Owen Vincent Madden, December 18, 1891 – April 24, 1965, known as Owney Madden and nicknamed “The Killer”, was a leading underworld figure in Manhattan, most notable for his involvement in organized crime during Prohibition. VIDEO Harlem Cultural Archives is a donor and foundation-supported Historical Society, Its mission is to create, maintain and grow a…
Opened in 1923, the Cotton Club on 142nd St & Lenox Ave in the heart of Harlem, New York was operated by white New York gangster Owney “Killer” Madden. VIDEO Harlem Cultural Archives is a donor and foundation-supported Historical Society, Its mission is to create, maintain and grow a remotely accessible, online, interactive repository of audio-visual materials documenting Harlem’s…
The Cotton Club was a New York City nightclub from 1923 to 1940. It was located on 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue (1923 to 1935), then briefly in midtown Theater District 1935-1940. VIDEO Harlem Cultural Archives is a donor and foundation-supported Historical Society, Its mission is to create, maintain and grow a remotely accessible, online,…
Frank “the Prime Minister” Costello, born Francesco Castiglia; January 26, 1891 – February 18, 1973, was an Italian-American Mafia gangster and crime boss. VIDEO Harlem Cultural Archives is a donor and foundation-supported Historical Society, Its mission is to create, maintain and grow a remotely accessible, online, interactive repository of audio-visual materials documenting Harlem’s remarkable and…
Walter Winchell (real name was ne Winschel or Winschel), April 7, 1897 – February 20, 1972, was an American newspaper and radio gossip commentator, famous for attempting to destroy the careers of people both private and public whom he disliked. VIDEO Harlem Cultural Archives is a donor and foundation-supported Historical Society, Its mission is to create,…
On July 28, 1931, Summer in Harlem, New York has always been a fun time for children of all ages. School was out and the days were longer, which meant they could stay out and play longer. VIDEO Harlem Cultural Archives is a donor and foundation-supported Historical Society, Its mission is to create, maintain and…
On the evening of July 28, 1931, five-year-old Michael Vengalli was playing with a group of friends on East 107th Street in Harlem’s Little Italy. VIDEO Harlem Cultural Archives is a donor and foundation-supported Historical Society, Its mission is to create, maintain and grow a remotely accessible, online, interactive repository of audio-visual materials documenting Harlem’s…
On 143rd Street and Lenox Avenue sat the Douglas Theater, depending on which of my sources is correct, either 600 or 2200 seats (which in 1935 expanded to 2300, which could indicate that an orchestra pit was covered over to add more seating). VIDEO Harlem Cultural Archives is a donor and foundation-supported Historical Society, Its…
The venue on Lenox Avenue was first opened in 1920 as the Club Deluxe, under the ownership of the former heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson. VIDEO Harlem Cultural Archives is a donor and foundation-supported Historical Society, Its mission is to create, maintain and grow a remotely accessible, online, interactive repository of audio-visual materials documenting Harlem’s…