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NOTORIOUS NAHANT
News Items on Nahant
Tri-City Star
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
November 29, 1904
DISTRACTED HUSBAND STILL LOOKING FOR HIS WIFE.
William Vaughn Continued Vain Search for Missing Spouse.
BELIEVES THAT SHE IS HERE.
William Vaughn of Nahant, whose wife ran away and left him
and a little lad of 5 years, nearly a month ago, is still keeping up his vain
search for his unfaithful spouse in this city. His wife, Mrs. Laura Vaughn, born
Roberts, disappeared at the same time that a man living in Nahant brushed the
dust of the settlement off his feet, and it is also said that a sum of money
went with them.
The poor husband, who is now 55 years of age, cannot be
convinced, however, that his wife was intentionally wrong. He firmly believes
that she is living in the Tri-Cities.
Last night he stated to the Star that he was nearly
exhausted. He has spent $65 in the search for the wife and says that is about
all he can afford. While the sum is not enormously large, still it is more to
him than it would be to others.
The case is a sad one. The poor husband is a coal shoveler at
Nahant and worked hard during the week at the same time doing all in his power
to make life comfortable for the woman who shared his fortunes and misfortunes.
With the ungratefulness that many women have shown before,
one night the woman disappeared leaving both the husband and the little lad, who
in the tender years needed the care of the mother. Vaughn, still loving his wife
deeply and believing that she was true to him and had become demented, searched
the hotels and restaurants of the city in search of her.
At one hotel he got what he supposed was a clue of her
whereabouts and ever since he has fairly haunted the hotels and restaurants in
the hope of finding her working in one of them. He carries two pictures of the
woman around with him, and these he shows to every one whom he meets, at the
same time asking the pitiful question: "Have you seen my wife?"
Last night he met a Star reporter on the street and asked the
way to the Salvation Army headquarters. This was late at night, and though he
would not say why he wanted to go there, it was presumably in search of a place
to rest his weary head. For some time after the disappearance of his wife he
worked during the day and searched during the night, but since he has quit
working and is now confining all of his time to the search.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
July 6, 1922
BANDITS HOLD UP HOLLYWOOD INN AT NAHANT
Watch and $55 Cash Taken from Man in Charge this Morning.
"Hands up!"
This was the order given Joe Mellott in charge of the
Hollywood Inn, Nahant, by two bandits who accosted him with revolvers as he was
closing up the place at 1:30 o'clock this morning. When Mellott complied with
the order, the bandits "frisked" him, obtaining a gold watch and $55
in cash. Then they made a hasty search thru the inn and departed in an
automobile.
The two bandits entered thru a side door. Mellott identified
one of the men as "Blackie" Hilbert, one of the bandit gang captured
in a police round-up here some time ago, and the other as a man named Jonesey.
A call to the Davenport police station started officers on a
quest for the hold up men. Four men, Tommy Hines, Martin King, Gilbert McTurk
and Robert McGrath were arrested as suspects. and are being held for
investigation. A five-passenger automobile supposed to belong to McTurk, is also
being held.
The suspects were arrested in an alley west of Harrison
street between Fifth and Sixth streets. McTurk admitted that he, Ray Donahoe,
Tommy Hines, Martin King and another man went down to Nahant, but denied any
implication in the hold-up. He stated that he was out of his car three or four
hours, and that it might have been used in the hold-up.
Officer Gene Cueroast reported that a five passenger car
containing five men came east on Fifteenth street shortly after the robbery and
that it was being driven at a high rate of speed. The officer's orders to stop
went unheeded.
Sheriff William Brehmer paid a visit to the Hollywood Inn
this morning, but did not succeed in obtaining any information concerning the
hold-up.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
August 18, 1922
INVESTIGATE REPORT GIRL HELD AT INN
Sheriff Arrests Ruth Gregg of Rock Island and 'Jim' Clancy, Bartender.
FEDERAL MEN ACTIVE
Obtain Affidavits Liquor Was Sold in Resort
Following the arrest of "Jim" Clancy, bartender,
and Ruth Gregg, 18, of Rock Island, in a room at the Hollywood Inn, formerly the
old Mississippi hotel, near Nahant, and the securing by federal agents of
affidavits swearing to the sale of liquor in the place, county authorities
launched an investigation this afternoon which may result in the closing of the
roadhouse.
The girl was removed from the inn by Sheriff William Brehmer
and Deputy Sheriffs Frank Martin and Fred Scharfenburg after Carl E. Carlson,
known as "Happy McCoy" had complained to the authorities that the girl
was being detained at the road house and had been subjected to abuse at the
hands of Clancy, the bartender.
Carlson, according to his story, visited the inn early
this morning for the purpose of taking the girl back to her home in Rock Island.
He said the girl was willing to leave the place, but Clancy interfered and after
a wordy controversy he (Carlson) left the resort and appealed to the sheriff. He
said Clancy struck the girl in the face with a fist during the argument.
When the sheriff and his deputies visited the resort they
found Clancy and the girl occupying a bed in one of the upstairs rooms. Both
were arrested and lodged in the county jail. The girl, who has been living at
the inn for the past several days, was questioned by County Attorney John P.
Weir later in the day.
Following the arrest of the couple, R.E. Muhs, federal
prohibition agent, talked to several men who accompanied Carlson to the place
earlier in the day. These men, it is said, gave Muhs affidavits to the effect
that they purchased wine in the barroom of Clancy.
That federal action may follow the securing of the
affidavits was intimated by the federal agent. He said he had been attempting to
secure "this sort of evidence against the place' for some time.
Maloof Investigating.
After the sheriff had visited the Inn, which was the scene of
a near riot, recently when a prohibition agent by the name of Charles Prince, of
Chicago became intoxicated in the place and started shooting, "Diamond
Joe" Maloof, proprietor of the roadhouse, called at the sheriff's office to
inquire about the "trouble."
According to Maloof's story, he discharged Clancy last night
and instructed "Skimmer" Hines, his co-partner at the inn, to
"pay him off."
Maloof claimed the trouble was due to rivalry between Clancy
and Carlson for the Gregg girl's love.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
September 10, 1922
"BOOZE ARMY" RAIDS ROADHOUSES, BARS;
GET ENORMOUS HAUL.
Hollywood Inn, Charles Palmer Roadhouse, and Two Local "Soft Drink"
Bars Objective of Seven Prohibition Agents,
Deputy U.S. Marshal, Sheriff and His Aides; Three are Arrested and Liquor
Charges Will be Filed Against Several More, Local Prohibition Man Says.
A huge quantity of beer, wine, whisky, gin and alcohol was
seized by a squad of seven federal prohibition agents, together with Sheriff
William Brehmer, his two deputies, and Deputy U.S. Marshal T.F. Kenney, in four
raids, involving two roadhouses and two local soft drink bars, Saturday
afternoon and evening.
The places raided are:
Hollywood Inn, Nahant.
Charles Palmer roadhouse, Nahant.
"Antlers" bar, Third and Scott streets.
Former Jack Wall bar, Ora Shea, proprietor, 416 West Second
street.
Five hundred bottles of whisky and wine were seized at
Hollywood. The Palmer roadhouse yielded 56 quarts of wine, two quarts of whisky
and 200 bottles of home brew. Five gallons of alcohol, two gallons of gin and
five quarts of whisky were taken at the "Antlers" bar while five
quarts of gin, three quarts of whisky and three pints of whisky were seized at
Ora Shea's place.
Federal Prohibition Agent R.E. Muhs and Federal Agent Ben
Kookbeck, of Des Moines, were in charge of the raids in which four general
agents from Minneapolis, Minn, and two state agents from Des Moines
participated.
The Hollywood Inn and the Palmer roadhouse were raided at
3:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Dividing themselves into two bodies, the
federal agents conducted simultaneous raids on the two places.
"We found booze everywhere," Mr Muhs stated last
evening. "There was booze on ice, ready to serve and there was stored
booze. It was one of the biggest hauls I have ever made."
George Fay and Harry Koehler were placed under arrest at the
Palmer place and Joe Johnston, in charge of operations at Hollywood, was taken
into custody there. The men were lodged in the county jail pending filing of
liquor charges against them.
Returning to Davenport with their haul, the squad lost no
time in raiding the two "soft drink" bars. Again working
simultaneously, they took the bootleg parlors completely by surprise. Quietly
and efficiently, the booze was removed, no disturbance of any kind occurring.
The first discovery, at the "Antlers" bar was a
suitcase containing gin, whisky, and glasses - complete paraphernalia for the
shaking of thirst. Outside the door in the rear of the bar, which is operated by
Jenson brothers, were found the five gallons of alcohol, gin and whisky.
Raiding of the Shea place was a simple matter. The liquor was
not hard to find. Prohibition Agent Muhs said last night, and those in charge of
the place offered no resistance to the raiders.
Mr. Wall states he sold his bar to Mr. Shea last spring. The
beverage license for the conduct of the place has been in the name of Ora Shea
since April 1, 1922.
All of the seized liquor was taken to the office of Mr. Muhs
in the federal building, where it will be destroyed. The government men
were busy all Saturday evening removing the liquor to a place of safety in
the building.
Mr. Muhs stated last night that liquor charges will be filed
against those implicated as soon as he can get in touch with U.S. Commissioner
A.C. Bush. The men involved will probably appear for hearing in commissioner's
court this week.
"The four places raided are the plague spots of Scott
county," the local prohibition man said.
"Complaints about the roadhouses and bars have been
frequent. The Hollywood place is notorious." Mr. Muhs made no statement
whether or not charges will be filed against Joe Maloff, proprietor of the
Hollywood Inn, or against Charles Palmer, who operates the roadhouse across the
road from Hollywood.
"We should have waited until later in the evening to
raid the two roadhouses," two of the general prohibitive agents said last
night. It would have been more fun to raid them when they were full of people.
However, we were in a hurry and could not wait.
"The raids are the result of government investigation of
Scott county liquor joints. Mr. Muhs should receive full credit for the splendid
part he played in conducting the raids."
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
September 11, 1922
ALLEGED LIQUOR DEALERS BONDED AT $500 APIECE
Harry Koehler and George Fahey Taken at Palmer Roadhouse Arraigned.
Three of the men taken by the federal agents in their raids
Saturday on local road houses and bars were arraigned today before United States
Commissioner A.G. Bush and bonded at $500 each.
The three arraigned were Harry Koehler and George Fahey,
taken at the Palmer House, and Joe Johnston, the alleged bartender at the
Hollywood Inn. Both of the resorts are near Nahant. They are directly across the
road from each other.
John Looney, a Rock Island attorney, represented Johnston at
his arraignment this morning. The other two appeared without an attorney. All
three men are charged with the sale of intoxicating liquors.
Local Prohibition Agent M.E. Muhs, who led the raids, said
this morning that there was sufficient evidence to convict the entire gang who
were taken in the sweeping "surprise party" that was sprung Saturday
evening. The "party" he said was the direct result of a long and thoro
investigation on the part of the United States agents.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
December 5, 1922
WOMAN FOUND AT BOTTOM OF WAR IN NAHANT
Mexico warred with Africa in darkest Nahant last night and a
shot was fired, according to the story told in police court this morning. As has
been the case with all the major wars of history, a woman was found at the
bottom of the trouble.
Not a woman perhaps, for Vertemine Brooks, colored, is only
11 years old. Nevertheless she was the object of the affection of 20-year-old
Silvio Gonzallos who is also a citizen of the Nahant box car community.
Ganzallos and his father called on Bud Brooks, the
father of Vertemine, and were highly indignant when he refused to give his
daughter to the Mexican. "I'll kill you" he is alleged to have stated
several times. Both had a drink of "purty good" hooch.
Then the Mexican went to the Brooks cabin and demanded that
the mother give them the girl. Instead she called her son Robert, who put the Gonzellos
out of the house. Robert reported that in the evening he was fired at by the
Mexicans but could not positively identify his assailants.
The Mexicans could "not understand" so the case was
dismissed.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
December 12, 1922
Helen Van Dale Makes Statement Believed to Implicate Former Pals
Helen Van Dale, alleged white slaver, in her lonely cell in
the Scott county jail, has made a signed statement. This became known today. The
statement was made to state officials and a department of justice man. But the
contents of the statement have not been divulged. Officials refuse to discuss
it.
The woman was grilled by the investigators for three hours
before it was made according to attaches of the jail.
She is downhearted and penitent. More than disappointed at
the failure of her "friends" to come to her rescue, she is believed to
have told all she knew. She was the alleged sweetheart of Tom Cox, then chief of
police of Rock Island and also the proprietor of one of the most notorious dives
in the old Rock Island underworld; a dive that was decidedly anti-Gabel. Her
place was next door to the Gabel house.
It was around Helen Van Dale that the alleged enormous
White Slave ring was builded. She is supposed to have been backed by Cox and
Looney.
When the sweeping clean-up came she moved to Davenport. She
later bought the old Palmer Inn at Nahant and is said to have transported all of
her girls to Davenport for use in the Nahant joint. It was here that she was
arrested.
Rumor has it that while she declares herself innocent of the
white slave charges she, thru spite, has connected her former lover, Tom Cox,
with the ring. She at one time made the statement that she brought no girls from
Rock Island. Another statement is that she is alleged to have made is that she
had the Rock Island police department in the palm of her hand.
She is also supposed to have been an eyewitness to the
killing of a girl in the underworld in her joint. The girl is supposed to have
quarreled with her. She was then with Cox. Cox is said to have taken sides with
the Van Dale woman and in a drunken stupor to have hit the girl over the head
with a beer bottle.
Has the woman thru spite and following the old adage
"Hell hath no fury like that of a woman scorned", told of the many
mysteries the intrigue of which the rulers of the old underworld controlled that
powerful invisible empire? Because those she thought were her friends have
turned on her now that she is in trouble, she is believed to have told just
enough to implicate them.
R.E. Baker, former proprietor of the notorious Sand bar of
Rock Island, was called before the investigators this morning. He told first of
buying the place from one of the Looney cohorts. Then of the break with the
gang. As long as he paid his tribute he was never arrested.
When he broke he was arrested and charged with bootlegging.
He was brought before Police Judge David J. Cleland for trial and was confronted
with a bottle of moonshine liquor as evidence against him.
It was then that he suspected a frame up. He knew that never
since he had had the place had he sold anything except bonded whisky. Every
bottle that went out of his place he says had the seal. He contended innocence
and was convicted. Baker was prosecuted by City Attorney John K. Scott. He was
fined $300 and costs. This he claimed not to possess. He was remanded to jail.
He laid in the city jail for five days. Then he declares Cox
came to him and told him to get out of town. This he agreed to do as soon as he
could sell his place. He says that a bartender for Lou Meumann came to him and
wanted to buy the place. He asked $1,000. It was refused, but he stood pat.
Later Meumann himself came to him. Still he held out for the
$1,000. This sum was finally agreed upon. Meumann paid him $100 and told him to
go to City Attorney Scott and get a bill of sale and he would pay him the
balance.
Instead of going to Scott he went to a justice of the peace
and returned to Meumann. He was then paid the balance.
Baker maintains that it was a frame that he should go to
Scott. Scott would then notify Cox who would order his arrest, then collect the
$300. After putting the $900 in his pocket he boarded a street car for Davenport
and did not return to Rock Island until called today.
The Rock Island grand jury reconvenes tomorrow morning and
will resume its probe. It is then that the sensational indictments are expected.
Bills naming the slayers of young Looney are expected as are bills against
Cleland.
H.S. Mosher, chief of the state investigators, was called
before Mayor Mueller and Chief of Police Schlueter yesterday afternoon and
assured that if he should want help on the Iowa side of the river the Davenport
police department would render him any aid possible. The two Davenport officials
said that the city police would co-operate with him in every way.
Mr. Mosher stated this morning that he had little or no need
for help from the Davenport police as yet, but might need them before the
investigation was completed.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Monday Evening, Jan 22, 1923
Woman and Man Shot in Hollywood Brawl;
Police Probe Case.
Prominent Muscatine Business Man Held for Gun Play After Quarrel
At Nahant Resort; Investigation Being Made of Suspicious Circumstances of
Affair This Morning.
A drunken brawl at Hollywood Inn, Nahant, early this
morning, culminated this morning in the shooting of Maude Smith, said to be a
resident of Muscatine and of Fred Hall, colored bartender for Brick Munro,
proprietor of the Inn, by Ralph Klemdolph, prominent Muscatine business man.
Hall's ankle was shattered by a bullet from Klemdolph's
revolver, while the Smith woman, Klemdolph's alleged sister-in-law, received a
wound in her legs. Hall is being cared for at Mercy hospital, while Maude Smith
is at the House of Detention.
Another woman participant in the brawl, who gave her name as
Nellie Tubbs is also held at the House of Detention.
Both women today refused to give information which would give
police any idea as to the cause of the quarrel. Nellie Tubbs however admitted
that Mrs. Klemdolph had been a member of the Hollywood Inn party.
I don't know anything about the affair at all she said when
interviewed. I don't know that Klemdolph did the shooting and ??? and I don't
know why he did it. What I want to know is why are they holding us.
The Smith woman would not talk at all. She is badly injured.
When Klemdolph was brought to the police station by
Rockingham authorities this morning he was violently intoxicated and resisted
efforts of Officer John McDermott to lock him in a cell becoming so frenzied
that Officer McDermott had to summon aid in handling him. A revolver, a bottle
of whiskey and a number of bills were found in his possession.
Circumstances of the brawl appear to be shrouded in mystery
and police believe that an attempt has been made to "cover up". As far
as can be learned, however, the quarrel started when Klemdolph asked his
sister-in-law Mrs. Smith to go home with him. She refused his request, it is
believed, and Klemdolph, intoxicated, pulled his revolver. Whether Hall was shot
when he attempted to rescue her or whether he was shot by a bullet from
Klemdolph's gun has not been discovered.
Police were first made aware of the fact that trouble was
occurring at Hollywood when they received a telephone request for the police
ambulance. They were told that a man had slipped on the floor and broken his
leg.
Meanwhile Marshal C.M. Frey of Rockingham and his deputy
William Steckel had gone to the Inn and arrested Klemdolph. They brought him to
the Davenport police station where he was locked in a cell.
According to Marshal Frey Klemdolph claims he is a deputy
sheriff under Sheriff Wiley of Muscatine county. Sheriff Wiley however states
that Klemdolph's claim is not justified, and that the man never qualified for
the police or deputy sheriff.
Klemdolph is proprietor of the Riverview dance pavilion at
Muscatine and is proprietor of the Klemdolph R???ng company of that city.
County Attorney John Weir is investigating the case and trial
will probably be postponed until all witnesses have been subjected to
examination. No charges have yet been filed against Klemdolph.
Information obtained later today was to the effect that
Klemdolph quarreled over an automobile motormeter at the inn becoming so angry
that he shot at random.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
May 6, 1923
JOY RIDER GETS $50 FINE;
USED THE WRONG CAR.
Wrecks Rented Ford in Taking Girl Friend Home from Resort.
When his girl friend, whom he had taken to Hollywood Inn,
declared she was sick early this morning, F. Burkett, 20, bellboy at the
Blackhawk hotel, took her home in an auto he thought was his own, but which
proved to be a Saunders system car, rented by Aleck Johnson of Silvis.
Charged with joy riding, Burkett was fined $50 and costs by
Police Magistrate Harold Metcalf this morning. In default of his fine, he was
sent to Scott county jail for 17 days. The automobile he took at Hollywood was
wrecked while he was driving it, but Burkett claims he can remember no accident.
Harry Toon, Moline Saunders system agent, says the damage amounts to $86.
"Your story sounds fishy to me", Magistrate Metcalf
said in assessing Burkett's fine.
Johnson and two Moline youths, R. Blackmore, 22, and G.
Monroe, 23, obtained a Ford sedan from the car renting agency in Moline last
night, using it for a "date" with three girls. Late in the evening
they conveyed one of the girls to her home below Nahant, and then stopped at
Hollywood Inn for lunch.
While they were lunching, Burkett and his girl got into the
Saunders sedan and drove away. Spectators notified Johnson and he dispatched his
two friends on the chase. Monroe and Blackmore trailed Burkett to Davenport and
then back to the inn, where it was discovered that the rear end of the sedan was
crushed, and the rear wheels damaged.
Burkett was brought to Davenport by Monroe and Blackmore. The
three went to the local Saunders agency where they got into an argument. Police
were called, and all three were arrested by Officers Kropp and Stafenbiel, at 5
o'clock this morning.
Monroe, Blackmore and Burkett were fined costs of their cases
on intoxication charges this morning. The joy riding charge was filed separately
against Burkett.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
June 26, 1923
SEEK MAN FOR BEATING A TWO YEAR OLD BABE.
Warrant Issued for the Arrest of Frank O'Neil on Assault Charge.
Frank O'Neil, who is accused of slapping and abusing Johnny
Stanage, age two years, living near Nahant, is being sought today by city and
county authorities. A warrant charging O'Neil with assault and battery has been
filed by Assistant County Attorney John McSwiggin.
According to the story told by authorities, O'Neil, who is
courting the boy's mother, was left alone with the boy and his brother and
sisters last night. In an attempt to quiet the boy O'Neil is alleged to have
slapped him. The force of the blow knocked the baby down a flight of stairs.
Members of the family told Sheriff William Brehmer last night
that it was necessary to summon medical aid for the baby.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
July 8, 1923
STATE MOVES TO CLOSE 3 ROADHOUSES
Injunction Proceedings to Follow Raids Conducted by State and County.
11 ARE UNDER ARREST
Crow Creek Inn, Hollywood Inn and Helen Van Dale's Resort Searched.
Closing at least three roadhouses in Scott county thru
injunction proceedings was forecast Saturday by county officials following a
series of raids conducted the night before by state, federal and county
authorities on Hollywood Inn, Palmer's Inn and Crow Creek Inn in which eight men
and three women were arrested, including Helen Van Dale, former queen of the old
Rock Island underworld and reputed head of an interstate vice ring. Considerable
whisky, wine and hooch was confiscated.
The following were arrested and later released from the
county jail on $500 appearance bonds pending their preliminary hearings in
Justice Merle F. Wells court:
James (Brick) Munro, proprietor of Hollywood Inn, John Allen
and Fred McCarty, booked as bartenders and helpers at the Inn.
LeRoy and Ed Gadient proprietors of the Inn at Crow Creek,
located two miles east of Bettendorf.
Helen Van Dale is held as the proprietoress of Palmer's Inn,
located across the road from the Hollywood Inn, near Nahant. Edna Smith and W.W.
Bennell, found at Helen's place, were booked as inmates. Helen's case is set for
hearing on July 18th.
In addition to raiding the three roadhouses, the authorities
also visited the river shacks of Harry Hoffman and Sabin Bray in Rockingham
township. Dora Reide, who was found at Hoffman's place, was booked as an inmate.
Both Hoffman and Bray were arrested. Hooch was found at both places, the
authorities say.
Hoffman's and Bray's places are not considered roadhouses by
the authorities for the reason that both buildings are mere shacks and do not
enjoy the class patronage associated with Hollywood, Palmer's or Crow Creek Inn.
Hoffman and Bray were arrested several weeks ago when federal
and state authorities "mopped up" the river banks on both sides of the
stream. Both pleaded guilty and also consented to the issuance of permanent
injunctions against their places. Both stand a chance of being cited into court
on contempt proceedings as a result of the raids.
County authorities have no accurate check on the amount of
the liquors seized and will not have until early this week. At the Hollywood Inn
the raider secured a three gallon jug of hooch, two and one-half quarts of hooch
a gallon and a pint of wine.
A ten gallon jug of whisky was discovered at Crow Creek Inn
together with eight bottles of hooch. A small amount of honor? was found at the
Helen Van Dale place and also at Hoffman's and Bray's.
Follows Complaints.
The raids were the results of repeated complaints made to
city and county authorities. State Agent James Roden, who assisted Sheriff
William Brehmer in Friday night's raids, declared Saturday that the state would
invoke the injunction law and close the properties for a year. County Attorney
John Weir announced that injunction proceedings would be filed as soon as the
preliminary hearings have been held and his office notified of the evidence
secured against the resorts.
An attempt was made earlier in the year to secure injunction
proceedings against the Hollywood Inn and also against Crow Creek Inn. The
proceedings against Hollywood were started at a time when "Diamond
Joe" Maloff was operating the resort. He disposed of the place to Munro and
the injunction proceedings were dropped.
In the Crow Creek Inn case a hearing was held before Judge W.
W. Scott and a temporary restraining order was denied the state on the ground
that the evidence of illegal sales was inadequate.
Running Young Girls.
That the resorts are responsible for much of the delinquency
to be found among the younger girls of the city and county is claimed by State
Agent Risden. He claims young girls are invited to parties in the resorts and
encouraged to drink.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
July 15, 1923
PROHIBIT TWO RESORTS FROM SELLING BOOZE
Temporary Injunctions Issued Against Hollywood and Crow Creek Inn.
Proprietors of two of the three roadhouses raided by state,
federal and county authorities on July 5 were enjoined by Judge F.D. Letts in
district court Saturday from selling or keeping for sale any intoxicating
liquors under penalty of contempt proceedings. The two resorts hit by the
injunction law are the Hollywood Inn, located near Nahant, west of the city and
the Crow Creek Inn, located two and one-half miles east of Bettendorf.
The keepers of the third resort- Palmer's or Auto Inn,
located across the road from the Hollywood Inn-have announced their intentions
of resisting the state's attempt to obtain an injunction against the place. The
resort is being conducted by Helen Van Dale, erstwhile queen of the old Rock
Island underworld, and W.W. Bennell, and Edna Smith. The hearing has been
continued until Aug. 6.
Temporary injunctions were obtained by the state against
James (Brick) Munro, F.M. McCarthy and John Allen as proprietors of Hollywood
Inn, and Ed and LeRoy Gadient and Walter Sievert, proprietors of the Crow Creek
Inn.
Permanent injunctions against the above proprietors together
with the owners of the premises will be sought by the state at the next term of
court.
The independent Real Estate company, named in the state's
application as the owner of Hollywood Inn, ?led an answer yesterday, disclaiming
ownership in the property. The company, thru its attorneys, Thuenen &
Thuenen, claims the property was sold some time ago. James Hendrych, of
Bettendorf, is the owner of Crow Creek Inn.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Aug 17, 1923
DIAMOND RING STOLEN WHILE OWNER SLEEPS
Thinks Woman Took Gem From Finger After Inn Party Last Night.
A man giving his name as Otto Harbeck notified police, at
2:30 o'clock this morning, that a valuable diamond ring had been stolen from his
finger while he was asleep at Hollywood Inn, Nahant, last night.
Harbeck said that he suspected the woman, with whom he
had been talking, of the theft.
Police are investigating the case.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
January 13, 1924
BLAME TRAMPS FOR INN FIRE
Sheriff Office Convinced Hollywood Blaze Was Work of Incendiary.
That tramps may have set fire to Hollywood Inn is the opinion
of Sheriff William Brehmer and his aides following an investigation of the fire
which gutted the upper floor of the 22-room roadhouse near Nahant early Friday.
Fire department officials, who inspected the ruins following the fire, are also
of the opinion that the fire was started by someone, either accidentally or for
revenge. This phase of the case is being investigated by the sheriff's office.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Monday Evening, June 16, 1924
ROUND UP GANG LEADERS AFTER NAHANT BATTLE
John Ruge, Armed With Revolver and Shot Gun, Taken Into Custody.
A fight between two rival river gangs over women and booze
culminated in the arrest of "Gampy" Powers, John Ruge, 1440 West
Lombard street, and two others by Marshal Homer Ashcraft and his deputies
near Rockingham Sunday.
Ruge, who was armed with a revolver and a shotgun, was taken
into custody near Linwood after the Rockingham authorities had trailed him for
several miles. Ruge and a friend, according to Ashcraft, were cruising around in
a flivver apparently looking for someone.
Powers and his two companions were booked on charges of
intoxication and will be arraigned before Mayor H.E. Kohlhammer tonight. Ruge is
being held on a state charge and will also be arraigned before the mayor at the
same time as Powers.
The Rockingham authorities failed to reach the scene of the
fight on the River road until after the battlers had fled. Witnesses said
several shots were exchanged and that one man was stabbed. Marshal Ashcraft said
today he had been unable to verify the report.
When Ruge was taken into custody he had a quantity of
ammunition in his pockets and in the car as tho he was looking for trouble. He
refused to talk and is being held in the county jail pending his hearing.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Aug 7, 1924
HOOCH MAKER PLEADS, PAYS FINE OF $200.
Hendricks of Nahant Assures Court Officials "He'll Quit Business."
Pleading guilty to a state charge of manufacturing
intoxicating liquor in violation of the prohibition laws, Pat Hendricks, hotel
proprietor, owner of a grocery store and lunch counter in Nahant, was fined $200
and costs by Judge W.W. Scott in district court late Wednesday. He paid the
fine.
Hendrick's fleet of houseboats which he has converted into
lodging quarters, lunch room and grocery store for the accommodation of railway
shop workers, was raided by Sheriff William Brehmer and Federal Prohibition
Agent Roy Muhs Tuesday evening. Seven 50 gallon barrels of mash, 26 pints of
hooch, several gallons of moonshine whisky and a 30 gallon still were
confiscated.
Following his arraignment in district court Hendricks
announced his intentions of retiring from the distilling business and consented
to the issuance of a permanent liquor injunction against his property.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
November 17, 1924
LAWYER FAILS TO APPEAR IN COURT; HEARING CONTINUED.
When their lawyers failed to appear in police court this
morning, Jimmy Osborn and Will "Country" Davis, both colored lads,
asked that their case be continued until Tuesday.
Osborn and Davis are charged with stealing $230 from Walter
Clay, colored, at the Nahant boat yard election day. The money was said to have
been taken from a shack at the boat yard when it was left there by Clay. Osborn,
in a written statement, has confessed to police.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
May 1, 1925
Fire Destroys Nahant Rooming House With an Estimated Loss of $4,000.
When Mrs. Pearl Kelly* of Chicago arrives in Nahant late
today or early tomorrow with her household goods to take possession of her
property, she will find awaiting her a heap of blackened timbers and smoking
ruins as the result of a fire which leveled the two-story frame rooming and
boarding house causing an estimated loss of between $4,000 and $5,000.
Mrs. May Collins, and her two children, who occupied the
property, narrowly escaped death when flames threatened their rooms on the
second floor. Several roomers also had narrow escapes.
Three fire companies from Davenport were called to the scene
shortly after 3 o'clock and succeeded, after laying 3,000 feet of hose, in
saving a one-story kitchen adjoining the main building on the south. Two fire
rigs became mired in the mud and had to be pulled out with the aid of a tractor.
The origin of the fire is a mystery. Fire Chief Peter Denger
expressed the belief that the fire started in the basement probably near the
furnace. An explosion followed the sweep of the fire thru the first floor of the
structure.
Mrs. Collins, who was preparing to vacate the property today,
lost practically all her household furniture and furnishings.
Mrs. Kelly, the owner, is moving here by truck with the
intentions of re-occupying the building, according to information furnished the
firemen.
The property is located to the east of the Mississippi Hotel,
scene of a disastrous fire two years ago. The hotel property, which was closed
under a court injunction order at the time of the fire is now being remodeled.
Stranger Takes Money.
In addition to the loss of most of her household furniture,
Mrs. Collins also lost $150 which she had accumulated with the intentions of
using the money to pay off certain obligations she owed. Another roomer, whose
name firemen did not learn, claims to have lost $200 which she had hidden under
her pillow.
The $150 which Mrs. Collins claims to have lost was hidden in
a dresser drawer. This drawer was carried out by Assistant Fire Chief James
Quinn and was issued over to a man at the door who claimed he was the owner. The
fireman, unaware of the presence of money in the drawer, turned the contents
over to the stranger, assuming that he was the lawful owner.
Mrs. Collins was endeavoring this afternoon to locate the
stranger and her $150.
* Probably Pearl Buergel Foley Kelly.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
July 24, 1925
HOOCH NEARLY CLAIMS LIFE OF DRINKER
W. Settle Found Near River in Unconscious Condition; Recovers.
Hooch nearly caused the death of William Settle, 509 1/2
Brady street ,who was found in an unconscious condition last night near the ice
house of the Davenport Ice Co, on the river road near Nahant. He was found lying
a short distance west of the ice company's chutes near the river by Rockingham
marshals who at first believed Settle had been slugged and robbed.
Davenport police and Sheriff Martin's office were notified.
Settle was rushed to Mercy hospital and County Physician Dr. G.W. Doolen
was called. The man was in a serious condition and it was only after prompt
action that he rallied.
Dr. Doolen said this morning that there was some indication
that Settle might have taken poison, but there was nothing to prove this belief.
He was unconscious and in a serious condition when taken to the hospital, but he
had recovered and was discharged today.
He has been involved in numerous police and court cases and
has a record here and in Rock Island for intoxication, bootlegging and
disturbing the peace.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
April 9, 1926
George Monroe, of Nahant, who was found lying unconscious
at Fourth and Brady streets last night, was sentenced to five days in jail when
unable to pay costs. He is 18 years old.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
October 17, 1926
MEXICAN FOUND DEAD ON RAILROAD TRACKS
THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN HIT BY TRAIN
Juan Perez, 27 years of age, C.R.I.P. railway section
laborer who formerly lived in a box car near Nahant, was found dead by the side
of the right-of-way at the old River Road road crossing east of Nahant by a
train crew passing the scene at 4 a.m. Saturday.
Coroner J.D. Cantwell, after investigating the death, stated
that he was convinced that Perez was struck by a train altho there are no
witnesses to verify his belief, and that he would not hold an inquest.
According to members of the Nahant round house Perez received
word Friday that he was to report for work at the Union depot tracks in
Davenport on Saturday and that he left Nahant at 10 p.m. Friday night taking a
suit case of clothes with him. Coroner Cantwell expressed the belief that Perez
had been struck a glancing blow by a train while attempting to step out of its
way and that the force of the blow had caused fatal injuries.
A theory, later abandoned, was that Perez had met with foul
play. Members of the train crew which found the body notified police and they in
turn called the coroner. Clyde Crouse and Henry Lusfield, railroad employes,
told the coroner that they thought Perez attempted to board the train at the
crossing. Train No. 12 on the C.R.I. & P. railway is thought to have been
the train which killed Perez, according to the Coroner's report.
Perez had been employed at the Nahant yards the past year and
lived in a box car near there. He had never married and had no relatives in
Davenport. The body was taken to the M.V. Boies Co. mortuary pending possible
word from relatives out of town.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Thursday evening, Dec 9, 1926
MRS. SHAFFER TO TAKE OVER OLD NAHANT HOTEL
Widow of Former Cafe Owner to Succeed "Brick" Munro.
Mrs. Florence Shaffer, widow of the late Charles Shaffer,
prominent restaurant owner, was scheduled to take possession of the Mississippi
Hotel at Nahant today, according to information furnished the sheriff's office
which has been temporarily in charge of the property following the filing of
landlord's lien proceedings against James (Brick) Munro, former tenant.
Munro, who has operated the hotel for several months, vacated
the property late yesterday preparatory to turning the premises over to Mrs.
Shaffer, who has leased the hotel from J.W. Ryan, the owner.
A watchman, employed by the sheriff's office, was instructed
to surrender possession of the hotel to Mrs. Shaffer.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
December 27, 1926
Former Underworld Queen and Companion Chased by Cops; Damaged Police Car
Vic Clesieski, driving an automobile owned by Helen Van Dale,
former underworld queen and one of the star witnesses in the Looney conspiracy
case, was arrested shortly before 1 o'clock Sunday morning near Nahant where he
was chased by police officers whose car he had hit. Clesieski and Helen Van Dale
who was in the car with him are at liberty on bail of $50 posted following his
arrest on a charge of reckless driving.
The driver and his companion were caught after a long chase
during which officers fired shots and finally punctured two tires.
A police machine in which Officers Fred Werner and Ben Geerts
had been riding was parked in the 3700 block on Rockingham road when Clesieski
rammed into it. The officers were not in the car at the time. They found the
police machine damaged and one flat tire.
They set out to overtake Clesieski who tried to get away. He
headed down the river road toward Nahant with the policemen in pursuit. He
turned into a side road in an effort to elude the officers who came upon him as
he was examining the damage done the Van Dale woman's car. Clesieski jumped in
the car, a new Essex sedan, failed to heed the officers' order to stop and
started away.
Officer Geerts, an old army man and one of the best marksmen
on the department, drew his revolver and shot holes in the two rear tires as the
automobile was being driven away.
When Clesieski and his companion were brought to police
headquarters, the woman said her name was Mrs. Reece and she said she lived in
the vicinity of Nahant. They explained that they believed the policemen were
holdup men, but they did not explain why they failed to stop to determine what
damage they had done to the police machine.
Clesieski was released on bond and is to have a hearing in
police court this afternoon.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Feb 10, 1927
SUSPENDED TERMS GIVEN PAIR HELD FOR CAUSING ROW.
Ed Brehmer and Mrs. Florence Shaffer, arrested this morning
at the Mississippi hotel, Nahant, were given suspended jail sentences by Police
Magistrate John J. McSwiggin before whom they were arraigned on a charge of
disturbing the peace. Mrs. Shaffer, who operates the hotel, charged that Brehmer
struck her Wednesday night and threatened to kill her. He denied the charges.
Brehmer was ordered to remain away from the hotel or go to
jail for 30 days. Mrs. Shaffer who had been drinking and admitted it, was given
a 30 day jail sentence which was suspended during good behavior.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
March 21, 1927
LOCAL MAN DEAD AFTER FIGHT
Two Held Pending Inquiry
Ed Brehmer and Mrs. Florence Shaffer in Jail;
Carl Brandt Victim.
POLICE REPORT DELAYED.
Authorities Not Notified by Physician;
Charge Effort to Cover Up.
HOLD BREHMER WHEN FOE DIES AFTER A FIGHT.
Carl Brandt, 72 years of age, 627 Division street,
is dead and Ed Brehmer and Mrs. Florence Shaffer, 126 East Sixth street, are
being held as material witnesses following a fight which took place at Mrs.
Shaffer's home, Six and Perry streets, Saturday night when Brandt's neck was
broken and his skull was fractured during a fight with Brehmer. Mrs. Shaffer is
the widow of the late Charles Shaffer, well known cafe owner. No formal charge
had been filed against either Mrs. Shaffer or Brehmer this morning while police
continued to investigate circumstances surrounding the case which was brought to
their attention at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon.
Brandt died at the Davenport hospital shortly after one
o'clock Saturday afternoon.
Brehmer, in a statement made Sunday admits having struck
Brandt early Saturday night. According to Brehmer's statement made to police
officers and Assistant County Attorney Leon A Grapes, the fight occurred about 7
o'clock Saturday night.
At 11:35 Saturday night police were asked to send an
ambulance to the Shaffer home to take a man to the Davenport hospital on orders
of Dr. D.G. Kreul. According to ambulance officers they were told that Brandt
had fallen down stairs and had suffered an injury which was not serious. He was
unconscious at the time he was taken from the Shaffer home. Ambulance officers
reported him sick on their record and no further report was made at headquarters
until Sunday afternoon when Coroner J.D. Cantwell informed police of facts
brought out after Brandt's death.
Physician Censured.
Chief of Police Louis Eckhardt said this morning that the
attending physician should have notified police what had happened and officers
would have investigated.
The ambulance officers were not given the correct and true
information as they should have been given." Chief Eckhardt said. "It
appears that an effort was made to cover up the entire affair."
County Attorney John Weir declared he found it very difficult
to obtain information regarding the case when it was brought to his attention
Sunday.
"Somebody sent in the wrong report and led the ambulance
men to believe that Brandt was sick when in reality he was seriously injured as
the result of an affair which should have been brought to the attention of
police. The affair should have been reported to police at the time it happened.
"Fortunately the persons who are wanted in connection
with the affair were located without much difficulty. The way the case was
handled indicates that some one was at fault."
Dr. D.G. Kreul, when asked today regarding the case, said he
realized Brandt was seriously injured, but that he had hoped he could recover.
He declared that because of certain conditions which existed and because of the
condition of Mrs. Shaffer he did not notify police what had occurred nor did he
tell the ambulance attendants the facts in the case and manner in which Brandt
was injured. Dr. Kreul said he found no evidence that Brandt had been drinking.
Brehmer Talks.
Brahmer's statement made in writing follows:
"My name is Ed Brehmer and I have been living with Mrs.
Florence Shaffer at 126 East Sixth street. In the forenoon of March 19, we got a
bottle from Jim Porter and had some drinks there. Mrs. Shaffer and I were
drinking. Mrs. Shaffer went to see her attorney and I met her at Vescio's candy
store on Second street. Nick Coin came along in a car and hauled us, Mrs.
Shaffer and myself home. She gave him $12 in the alley by her house for some
alcohol he was to deliver.
"This was about 5 p.m. About 6:20 or 7 p.m. the alcohol
had not come yet so Mrs. Shaffer went to the neighbor's to phone. When she came
back the fellow was there with the alcohol. She was gone about 15 minutes.
"I went back to get some water to mix with the alcohol.
There were three men standing by the red barn or garage. One of these men hit me
on the back of the head. One of the men was Brandt. I didn't know who the other
two were. I ran back into the house and Brandt followed me in. To my best
recollection he was the only one who came into the house.
"We had a fight and I knocked Brandt into the northeast
corner of the back hallway. He did not get up. I was cut on the right eye, but
did not see Brandt or anyone have a knife. Mrs. Shaffer came from the west side
of the house and said 'What did you do?' I told her I had protected
myself. Mrs. Shaffer called Dr. Kreul and after he bandaged my head he told me
to leave so I did."
Jim Porter, to whom Brehmer refers, is a colored bootlegger
who has been arrested on state and federal charges and was recently arrested on
a federal liquor law violation charge shortly after having served a jail
sentence for bootlegging.
Woman Denies Story.
Mrs. Shaffer was questioned Sunday afternoon when she was
taken into custody. She did not make a formal statement, but she did deny
statements made by Brehmer regarding what occurred at her home prior to the
fight. She denied there had been any drinking and declared there was no liquor
purchased or drank by her or in her presence Saturday night.
She was recently arrested with Brehmer at the Mississippi
Hotel in Nahant where they had been drinking and quarreling. She operates the
hotel at Nahant. At that time she and Brehmer were given a 30-day jail sentence
which were suspended during good behavior.
Brehmer was arrested at the Mississippi hotel Sunday
afternoon. When brought to police headquarters, officers said he was under the
influence of liquor. The back of his head was cut and there was a long gash in
his forehead. He was ordered held without bond pending an investigation. Police
said he threatened to hang himself Sunday night when he was transferred from the
city hall lockup to the county jail.
Officers went to the hotel in Nahant after Mrs. Shaffer made
a complaint regarding his conduct there.
Inquest Tonight.
Coroner J.D. Cantwell will conduct an inquest at 7:30 tonight
at the city hall where several witnesses will be called.
A post-mortem examination showed Brandt's skull was
fractured. The fracture extended the coroner said, from a point near the
right eye around the right side and to the back of the head. There was a blood
clot found at the back of Brandt's head and two vertebrae were dislocated.
He lived with his sister, Mrs. Fritz Thorsen, 627 Division
street, his nearest surviving relative. He had been employed at the Shaffer
restaurant for about two years before the place was closed. He was a gardener.
Members of the Thorsen family said today that Mrs. Shaffer
came to their home Saturday night to tell them the condition of Brandt but she
failed to inform them just how he had been injured.
No report was made to police until the coroner called
headquarters Sunday afternoon. Brandt, who was beaten and bleeding about the
head, was place in bed after the fight, police said. The blood had been removed
from his face and head when ambulance attendants went to the Shaffer home to
take him to the hospital. Their suspicions were not aroused and they did not
report the case as an accident, but wrote the word "sick" after
Brandt's name on ambulance records.
Authorities were inclined to believe today that an effort had
been made to keep the matter secret and for that reason no report of the fight
was made to police until after Brandt's death.
Police have been unable to establish the identity of two men
who were with Brandt according to Brehmer's statement. A detailed story of the
affair is expected to be brought out at the inquest tonight.
The remains were taken to the Runge funeral home where
strictly private services will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be at
Fairmount cemetery.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
November 17, 1927
VAGRANT FOUND IN FREIGHT CAR GETS JAIL TERM
Richard Jackson, colored, arrested Wednesday night in Nahant,
where he was found in a box car by a special officer of the C.M. & St. P.
railroad, was brought into police court this morning in custody of Deputy
Sheriff John Jensen who filed a charge of vagrancy against Jackson. There was a
fire in the box car the deputy said. Jackson, whose home is in Oklahoma, said he
did not start the fire.
He was sentenced to serve ten days in the county jail. While
he is serving his jail sentence, his record will be investigated.
Davenport Democrat and Leader
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
June 19, 1929
MILWAUKEE TO SPEND $100,000 FOR EXPANSION
To Enlarge Nahant Yards; Ask City to Vacate Miller Street.
Expenditures of approximately $100,000 for the expansion of
the Nahant yards is planned for the immediate future by the Chicago, Milwaukee,
St. Paul & Pacific railroad, it was learned today following a request made
to the committee of the whole of the city council that Miller street, in the
Rockingham district be vacated.
Plans include the extension of old tracks and the addition of
new ones to a total of more than a 1,000 feet of additional space. H.F. Gibson,
of Ottumwa, division superintendent of the Kansas City division of the road,
under whose jurisdiction Nahant is included, is expected here today to outline
detailed plans for the expansion.
The request for the vacation of Miller street was presented
to the committee of the whole by N.H. Tunnicliff for the Milwaukee. The matter
was referred to the streets committee, the superintendent of public
construction, the city attorney and the ward alderman, George Tank.
Miller street is in close proximity to the point where the
railroad wishes to make its improvements, Mr. Tunnicliff said. The street is not
used much and is not in condition to permit much traffic he told the aldermen.
Some squatters have built shacks on part of the street which, he said, serves no
particular purpose.
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