Biggest Robbery of the 1930's: The Rubel Ice Holdup

In a decade full of crime and lawlessness, the biggest robbery of the 1930s took place at the Rubel Ice factory in Brooklyn on August 21, 1934 when 13 gangsters, armed with machine guns and pistols, successfully held up an armored truck delivery. The robbers walked away with $427,000, which would be in the neighborhood of 9 or 10 million in 2021, and not a cent was ever recovered. The stickup was done in broad daylight in front in many witnesses and included a maritime escape along with the accidental death of one of the gangsters. Learn all about this incredible crime story as told from the places in which it took place by watching this video.

[@Daninater]

I watch every video, Tim. I think you're descriptive enough to where this content would work as a stand alone podcast from just using the audio you're recording now if you're looking for a niche podcast audience. Very interesting keep it up man.

[@peatmarshnotfound]

I had read that it was a sawed-off shotgun that the robber shot himself with, which was why they couldn't cover the wound or stop the bleeding in time. I also read that the doctor pocketed the money, sawed off the other leg so benny fit in a suitcase, and ditched it. Perhaps I read too many different stories, and I'm crossing facts. Great video! This piece of history would make a great movie.

[@that1930sguy]

To be sure, the art and joy of studying history is in piecing and analyzing different versions of the same event and interpreting what most likely happened. Many people mistakenly believe history to be etched in stone, when in reality it is always evolving as different interpretations come to light.

[@that1930sguy]

Correction: The robber in Alcatraz who verified Frank Peresky's confession was named John Oley and he was in a different prison by the time he later hung (hanged?) himself.