😂😂😂
Heyyy that Bakery is Corbo’s!! I have the same shirt 👍🏼
Michael, Guarino's is fantastic. Also, consider stopping by the Schvitz. As one of the current owners, I can tell you it has a tremendous history in Cleveland, opening its doors in 1927. Many business deals were discussed there . Not to mention one of the best steaks in the city. My partner who owns/manages the Schvitz also owns Murray Hill Market in Little Italy. He has so much knowledge of not just the area, but the history--not to mention his wife is Italian and has roots in Little Italy. Anyhow, happy to treat you to a Schvitz during. your visit.
the Cleveland chapter of the Hells Angels were absolutely beyond the pale violent in the 70s too. Cleveland mob and Philly/Pennsylvania as a whole went to war over Youngstown. Also theres a famous retired thief named Phil Christopher from Cleveland who put a crew together and hit a bank at night in California and got em for around 30 million
The HA's had a clubhouse in Collingwood in the 70's, they were really dangerous and worked with the mob. Phil was also from Collingwood. So was Danny Greene!
@@8House there definitely was issues between the two but that was specifically over control of Youngstown
Philadelphia has never been involved in Youngstown Ohio. The Pittsburgh crime family is who was vying for control of Youngstown with the Cleveland crime family.
@@ConnorHolbrook419Philadelphia is not Pittsburgh.
@@ericsierra-franco7802 your definitely right I mixed em up.
You nailed all the places Mike! I Hear you are coming back soon...
*I wish I had 3 hands so I could give this guy 3 thumbs up.* 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Can't believe Michael knows about Mamma Santa's. Just a Cleveland Irishman, but always adored our lovely Little Italy. Very cool area.
We're from Cleveland originally, I was a Teamster under Sonny Nardi (son) The hole where his father was killed by a bomb in the Tramster Union parking lot stayed there all the way til Sonny retired due to health. But yes Little Italy is still the best Italian food around.
Congrats on reaching over a Million subs. Good Stuff brother. 👍
As a 42 year old African American from Cleveland, we were always told to stay away from there, stories of being beaten and or chased away with bats, so it was a scary place for us. It’s different now, more accepting, but still get those what are you doing here looks at some places.
Yes, sir. I lived at the top of the hill in Cleveland hts. Going down, there was a no-no. My brother & cousins were chased out in the 90s
Yep, My dad told us of the time when he was a child in the 60s, had glass bottles thrown at him and his friend for riding their bikes near the area.
Yeah you correct but if you were about money and was tough they’ll let you be. Trust me they needed people like my dad and we are from Morris Black
I'm 44 and YEP OUR PARENTS WERE RAN FROM MURRAY HILL
I would love to hear about the Kansas City mob. You never really hear about them. I know there's a strong Irish Presence there, or used to be years back. That would be interesting to hear about.
Agreed, interesting history in KC with the mafia and big Tom Pendergast.
Yes, we have a big Irish presence, me being one of them myself. St Paddy's day was awesome, and always is. The Mafia history is great. I worked at a restaurant that was once connected that's a steak house. Where the original location was burned down for insurance money. 10 or so years ago, they got busted for running an illegal gambling website using an IP out of central America.
I was also thinking Kansas City and St Louis.
@@montemasterson9588 True, never hear anything about St. Louis. Their Italian area called the hill is awesome.
Great info!! I grew up and still work in Lorain! Rich history of Mafia around this area
Very interesting. I never really think of Cleveland. Great video today. I would love to hear you talk about area outside of Chicago where some of Capone's guys went to get off the radar. Areas like Gary and Hammond Indiana were known as Michigan city because of the mob movement there. Very cool and obscure stories there too.Happy Opening Day Michael! Go Yankees! ❤🗽⚾
Yea we really like that
Youngstown was known as Little Chicago.
I'm from Hammond, grew up south side of Chicago and have live in gary, east Chicago, and am back in Hammond. I work for a company started by an alleged mobster named Chic Roviaro, this company is a pop and juices producer as well as co2 and beer gases, always wonder if this started over knowledge of bootlegging. Hammond and Calumet City had what I heard is thee original Strip from Stateline down State St. I even deliver to the Green Mill which was a Capone club on the north side on Broadway.
Michigan City is almost an hour away, probably 45 minutes away, I can throw a rock and land in Chicago from where I live in Hammond. Michigan City is its own place on the border of Michigan. Never heard of Region cities Hammond, East Chicago, or Gary, being called Michigan City ever.
@@m.e.5482 It was called that because of mob activity into the late 80s. During the 70s that entire outskirt area was inundated with family activity and hide outs.. and the feds. Probably why you didn't know
God bless you i am a CLEVELANDER born & raised & proud of it i love little Italy thanks for your insight on my hometown ❤
I'm convinced I met a couple mob bosses in cleveland a few years ago. Game 7 of the World Series in 2016 I was looking for a spot to watch and there was this little dive bar in the middle of downtown. No markings or signage anywhere and no tables or chairs or barstools inside. Just a bar, the booze and 1 TV. But the door was open and it was pretty full. Everyone inside seemed to know each other and were on a first name basis with the bartenders. I went in and watched the game there. Everybody was nice. After the game, two VERY italian looking guys in suits (NOT a suit and tie type place) walked in and sat in the corner. They did not order drinks. Being a bit drunk, I struck up a conversation and they told me I should try their restaurant in Little Italy. Then they got up, told the bartender the bar was closed for the night (way before normal bar closing time) and everyone just left. Also possibly worth noting, the bar was cash only. I've spent a lot of time in Cleveland and I never saw that bar open before that night or since that night. In fact, walking past it, you'd never know that building was even occupied. It didn't occur to me until the next day that it was probably a mob bar.
No they are not . I lived in little italy cleveland for years and worked in most of the restaurants there . Most of the restaurants are owned by Albanians.
You should interview Rick Porrello! He is an expert on the Cleveland mafia.
Absolutely Rick Porrello is a descendant of the Sugar Wars that started it all.
I feel right at home watching your show. I am Italian and currently live in Cleveland. I remember as a child in the 60's, my Uncle was a bookie. He drove his catering truck while taking bets. I knew the son of Angelo Lonardo (from the Collinwood Crew). He told me about the 6th district police in Collinwood being arrested in the 90's for being involved with this mob. There were so many officers arrested that regular security guards had to fill in.
I’m from Cleveland and I had no idea about any of this stuff!! Thanks for sharing 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Great words to start Mike! I agree with you 100%. Excellent video 🙏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻