Show Notes: I had a lovely time chatting with Julie Thompson, author of “The Hunt for the Last Public Enemy in Northeastern Ohio: Alvin “Creepy” Karpis and his Road to Alcatraz” last week. The actual interview went over two hours, so I tried my best to whittle it down to 80 minutes. Julie Thompson is an absolute expert on all things Alvin Karpis (the legendary brains behind the Barker-Karpis Gang), and she studied Alcatraz records extensively during her research. Special attention in the book is paid, of course, to the areas of her home state of Ohio where Karpis hid out, played, and heisted his days away. A quick correction, however. Karpis died August of 1979.
Alvin Karpis has always been of special interest to me. When I began researching my Saint Paul Gangster Tour back in 1994 I read his autobiography (borrowed from the Minneapolis library) and was absolutely blown away by both his arrogance and his strategic mind. He, more than anyone else, in my opinion, was responsible for the collapse of the “O’Connor System” (aka Layover System) in Saint Paul, which had existed for thirty years before he got his dirty hands on it. In about 1900, Saint Paul’s Police Chief, John O’Connor (known as the “Big Fellow) decided that the best way to combat criminals in his city would be to befriend them. Once they arrived, they’d head to the Green Lantern Saloon on Wabasha Avenue, where Dapper Dan Hogan would “check them in”, in essence. He had a safe where crooks could store their valuables for a fee (because of course, they didn’t trust banks – they robbed them!) The police would monitor them, but not harass them. These criminals in turn, promised not to commit crimes in the city limits of Saint Paul.
Of course this system was tested during Prohibition. There were lots of rival bootleggers blowing each other away, but for the most part they weren’t picking on the regular citizenry (with some exceptions, of course). But once Karpis and the Barker boys arrived in this safe haven, they openly spit on the Big Fellow’s grave, brazenly kidnapping two prominent Saint Paul businessmen , heir to the Hamm’s Brewery William Hamm Jr., and banker Edward Bremer. Trials would follow, the FBI would become involved, and soon the O’Connor system was just a memory.
So chatting with Julie was a great way to relive the history I’d memorized so fully as a motorcoach tour guide 20+ years ago.
I “stumbled” upon your website by researching Alvin Karpis.
If you would check back with Julie i was present at the unveiling of the historical marker “The Last Great Train robbery” in Garrotsville, OH.
She would remember me… I came “dressed” as Alvin was when he was arrested in New Orleans.
if you would like to continue correspondence with someone that has a “passion” for the outlaws of the 1930’s you will find my e-mail address below..
I have personally visited St. Paul to photograph many “important” scenes: the Hollyhocks club, So. St. Paul Post Office, 1034 Roberts St., Lexington Ave, the Hamm’s Brewery, and unfortunately and perhaps to correct you, the site of Harry Sawyer’s Green Lantern Tavern (unfortunately no picture of it survives).
paulmchandler@wi-net.com
715-824-2161
I “stumbled” upon your website by researching “Alvin Karpis”.
If you would check back with Julie she would remember me as I came to her historical marker ((The Last Great Train Robbery” dedication in Garrottsville, OH dressed as “Alvin” when he was arrested in New Orleans.
If you would like to continue correspondence with someone that has a “passion” for the outlaws of the 1930’s find my contact information below.
I have personally visited St. Paul to photograph many iimportnat scenes such as the Hollyhocks Club, So. St. Paul Post Office, 1034 Roberts St., Lexington Ave (let’s not forget John Dillinger), Hamm’s Brewery and what was Harry Sawyer’s Green Lantern Tavern of which no known picture survives.
Hi Paul, nice to meet you. What an interesting background you have! There are actually existing photos now of the original Green Lantern Saloon, just uncovered recently. Check this St. Paul Pioneer Press article out: https://www.twincities.com/2019/04/13/green-lantern-photos/