[MichiganKella]

Just wondering if anyone has any sources on the history of Lake County, MI Organized Crime and related topics. Any information shared is appreciated.

[Bydand]

Try this for a short history of Lake County. Lake County, Michigan - InfoMI.com

It might be a bit difficult to find anything about the Mob in Lake County. It is a very rural county, with small towns, not a real big draw for Organized Crime. I did hear a rumor growing up that Capone had a house there, but nothing more. I grew up in Mason County, just to the West of lake County. Good luck on your search though!

[MichiganKella]

Thank you so much for your input! I was at a work related conference recently in Manistee and one of the main speakers was hinting on crime in the local community and mentioned ever since Capone there has been organized crime in Lake County. Maybe it's well hidden by the locals..

[Bydand]

Take a drive through Lake county, if there is Organized Crime there; they are pretty dis-organized. I wouldn't doubt that some of the higher ups in Crime make a Summer home there, it is beautiful country. I do know that a couple used to Summer in the Gaylord area, because we did work at their houses. Nuff said! I woouldn't douobt that a lot of the West Michigan counties play host to some bosses during the Summer. Short drive from Chicago, and Detroit and nice laid-back towns.

Good Luck, and let us know what you find.

[MichiganKella]

Good call. All of what you said makes sense and I will do as you requested.

[ErnieH]

I'm exploring the same topic. The only information that I've come across is a small bar in Woodland Park (Woody's) south of Baldwin was started by a guy named Woody from Muskegon who alledgely had ties to the Chicago mob. Lake County does have Idlewild, a black resort community that's seen better days. Driving through it sort of reminds one of a rural version of some of Detroits decimated neighborhoods. The county does have a high crime rate. Not sure if its organized. My best guess is that some organized crime figures (not necessarily mafia) may hide (lay low so to speak) in the area.

[Bydand]

Actually Idlewild is trying hard to revitalize itself and is doing a fine job of it for the short time they have had an organized effort. Idlewild African American Chamber of Commerce is a nice place on the web to check into the activities of the area. I think it is very nice that the town is trying to clean up itself and return to a better time for itself.

[Ron1347]

I have a bit of a fascination with organized crime and those within it. They are my favorite movies and documentaries, lol. So thought I would ask, are there any famous/infamous/known organized crime figures within our State, and if so, who are they and where are they primarily located? Don't know why I've never thought to focus on my own State before, lol.

Thanks for any information. Sounds like there are a few of you here that are rather knowledgeable on the subject.

Ron

[ltrucks]

A number of years ago I heard a rumor that someone had robbed the locak bank in Baldwin, Lake County. I immediately thought that someone had gotton a little gumption, going after the big money. I later found out that it wasn't the bank, it was the bakery...more like the level of crime in the area. I would say that the area probably has a fairly high crime rate. Poverty is endemic. The average household income is about 35% of the state average. But organized crime, no. I grew up in Lake County and never heard a story about Capone or any other mob figures being resident. Probably just a story to entertain tourists.

[Stingray!]

There used to be quite a bit of organized crime in the Detroit Area. The Purple gang was a gang of Jews that did alot of damage. Also the Bonano family was big. I'm actaully friends with some of the younger generation Bonano's.. whose father was murdered as a warning to the old man. As well as the giacalone's, tocco's. If your looking for some more info, pick up the book "Motor City Mafia: A Century of Organized Crime in Detroit" You'll learn a ton of stuff. And dont forget about Hoffa who wasn't in the Mob but sure was involved in something.