Hawthorn Country Club Unsolved Arson 2023
On May 7 2023 at approximately 1:30 PM Dartmouth Fire District 2 responded to a structure fire at the former Hawthorn County Club located at 970 Tucker Road. According to witnesses two (2) youths were reported seen running from the building just prior to the fire.
Investigators have determined the fire was ‘intentionally set’.
Local businessman, town assessor, Kevin Santos bought the 56-acre property at foreclosure for $2.5 million in 2011. Santos continued to run the facility as a country club, banquet venue, and golf course, but on December 31 2015 he closed the business because it was no longer “economically viable,”.
Carlos Rafael, who has been released from federal custody after serving time for mislabeling fish and falsifying records, was also interested in the property. He was at the foreclosure auction in 2011 and later worked with Santos to acquire the property. By December 2020, Rafael had assumed the mortgage with his son-in-law Jeff Hathaway, a realtor with a construction business. Property records show the mortgage went to Bliss Investors LLC, a Dartmouth-based company with Stephanie DeMello and Ivonilde Hathaway listed as its officers.
In January 2021, Bliss Investors secured the deed to the property for $2.3 million “and other valuable consideration.” Then, over the past few weeks, Hathaway announced that Toll Brothers agreed to buy the property for $3 million with plans to build condos for senior housing.
Toll Brothers has not developed an exact plan for the property, but housing for those 55 and older or 62 and older is a possibility.
The Planning Board has been considering developing some type zoning bylaw for senior and/or 55+ housing. The bylaw would most likely be considered at the spring 2024 Town Meeting.
Update: March 28, 2024 Suspect Arrested
Massachusetts State Police Shawn Medeiros (31) of New Bedford. Shawn is charged with one (1) count of burning a building.
On May 7 2023 at approximately 1:30 PM Dartmouth Fire District 2 responded to a structure fire at the former Hawthorn County Club located at 970 Tucker Road. According to witnesses two (2) youths were reported seen running from the building just prior to the fire.
Investigators have determined the fire was ‘intentionally set’.
Local businessman, town assessor, Kevin Santos bought the 56-acre property at foreclosure for $2.5 million in 2011. Santos continued to run the facility as a country club, banquet venue, and golf course, but on December 31 2015 he closed the business because it was no longer “economically viable,”.
Carlos Rafael, who has been released from federal custody after serving time for mislabeling fish and falsifying records, was also interested in the property. He was at the foreclosure auction in 2011 and later worked with Santos to acquire the property. By December 2020, Rafael had assumed the mortgage with his son-in-law Jeff Hathaway, a realtor with a construction business. Property records show the mortgage went to Bliss Investors LLC, a Dartmouth-based company with Stephanie DeMello and Ivonilde Hathaway listed as its officers.
In January 2021, Bliss Investors secured the deed to the property for $2.3 million “and other valuable consideration.” Then, over the past few weeks, Hathaway announced that Toll Brothers agreed to buy the property for $3 million with plans to build condos for senior housing.
Toll Brothers has not developed an exact plan for the property, but housing for those 55 and older or 62 and older is a possibility.
The Planning Board has been considering developing some type zoning bylaw for senior and/or 55+ housing. The bylaw would most likely be considered at the spring 2024 Town Meeting.
Update: March 28, 2024 Suspect Arrested
Massachusetts State Police Shawn Medeiros (31) of New Bedford. Shawn is charged with one (1) count of burning a building.
Firearm Missing from Police Station Unsolved Theft 2013
“A gun disappeared from the most secure building in this town”
On October 1, 2013 Dartmouth police Sgt. Frank Condez reported his department issued 40-caliber Glock handgun went missing from his locker, located inside the police station.
The incident report stated Sgt. Condez opened his locker shortly before 8 a.m. on Oct. 1 to retrieve his duty belt and firearm and noticed the gun was not in the holster. Sgt. Condez hung up his duty belt with the gun in the holster at the end of his shift at 4 p.m. on Sept. 30 and went home for the night.
The police chief, Chief Timothy Lee, requested a detective process the locker for fingerprints and examined the lock and a canine officer and his dog searched the station, but the firearm was not located.
Chief Lee said the department is "very concerned" about the missing firearm and has hired an outside consultant to lead the probe.
The consultant's investigation has never been made public. Sgt. Condez was terminated in 2013 for his alleged involvement with uploading unauthorized software onto the police department’s computer system as well as tampering with hard drives at the station.
Sgt. Condez appealed the termination to the state Civil Service Commission, which determined that while those actions did not justify his termination, the firing was just due to “wholly false accusations” made by Sgt. Condez in 2014 against Chief Lee.
In March 2015 Chief Lee went on medical leave for job-related stress resulting in anxiety and migraines. He later sued the town, Select Board members, and Sgt. Condez for lost wages and other costs. Lee remained police chief until his contract ended on June 30 2015. The town settled with Chief Lee for $658,000.
On March 14, 2017 the Dartmouth Select Board expressed frustration that four (4) years has passed since the firearm went missing, and remains unaccounted for despite an investigation. Deputy Chief Robert Szala was appointed police chief after Lee's departure. Chief Szala in open meeting with the Select Board stated the investigation was active and ongoing. The Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County District Attorney's Office were involved. As of 2023 the gun has never been located, there is many theories on where it could be found. The mystery of the missing gun remains.
Prologue
Chief Robert Szala retired in 2018. Lt. Mark Zielinski, who took initial report of missing gun, retired in 2019.
Former Sgt. Condez (48), died of COVID-19 in 2021.
“A gun disappeared from the most secure building in this town”
On October 1, 2013 Dartmouth police Sgt. Frank Condez reported his department issued 40-caliber Glock handgun went missing from his locker, located inside the police station.
The incident report stated Sgt. Condez opened his locker shortly before 8 a.m. on Oct. 1 to retrieve his duty belt and firearm and noticed the gun was not in the holster. Sgt. Condez hung up his duty belt with the gun in the holster at the end of his shift at 4 p.m. on Sept. 30 and went home for the night.
The police chief, Chief Timothy Lee, requested a detective process the locker for fingerprints and examined the lock and a canine officer and his dog searched the station, but the firearm was not located.
Chief Lee said the department is "very concerned" about the missing firearm and has hired an outside consultant to lead the probe.
The consultant's investigation has never been made public. Sgt. Condez was terminated in 2013 for his alleged involvement with uploading unauthorized software onto the police department’s computer system as well as tampering with hard drives at the station.
Sgt. Condez appealed the termination to the state Civil Service Commission, which determined that while those actions did not justify his termination, the firing was just due to “wholly false accusations” made by Sgt. Condez in 2014 against Chief Lee.
In March 2015 Chief Lee went on medical leave for job-related stress resulting in anxiety and migraines. He later sued the town, Select Board members, and Sgt. Condez for lost wages and other costs. Lee remained police chief until his contract ended on June 30 2015. The town settled with Chief Lee for $658,000.
On March 14, 2017 the Dartmouth Select Board expressed frustration that four (4) years has passed since the firearm went missing, and remains unaccounted for despite an investigation. Deputy Chief Robert Szala was appointed police chief after Lee's departure. Chief Szala in open meeting with the Select Board stated the investigation was active and ongoing. The Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County District Attorney's Office were involved. As of 2023 the gun has never been located, there is many theories on where it could be found. The mystery of the missing gun remains.
Prologue
Chief Robert Szala retired in 2018. Lt. Mark Zielinski, who took initial report of missing gun, retired in 2019.
Former Sgt. Condez (48), died of COVID-19 in 2021.
Airplane Crash Unsolved Theft 2007
On February 2 2007 at 7:17 PM a single-engine airplane bound for New Bedford Regional Airport from Boston missed its first approach to the runway and circled the airport to attempt a second landing. The airplane then crashed about 3 miles west of the New Bedford airport just over the Dartmouth line at 7:45 PM in dense fog and rain.
The crash killed the occupants who were identified as Peter Karoly (53), his wife Lauren Angstadt (51) and Michael Milot (23) also a licensed pilot. The plane was owned by PK Leasing LLC in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but registered to Peter Karoly.
The wreckage was located and all the major components of the airplane were recovered. A debris path was observed, and an impact crater located. The investigation could not determine which pilot was flying the airplane at the time of the accident.
The crash site was horrific, mangled aircraft, fuel spill and mangled bodies. A mysterious theft was later reported, a missing diamond ring from Lauren Angstadt's finger. An investigation commenced, many responders were questioned, many reported seeing the ring on the finger. Other responders said they never saw the ring. The diamond ring has even been recovered. Someone took the ring - but who ?
Findings
It was later determined Milot had filed a flight plan to the wrong airport, received a weather briefing for the wrong airport, and therefore was not aware of the Notice To All Airmen (NOTAM) was in effect for an out of service approach lighting system at the New Bedford's Airport. When Milot realized his error, he changed the flight plan, but did not request another weather briefing. According to radar information, the airplane flew using the instrument landing system, performed a steep approach to 1,000 feet, and then disappeared from radar.
New Bedford Airport Lighting
Runway 5 at New Bedford Airport was equipped with a medium intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights, which was out of service, and a Notice To All Airmen (NOTAM) was in effect. The runway was also equipped with high intensity runway lighting, which was operating at the time of the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated the lights, while helpful, are not needed for an instrument landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took the lights out of service in August 2006 because the city had allowed them to become obscured by overgrown brush for years. The lights are inside of a protected wetland, therefore a permit from the conservation commission was required. Finally after the crash, an emergency permit was granted and the brush was cleared away at a cost of $300,000.
Findings and Wrongful Death Suit 2008
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the crash was caused by pilot error. In 2008 the parents of Michael Milot filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Karoly's estate, claiming the Peter Karoly caused the Feb. 2, 2007 crash. The suit claimed Peter Karoly, was at the controls as the plane approached the New Bedford, MA., airport at night in bad weather and crashed. After a missed approach to the airport, Peter Karoly lost control of the plane and caused the crash.
Federal investigators concluded they could not determine who was in control of the plane at the time of the crash. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report issued on December 20 2007 it stated Peter Karoly was probably in the left cockpit seat, but that could not be determined for certain. The plane can be flown from both seats, though the left seat is the primary pilot position.
The Milots contend their son must have suffered "significant fear and emotional pain and suffering" in the moments before the crash and said his death deprived his survivors of future aid, assistance, services, comfort and financial support. They are seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages. The outcome of this lawsuit hasn't been located.
On February 2 2007 at 7:17 PM a single-engine airplane bound for New Bedford Regional Airport from Boston missed its first approach to the runway and circled the airport to attempt a second landing. The airplane then crashed about 3 miles west of the New Bedford airport just over the Dartmouth line at 7:45 PM in dense fog and rain.
The crash killed the occupants who were identified as Peter Karoly (53), his wife Lauren Angstadt (51) and Michael Milot (23) also a licensed pilot. The plane was owned by PK Leasing LLC in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but registered to Peter Karoly.
The wreckage was located and all the major components of the airplane were recovered. A debris path was observed, and an impact crater located. The investigation could not determine which pilot was flying the airplane at the time of the accident.
The crash site was horrific, mangled aircraft, fuel spill and mangled bodies. A mysterious theft was later reported, a missing diamond ring from Lauren Angstadt's finger. An investigation commenced, many responders were questioned, many reported seeing the ring on the finger. Other responders said they never saw the ring. The diamond ring has even been recovered. Someone took the ring - but who ?
Findings
It was later determined Milot had filed a flight plan to the wrong airport, received a weather briefing for the wrong airport, and therefore was not aware of the Notice To All Airmen (NOTAM) was in effect for an out of service approach lighting system at the New Bedford's Airport. When Milot realized his error, he changed the flight plan, but did not request another weather briefing. According to radar information, the airplane flew using the instrument landing system, performed a steep approach to 1,000 feet, and then disappeared from radar.
New Bedford Airport Lighting
Runway 5 at New Bedford Airport was equipped with a medium intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights, which was out of service, and a Notice To All Airmen (NOTAM) was in effect. The runway was also equipped with high intensity runway lighting, which was operating at the time of the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated the lights, while helpful, are not needed for an instrument landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took the lights out of service in August 2006 because the city had allowed them to become obscured by overgrown brush for years. The lights are inside of a protected wetland, therefore a permit from the conservation commission was required. Finally after the crash, an emergency permit was granted and the brush was cleared away at a cost of $300,000.
Findings and Wrongful Death Suit 2008
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the crash was caused by pilot error. In 2008 the parents of Michael Milot filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Karoly's estate, claiming the Peter Karoly caused the Feb. 2, 2007 crash. The suit claimed Peter Karoly, was at the controls as the plane approached the New Bedford, MA., airport at night in bad weather and crashed. After a missed approach to the airport, Peter Karoly lost control of the plane and caused the crash.
Federal investigators concluded they could not determine who was in control of the plane at the time of the crash. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report issued on December 20 2007 it stated Peter Karoly was probably in the left cockpit seat, but that could not be determined for certain. The plane can be flown from both seats, though the left seat is the primary pilot position.
The Milots contend their son must have suffered "significant fear and emotional pain and suffering" in the moments before the crash and said his death deprived his survivors of future aid, assistance, services, comfort and financial support. They are seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages. The outcome of this lawsuit hasn't been located.
Amati Diamond Unsolved Theft 1947
Alfred Damon Runyan 1880-1946 (known as Damon Runyun)
Damon was a major sports reporter, columnist, and short story writer whose use of humor created a unique style that earned him a wide and loyal readership. Damon married Ellen Egan in May 1911, they had two children.
Runyon frequented the bars and, during Prohibition, the speakeasies, he gathered an eclectic group of acquaintances—politicians, entertainers, reporters, and gangsters. Many of these became models for the "guys and dolls" who peopled his short stories. The late hours and frequent out-of-town assignments created problems in Runyon's marriage, and they separated in 1928.
Patrice Amati del Grande (Runyon) 1912-1983
Patrice Runyon was born Patrice Gridier in Dallas Texas. Runyon dubs her a "Spanish Countess", she was a Mexican girl he had first met in Jaurez, Mexico while covering the Pancho Villa raids in 1916 and reconnected with her once again in New York, when she called the American seeking him out. Runyon had promised her in Mexico that if she would complete the education he paid for her, he would find her a dancing job in New York. She began dancing and preforming under the name Patrice Amati del Grande.
She was Runyons' mistress, then later his companion after he separated from his wife Ellen. Ellen Runyon died on November 9 1931, Runyon and Patrice married on July 7, 1932. The marriage coincided with Runyon's most prolific period as an author, which saw the publication of several collections of his works including Guys and Dolls (1931), Blue Plate Special (1934), Money from Home (1935), More Than Somewhat (1937), and many others. As his popularity soared, movie rights to several of Runyon's short stories were sold. Lady for a Day (1933) and Little Miss Marker (1934). At the peak of his popularity, in the 1930s, Runyon was one of the most productive and highly paid writers in New York.
The Amati Diamond story begins.......
During the marriage to Runyon, Patrice begins to tell everyone that she owns the Amati diamond, the world`s tenth (10th) largest diamond in the world (31 carats). This imaginary gem gets insured by Pennsylvania-based Alliance Insurance Company, only one hitch - the diamond may or may not exist. Damon knew the right people and the diamond belonging to the "Spanish Countess" was then insured, unseen, at $100,000. To this day, the diamond only exists on paper, it has never never seen; not by any insurance company or any person.
Patrice Divorces Runyon 1946, Marries Richard Coffin 1946
The marriage between Patrice and Runyon ended in June 1946 when Patrice left him for a younger man, Richard N. Coffin (1923-1965). Even after their marriage was dissolved in June 1946, he remained generous, replacing her as the executor of his estate in a new will he drafted, but still guaranteeing her half of all the income from his literary works for the rest of her life, a provision he had granted in an earlier will. He also stipulated that she could keep the house in Florida. On December 6 1946, Runyon entered the hospital for the last time, slipped into a coma and died on December 10 1946. When he died he was the first public figure to have it announced that he died of the print-forbidden word ''cancer'' instead of the usual ''after long illness.''
Patrice purchased the house at 165 Mishaum Point with monies from her divorce from Runyon. Patrice marries Coffin in August 1946 he was the manager of A.E.Coffin Press in New Bedford.
Patrice & Richard Coffin Robbed in Dartmouth ! 1947
On November 18 1947 allegedly $200,000 worth of jewels, including the famous Amati diamond, now reported to be the eleventh (11th) largest diamond in the world, were reported stolen by gunpoint from their home at 165 Mishaum Point, Dartmouth. Richard Coffin, and Maria Patrice Amati were confronted by three (3) masked men upon their arrival at home from a trip to Boston. Two of the armed men subdued Mr. Coffin in the garage while he was putting their 1947 convertible away. Mr. Coffin was struck in back of the head with the butt of the weapon, and suffered a minor injury requiring stitches. Mrs. Coffin told police that even before being told to open the concealed wall safe, which she was the only one who knew the combination, located in a upstairs bedroom, the masked men asked about specific pieces of jewelry, including one very valuable piece which was in New York being repaired.
Police believed the armed men knew the lay-out of the house, and knew about the hidden safe in the bedroom. Mrs. Coffin admitted that 72-hrs prior there was a party at the house and she showed many guests the wall safe.
The armed men fled from the scene by taking the Coffin’s 1947 convertible, which was later recovered in Fall River. All three (3) thieves each provided specific details on the items that were stolen, neither of them saw such a diamond of that size. Patrice presented insurance papers as proof of the diamonds existence. All three (3) thieves were even offered a reduced sentence if the diamond was turned over. All three (3) maintained they never saw the diamond nor ever stole a diamond from the house.
On Nov 4 1948 The Bristol County Grand Jury handed down indictments against Paul J Colicci of Providence R.I. and Joseph Cairo of Cranston R.I. They were charged with Robbery, Assault & Battery with intent to kill, Breaking and Entering and Larceny in the nighttime, and witness intimidation. Cairo was already in jail on unrelated charges and plead guilty, while on Mar 2 1949 Colicci was found guilty and was sentenced to 10-15 years in prison.
On May 19 1950 a third suspect was identified as William Conroy. He was later arrested in Ohio and transported back to Massachusetts, he was never charged.
In December, 1954, Anthony Roselli was arrested and was subsequently brought to trial on several indictments charging offenses arising out of the above described event. He was found guilty and sentenced on an indictment charging robbery, and on another charging a related offense. At the trial Mrs. Coffin testified she first identified the defendant in a police line-up in Providence in December, 1954, and she identified him at the trial as one of the robbers. She also testified that Cairo and Collici were the other two. It appeared that prior to that she had on several occasions viewed other police line-ups, including one in Hartford, Connecticut. In two of the line-ups viewed by Mrs. Coffin there she saw William Conroy, but Mrs. Coffin testified that she did not identify him as one of the robbers.
A June, 1948 news article reported that the insurance company had offered a $2500 reward for leads. The insurer, identified as Pennsylvania-based Alliance Insurance Company, said that the stolen jewelry was only insured for $60,000. Oddly, the widely-reported value of the stolen items was $200,000, half of which was for the supposed Amati diamond.
In 1948 The Town of Dartmouth Board of Assessors sent a $7,428 tax bill to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Coffin for the $200,000 in jewelry reported stolen in Nov 1947. Although not recovered, the assessors stated that under law it constituted taxable personal property even though the town was unaware of its existence before the robbery.
Patrice & Richard Coffin Divorce, Richard dies
On Aug 3 1957 Patrice files for divorce from on the grounds of cruel and abusive behavior. The divorce was finalized on Feb 12 1958, In an interesting twist, Patrice changes her last name back to "Runyon". She kept the Mishaum Point house after the divorce in 1957. In her divorce filing she valued the house at $100,000 and the art and furnishings at an additional $100,000. She said that the trust fund left to her by Damon was "nearly exhausted"--although she did have an ongoing income stream from his royalties for works such as "Guys and Dolls". In a 1957 newspaper interview she said the house had been on the market for a year for $125,000. She also said she planned to move to Cuba after her affairs were settled. Richard Coffin died on November 13 1965 of alcoholism.
In 1968 Patrice made a new will with Father William Martin Gallagher of South Dartmouth (her neighbor at the time) becoming a primary beneficiary. That included “any and all Jewels“. However, the copy in her file is unexecuted.
Dartmouth Robbery 1970
The Tampa Tribune reported on Monday Oct 26 1970 "Police said yesterday they were seeking three (3) men who robbed the widow of author Damon Runyon of more than $50,000 in jewels and valuables. A foreign car belonging to Mrs. Runyon was also taken during the robbery, but was found in a lane by police several blocks from her Mishaum Point home. A neighbor called police early Saturday (Oct 25 1970) morning after Mrs. Runyon managed to free herself from bonds and gag. Mrs. Runyon was robbed at the house once before in 1947. Police withheld information on the weekend robbery for more than 10 hours while the investigation was launched."
Patrice Moves from Dartmouth 1971
Patrice remained living at the Mishaum Point home until 1971, when she was hired as care taker for Whispering Pines the Narragansett Rhode Island estate of beer magnate William P Considine. Considine was the vice president of Narragansett Brewery.
Patrice Runyon died on Sept 27 1983 at age 71. She is buried in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery section 47D in North Kingstown R.I.
Damon Runyon : A Life (1991)
(Book by Author James Breslin)
Breslin was an American journalist and author and knew Damon Runyon. In 1991 he wrote a book about the life of Damon Runyon.
He described the life of Damon Runyon as "a fabulously fraudulent biography which the willing reader accepts as the real goods all the way." Breslin gives Runyon the figure of a genius con man, an inspired writer with a heart like a hungry bank vault. Breslin writes "Now, he couldn't leave his wife and two kids for some common little girl from the dust of Juarez Mexico, so he decided that she was a Spanish countess and he told her so. So, she believed it, and then he wrote a story called "Madame LaGimp" which was about a Spanish countess. Frank Capra bought the story, made it into the movie Lady for a Day. Runyon and young 26-years-his-junior go to see the movie, and now it's official. She's a Spanish countess on the screen; she's a Spanish countess in the movie seat next to him, and they lived this life of illusion."
Breslin claims "He (Runyon) then told her that she had a 30-carat diamond ring, the Amati diamond. That was her family name -- Amati from Grenada or someplace. She was from Juarez! They got an insurance guy who came into Lindy's and began to hang around places, because if you hung around with Runyon and the gangsters there were a lot of chorus women, so why wouldn't you come in? Illegitimate people were all over the place, trying to get in on the party. The insurance guy said that absolutely she had the diamond. He had seen it someplace and he insured it -- $200,000 -- listed in the "Great Diamonds of the World." I asked him, "How could they have listed that diamond?" and they said, "Because it was owned by a prominent person who called up and said, 'I have this diamond,' and we listed it." In 1947 "She's held up and she reports to the police among the things missing is the Amati diamond. They catch the two fellows and they go on trial. Their lawyer says to them, "You know, if you give that big diamond back, that family diamond of hers, it would make things a little easier for me. Maybe I can make a deal." So they said, "We've got no diamond. I've told you, everything we got in the holdup we told you about. There was no diamond involved, no big diamond." The lawyer said, "Well, it's on the sheet, you know, and they've got the insurance,"
"Well, they got convicted and went away based on the fact, but partly on this diamond. Runyon's widow got $200,000 from the insurance company and the guys went to jail, and the big gangster in their area, Raymond Patriarca in Providence, R.I., said, "Where's the diamond? They get a diamond that big and they don't even come and see me. Who in the hell do they think they are?" Now, the guys are afraid to come out of prison when their time is up because Patriarca here is screaming for the diamond. And it all started with nothing! The whole thing was an illusion."
Epilogue
Based on the facts presented, and including James Breslin's book about the entire event - only one conclusion is left. The Amati Diamond was a hoax, or in modern terms - insurance fraud. There is also strong reason to believe the 1970 Dartmouth robbery was staged as well in an attempt to defraud the insurance again. As for the three (3) men who committed the robbery in 1947, the robbery itself was real, but the "Amati Diamond" isn't.
- This case is very complex and involves a well-known writer, a dancing girl a mystery diamond and several jewelry robberies and a surprise conclusion.
Alfred Damon Runyan 1880-1946 (known as Damon Runyun)
Damon was a major sports reporter, columnist, and short story writer whose use of humor created a unique style that earned him a wide and loyal readership. Damon married Ellen Egan in May 1911, they had two children.
Runyon frequented the bars and, during Prohibition, the speakeasies, he gathered an eclectic group of acquaintances—politicians, entertainers, reporters, and gangsters. Many of these became models for the "guys and dolls" who peopled his short stories. The late hours and frequent out-of-town assignments created problems in Runyon's marriage, and they separated in 1928.
Patrice Amati del Grande (Runyon) 1912-1983
Patrice Runyon was born Patrice Gridier in Dallas Texas. Runyon dubs her a "Spanish Countess", she was a Mexican girl he had first met in Jaurez, Mexico while covering the Pancho Villa raids in 1916 and reconnected with her once again in New York, when she called the American seeking him out. Runyon had promised her in Mexico that if she would complete the education he paid for her, he would find her a dancing job in New York. She began dancing and preforming under the name Patrice Amati del Grande.
She was Runyons' mistress, then later his companion after he separated from his wife Ellen. Ellen Runyon died on November 9 1931, Runyon and Patrice married on July 7, 1932. The marriage coincided with Runyon's most prolific period as an author, which saw the publication of several collections of his works including Guys and Dolls (1931), Blue Plate Special (1934), Money from Home (1935), More Than Somewhat (1937), and many others. As his popularity soared, movie rights to several of Runyon's short stories were sold. Lady for a Day (1933) and Little Miss Marker (1934). At the peak of his popularity, in the 1930s, Runyon was one of the most productive and highly paid writers in New York.
The Amati Diamond story begins.......
During the marriage to Runyon, Patrice begins to tell everyone that she owns the Amati diamond, the world`s tenth (10th) largest diamond in the world (31 carats). This imaginary gem gets insured by Pennsylvania-based Alliance Insurance Company, only one hitch - the diamond may or may not exist. Damon knew the right people and the diamond belonging to the "Spanish Countess" was then insured, unseen, at $100,000. To this day, the diamond only exists on paper, it has never never seen; not by any insurance company or any person.
Patrice Divorces Runyon 1946, Marries Richard Coffin 1946
The marriage between Patrice and Runyon ended in June 1946 when Patrice left him for a younger man, Richard N. Coffin (1923-1965). Even after their marriage was dissolved in June 1946, he remained generous, replacing her as the executor of his estate in a new will he drafted, but still guaranteeing her half of all the income from his literary works for the rest of her life, a provision he had granted in an earlier will. He also stipulated that she could keep the house in Florida. On December 6 1946, Runyon entered the hospital for the last time, slipped into a coma and died on December 10 1946. When he died he was the first public figure to have it announced that he died of the print-forbidden word ''cancer'' instead of the usual ''after long illness.''
Patrice purchased the house at 165 Mishaum Point with monies from her divorce from Runyon. Patrice marries Coffin in August 1946 he was the manager of A.E.Coffin Press in New Bedford.
Patrice & Richard Coffin Robbed in Dartmouth ! 1947
On November 18 1947 allegedly $200,000 worth of jewels, including the famous Amati diamond, now reported to be the eleventh (11th) largest diamond in the world, were reported stolen by gunpoint from their home at 165 Mishaum Point, Dartmouth. Richard Coffin, and Maria Patrice Amati were confronted by three (3) masked men upon their arrival at home from a trip to Boston. Two of the armed men subdued Mr. Coffin in the garage while he was putting their 1947 convertible away. Mr. Coffin was struck in back of the head with the butt of the weapon, and suffered a minor injury requiring stitches. Mrs. Coffin told police that even before being told to open the concealed wall safe, which she was the only one who knew the combination, located in a upstairs bedroom, the masked men asked about specific pieces of jewelry, including one very valuable piece which was in New York being repaired.
Police believed the armed men knew the lay-out of the house, and knew about the hidden safe in the bedroom. Mrs. Coffin admitted that 72-hrs prior there was a party at the house and she showed many guests the wall safe.
The armed men fled from the scene by taking the Coffin’s 1947 convertible, which was later recovered in Fall River. All three (3) thieves each provided specific details on the items that were stolen, neither of them saw such a diamond of that size. Patrice presented insurance papers as proof of the diamonds existence. All three (3) thieves were even offered a reduced sentence if the diamond was turned over. All three (3) maintained they never saw the diamond nor ever stole a diamond from the house.
On Nov 4 1948 The Bristol County Grand Jury handed down indictments against Paul J Colicci of Providence R.I. and Joseph Cairo of Cranston R.I. They were charged with Robbery, Assault & Battery with intent to kill, Breaking and Entering and Larceny in the nighttime, and witness intimidation. Cairo was already in jail on unrelated charges and plead guilty, while on Mar 2 1949 Colicci was found guilty and was sentenced to 10-15 years in prison.
On May 19 1950 a third suspect was identified as William Conroy. He was later arrested in Ohio and transported back to Massachusetts, he was never charged.
In December, 1954, Anthony Roselli was arrested and was subsequently brought to trial on several indictments charging offenses arising out of the above described event. He was found guilty and sentenced on an indictment charging robbery, and on another charging a related offense. At the trial Mrs. Coffin testified she first identified the defendant in a police line-up in Providence in December, 1954, and she identified him at the trial as one of the robbers. She also testified that Cairo and Collici were the other two. It appeared that prior to that she had on several occasions viewed other police line-ups, including one in Hartford, Connecticut. In two of the line-ups viewed by Mrs. Coffin there she saw William Conroy, but Mrs. Coffin testified that she did not identify him as one of the robbers.
A June, 1948 news article reported that the insurance company had offered a $2500 reward for leads. The insurer, identified as Pennsylvania-based Alliance Insurance Company, said that the stolen jewelry was only insured for $60,000. Oddly, the widely-reported value of the stolen items was $200,000, half of which was for the supposed Amati diamond.
In 1948 The Town of Dartmouth Board of Assessors sent a $7,428 tax bill to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Coffin for the $200,000 in jewelry reported stolen in Nov 1947. Although not recovered, the assessors stated that under law it constituted taxable personal property even though the town was unaware of its existence before the robbery.
Patrice & Richard Coffin Divorce, Richard dies
On Aug 3 1957 Patrice files for divorce from on the grounds of cruel and abusive behavior. The divorce was finalized on Feb 12 1958, In an interesting twist, Patrice changes her last name back to "Runyon". She kept the Mishaum Point house after the divorce in 1957. In her divorce filing she valued the house at $100,000 and the art and furnishings at an additional $100,000. She said that the trust fund left to her by Damon was "nearly exhausted"--although she did have an ongoing income stream from his royalties for works such as "Guys and Dolls". In a 1957 newspaper interview she said the house had been on the market for a year for $125,000. She also said she planned to move to Cuba after her affairs were settled. Richard Coffin died on November 13 1965 of alcoholism.
In 1968 Patrice made a new will with Father William Martin Gallagher of South Dartmouth (her neighbor at the time) becoming a primary beneficiary. That included “any and all Jewels“. However, the copy in her file is unexecuted.
Dartmouth Robbery 1970
The Tampa Tribune reported on Monday Oct 26 1970 "Police said yesterday they were seeking three (3) men who robbed the widow of author Damon Runyon of more than $50,000 in jewels and valuables. A foreign car belonging to Mrs. Runyon was also taken during the robbery, but was found in a lane by police several blocks from her Mishaum Point home. A neighbor called police early Saturday (Oct 25 1970) morning after Mrs. Runyon managed to free herself from bonds and gag. Mrs. Runyon was robbed at the house once before in 1947. Police withheld information on the weekend robbery for more than 10 hours while the investigation was launched."
Patrice Moves from Dartmouth 1971
Patrice remained living at the Mishaum Point home until 1971, when she was hired as care taker for Whispering Pines the Narragansett Rhode Island estate of beer magnate William P Considine. Considine was the vice president of Narragansett Brewery.
Patrice Runyon died on Sept 27 1983 at age 71. She is buried in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery section 47D in North Kingstown R.I.
Damon Runyon : A Life (1991)
(Book by Author James Breslin)
Breslin was an American journalist and author and knew Damon Runyon. In 1991 he wrote a book about the life of Damon Runyon.
He described the life of Damon Runyon as "a fabulously fraudulent biography which the willing reader accepts as the real goods all the way." Breslin gives Runyon the figure of a genius con man, an inspired writer with a heart like a hungry bank vault. Breslin writes "Now, he couldn't leave his wife and two kids for some common little girl from the dust of Juarez Mexico, so he decided that she was a Spanish countess and he told her so. So, she believed it, and then he wrote a story called "Madame LaGimp" which was about a Spanish countess. Frank Capra bought the story, made it into the movie Lady for a Day. Runyon and young 26-years-his-junior go to see the movie, and now it's official. She's a Spanish countess on the screen; she's a Spanish countess in the movie seat next to him, and they lived this life of illusion."
Breslin claims "He (Runyon) then told her that she had a 30-carat diamond ring, the Amati diamond. That was her family name -- Amati from Grenada or someplace. She was from Juarez! They got an insurance guy who came into Lindy's and began to hang around places, because if you hung around with Runyon and the gangsters there were a lot of chorus women, so why wouldn't you come in? Illegitimate people were all over the place, trying to get in on the party. The insurance guy said that absolutely she had the diamond. He had seen it someplace and he insured it -- $200,000 -- listed in the "Great Diamonds of the World." I asked him, "How could they have listed that diamond?" and they said, "Because it was owned by a prominent person who called up and said, 'I have this diamond,' and we listed it." In 1947 "She's held up and she reports to the police among the things missing is the Amati diamond. They catch the two fellows and they go on trial. Their lawyer says to them, "You know, if you give that big diamond back, that family diamond of hers, it would make things a little easier for me. Maybe I can make a deal." So they said, "We've got no diamond. I've told you, everything we got in the holdup we told you about. There was no diamond involved, no big diamond." The lawyer said, "Well, it's on the sheet, you know, and they've got the insurance,"
"Well, they got convicted and went away based on the fact, but partly on this diamond. Runyon's widow got $200,000 from the insurance company and the guys went to jail, and the big gangster in their area, Raymond Patriarca in Providence, R.I., said, "Where's the diamond? They get a diamond that big and they don't even come and see me. Who in the hell do they think they are?" Now, the guys are afraid to come out of prison when their time is up because Patriarca here is screaming for the diamond. And it all started with nothing! The whole thing was an illusion."
Epilogue
Based on the facts presented, and including James Breslin's book about the entire event - only one conclusion is left. The Amati Diamond was a hoax, or in modern terms - insurance fraud. There is also strong reason to believe the 1970 Dartmouth robbery was staged as well in an attempt to defraud the insurance again. As for the three (3) men who committed the robbery in 1947, the robbery itself was real, but the "Amati Diamond" isn't.
Southcoast Prohibition Shoot-Out 1927
Between 1920 and 1933 alcoholic beverages could not be manufactured, sold, transported, exported, or imported in the United States. While it was illegal to sell alcoholic beverages within U.S. borders, supply ships set up shop in territorial waters, which began three miles offshore. This stretch of open water became known as “Rum Row,” where supply ships brought in all kinds of liquor and beer from Europe, the Bahamas and Canada.
Fisherman would often stumble on drop locations where a rum runner had tossed overboard their cargo while being chased by U.S. Coast Guard. A lobsterman with his own boat and who found a dumped stash of illegal liquor and brought it ashore to sell, soon found the liquor business much more profitable than fishing.
Charlie Travers (Feb 7 1906-Dec 9 1995)
Charlie was born in Dartmouth, and was an excellent mechanic, avid boater and former U.S. Coast Guard surf-men on Cuttyhunk Island. After completing his enlistment in 1924 Charlie began lobstering out of New Bedford along with his younger brother, Henry Travers. Charlie's older brother was Joseph Travers, a WW-II veteran and a retired New Bedford Police Lieutenant. Charlie owned a Dodge dealership on North Street and a machine shop on Hillman Street in New Bedford.
Charlie's father, Frank Travers, operated a fish market at Billy Wood's Wharf on East Rodney French Boulevard. The name 'Smuggler's Den' refers back to the Travers occupation and their fish market. One day Charlie had discovered a load of liquor that was tossed overboard by a boat being pursued by the Coast Guard. He retrieved it, sold it for more money than he earned in a month working at the fish market. In 1925 Charlie was arrested aboard the rumrunner boat "Tramp". The crew attempted to deliver $10,000 worth of liquor. He plead guilty and was fined.
Charlie used the Seaview Poultry Farm on Sconticut Neck Road in Fairhaven as a repair shop for cars, trucks and boats, and stored liquor there at times. Charlie also owned the Westlook Farm on Horseneck Road in Dartmouth. Westlook was more of home for him and his girlfriend (later wife) Mildred Sedgwick and her son Harry.
In 1927 Charlie bought the “Black Duck” out of Gloucester, MA. Outfitted with two V-12 Liberty aircraft engines producing 300 horsepower each, and capable of 500 under a skilled hand, the vessel was able to reach 32 knots. The Black Duck, although owned and operated by Charlie, was registered under the name of Jacob Weissman of Providence, RI. (who used the name Jack Williams). This was done in case the vessel was pursued, captured, or have to be abandoned somewhere, with or without cargo, The owner would have a solid alibi for theft and misuse of his vessel. The “Black Duck” was successful as a rum boat for two years
Max Fox
Charlie's partner was Max Fox who was a local gangster, but his involvement in illegal liquor was low profile but widely known at the time. In the New Bedford street directories Fox was listed as a 'junk dealer". In reality Max and his brother Louis were lieutenants for Charles "King" Solomon (1884-1933), a racketeer who also controlled the narcotics, prostitution and illegal gambling in the Boston area during the 1920's and '30's.
Louis Fox, who died in 1963, operated in the Revere area for Solomon while Max ran the New Bedford area. Solomon also ran a famous Boston speakeasy named the Cocoanut Grove. Solomon was shot and killed in Boston 1933, a months before the repeal of prohibition when the Cocoanut Grove became a legal nightclub. A fire at the club after Solomon's death killed 492 patrons and employees in 1942.
Newspaper articles of Fox's arrest record include a conviction in 1909/1910 for "using a condemned scale and using false measures." In 1910 he was charged with assault and fined. In 1913 he was arrested on gaming charges. and fined . In 1925 charges of 'liquor keeping" which was from a raid on liquor at Salters Point, Dartmouth, for which he would serve three months in jail, and a 1926 charge of improper operation of a motor vehicle. Max Fox was involved in smuggling early into Prohibition and arranged the purchase of a 259 foot freighter to bring in liquor from St. Miquelon, Nova Scotia where liquor was still legal.
Max Fox was often at the center of a hijacking by rival gangs. One particular battle took place at Angelica Point, Mattapoisett. Another was at Salter's Point, Dartmouth.
Bergeron Farm Dartmouth - January 1927
The most spectacular battle Max Fox was involved in was the Bergeron Farm Shootout in Dartmouth. The farm consisted of a small farm house, a good sized barn and several small out buildings. The farm is on Old Fall River Road next to Bergeron Lane, close to the Westport line, and was down a narrow lane with stonewalls along the sides. At the time the farm was owned by an elderly woman named Mary Santos who lived on Clinton Street in New Bedford.
Nearly fifty (50) local men were at the farm relaxing and sampling the liquor on the cold January day. Approximately twenty (20) men allegedly part of a Providence gang quietly entered the farm and made their presence known by drawing their weapons; as a result shots were fired.
During the shoot-out Max Fox was able to slip away and go to the residence of Dartmouth Police Chief Thomas Barnes, who resided on a dairy farm on Old Fall River Road. Fox demanded assistance at the farm, the chief then notified his officers on duty to respond to the request for assistance. Chief Barnes informed the responding officers that the incident involved someone stealing chickens, which was not the true nature of the on-going incident.
After requesting assistance, Fox then returned to the farm and continued in the gun fight. Shortly, three (3) Dartmouth Police officers (Reynolds, Choquette, Faulkner) and a Constable (Wordell) arrived. Hearing the gunfire, shouting and being unprepared for such a battle, they took up a position on the edge of the clearing on the lane. Realizing their predicament the officers remained hidden behind the stone wall and attempted to return fire but had little ammunition. The officers saw the Providence gang members removing cases of liquor from the barn and placing them in their cars and trucks. Fox’s men were taking the cases from the vehicles and placing them back into the barn.
The gang left the farm, without liquor. Max Fox and his clan were able to secure the liquor from being stolen. In daylight the next day many blood trails were found and miraculously no one was reported killed, only one person was injured, Jack Burgo. Mr. Burgo was the cook at the farm and was shot in the head, but survived. Later from his hospital bed, Mr. Burgo was interviewed about the events that took place at the farm. Surprisingly he claimed he couldn’t remember any details due to the morphine for pain management. It was later determined Mr. Burgo was bribed for his silence, although it’s not known from who.
Early the next morning Fox and 15 of his associates were captured at Downey’s Garage at Kempton and O’Neida Streets in New Bedford. The men were arraigned before Special Justice George Gardiner in 3rd District Court on charges of being suspicious persons and assault with intent to murder Mr. Burgo. Each man pleaded not guilty on the murder charge and were later bailed at $10,000 each. The suspicious persons complaint were dismissed. The bail monies were put up by several people, Albert Cohen of New Bedford bailed Fox and Albert Lopes, putting up $75,000 in real estate and $80,000 in personal property. Lopes and Fox then bailed the others, William Rogers, Henry Rodriques, Benjamin Carvaco, Joseph Ponte, Edward McCabe, Henry Jordan, Charles Aylward, Antone Mello, Carmelio Grimmia (aka Frank Gomes)
After the incident an investigation was conducted after the police officers threatened to resign. At first the Chief’s wife claimed Fox came to the door, but later she claimed she didn’t recognize him and that her husband and Fox had a conversation in another room. She stated she had no knowledge of the subject matter of that conversation. The officers maintained the opinion that Chief Barnes was in collusion with Max Fox and they had no confidence in the Chief. In March 1927 Chief Barnes resigned after serving from March 1 1923 to March 1 1927.
Interestingly, Max Fox listed a Reed Street New Bedford address, right around the corner from the home of Mary Santos on Clinton Street. The seclusion of the farm was perfect for storing loads of liquor, It's not clear if the owner was aware the property was being used to store liquor.
December 29 1929 “Black Duck Massacre”
New Year's eve was approaching and Newport, R.I. was a party spot. Local socialites and politicians wanted to celebrate in a big way and placed orders for champagne and liquors. Charlie had a deal to bring in a load of liquor to Newport.
U.S. Coast Guard Commander A.C. Cornell had received an anonymous “tip” from an informant that the Black Duck would be entering Narragansett Bay on a particular night carrying 383 cartons of illegal liquor. Commander Cornell waited on board his Coast Guard vessel tied to a navigation buoy while another Coast Guard vessel waited at the other end of the entrance to Newport Harbor. Both boats sat, motors off, in a heavy fog, knowing that any vessels entering Newport would head toward the gong buoys for navigation.
When confronted, Travers and his crew attempted to escape, but the Coast Guard reportedly fired on the boat with machine guns (20 rounds), killing three unarmed crew members. 500 cartons of illegal liquor was recovered.
Jacob Weissman (35) of Providence, Dudley Brandt (35) of Boston and John Goulart (27) of Sconticut Road, Fairhaven were all killed. Charles Travers was shot thru the hand. Charges against Travers were eventually dropped and no formal apology was ever issued over the deaths of his 3 crewman. When the Black Duck was captured in Newport in 1929 it was confiscated and used to chase liquor smuggling boats.
The “Tipster” Killed
Within the next few weeks the person who ratted out the Black Duck to the authorities was known, Charlie R. Hacking. By February news reports claimed that "C. R. Hacking was found dead, shot in the side and the head, and his body dumped in Attleboro on a secluded part of road, where the street light had been shot out. In February 1930 Joseph McGuiness (28) aka Joseph McCarthy is wanted for questioning in the slaying of Charlie R. Hacking. McGuiness was part of Boston’s Gustin Gang, named for the street they originated from and a fore runner to the Winter Hill Gang of Whitey Bulger. McGuiness was also associated with Charles ‘King Solomon’, who had a reputation as a hi-jacker who used fake Federal ID badges to fool rum runners out of their liquor. McGuiness was never found guilty of Hackings murder.
"Madam X 1932"
In October 1932 Dennis J. McHugh of New Bedford and four of his crew aboard the Madam X were captured with $50,000 worth of liquor off Round Hill. The Madame X would become a Coast Guard patrol boat. Charlie Travers had named the boat in honor of Mildred Sedgwick. "Madame X" was a silent movie about a woman who sinks into alcoholism. It was a joke because Mildred never drank alcohol.
"The Accuracy 1935"
The Accuracy was seized by the Coast Guard off Smith's Neck, South Dartmouth, and towed to the State Pier in New Bedford. No contraband was found aboard. Investigators hurried to South Dartmouth shores to search there without success for a dumped alcohol cargo.
Raids on South Dartmouth farms the next day netted 640 cases of liquor, valued at $25,000, and resulted in the arrests of Victor Medeiros of Russells Mills Road and Herbert C. Breault of Elm Street, South Dartmouth, on whose premises the liquor was found, and Charles J. Leonard, of the same address as Medeiros.
Charles Donovan Skipper of the Accuracy, and his crew of eight pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to violate liquor laws, and were held in bail. Medeiros, Breault and Leonard were arraigned and await for trial. Leonard's bail was fixed at $5,000, the others at $2,500. A brother of Medeiros, John V. Medeiros, of the same address, was suspended from the Dartmouth Police Department outcome of the investigation.
The Accuracy had dropped part of the liquor off the shore of Sconticut Neck or Jack's Cove and the rest in South Dartmouth. The small farm there located on a curve was known as Moonshine Corner. The Medeiros brothers were contractors who specialized in cement work and most likely were the ones who built the underground storage area under the chicken coop at Seaview Poultry Farm (Fairhaven).
Seaview Poultry Farm Raid January 17 1941
Federal Agents assisted by State Police seize a 1000-gallon still and arrested five (5) people, including Charlie Travers and Mildred Sedgewick. Charges against Mildred were dropped when Charlie agreed to plead guilty and serve jail time. Charlie only served about a year, WW-II had broken out and he was released to join the U.S. Navy. Charlie served his country and was honorably discharged.
During the late 1950's Charlie was employed by the U.S. Navy and was away for two (2) years. His activity and his exact whereabouts where unknown, and he never shared any information. There is much speculation he helped engineer a classified high-speed PT boat later used in Vietnam.
Max Fox Continues.....
Max eventually opened a used car lot named Metropolitan Motor Exchange where sold cars and Reo trucks on Purchase Street in New Bedford. This was a useful source for cars and trucks to be used in smuggling on land. Max Fox provided financing, transportation and muscle and unlike many in the business he was wise enough to invest his profits and walk away from smuggling. Max would eventually serve a year in jail for the Bergeron Farm affair and seemed to keep a low profile afterwards keeping his interests in gambling, illegal loans, and used cars. Fox invested in real estate and holdings, using his wife's name and names of others he became a part owner in the Olympia Building in downtown New Bedford. Max Fox died in November of 1966. He and his wife, Sara (Schwartz), had three daughters, one (Ida Fox 1907-1952) married a local politician, Harold H. J. Clasky, for whom the New Bedford park, Clasky Common park was named in his honor of.
Between 1920 and 1933 alcoholic beverages could not be manufactured, sold, transported, exported, or imported in the United States. While it was illegal to sell alcoholic beverages within U.S. borders, supply ships set up shop in territorial waters, which began three miles offshore. This stretch of open water became known as “Rum Row,” where supply ships brought in all kinds of liquor and beer from Europe, the Bahamas and Canada.
Fisherman would often stumble on drop locations where a rum runner had tossed overboard their cargo while being chased by U.S. Coast Guard. A lobsterman with his own boat and who found a dumped stash of illegal liquor and brought it ashore to sell, soon found the liquor business much more profitable than fishing.
Charlie Travers (Feb 7 1906-Dec 9 1995)
Charlie was born in Dartmouth, and was an excellent mechanic, avid boater and former U.S. Coast Guard surf-men on Cuttyhunk Island. After completing his enlistment in 1924 Charlie began lobstering out of New Bedford along with his younger brother, Henry Travers. Charlie's older brother was Joseph Travers, a WW-II veteran and a retired New Bedford Police Lieutenant. Charlie owned a Dodge dealership on North Street and a machine shop on Hillman Street in New Bedford.
Charlie's father, Frank Travers, operated a fish market at Billy Wood's Wharf on East Rodney French Boulevard. The name 'Smuggler's Den' refers back to the Travers occupation and their fish market. One day Charlie had discovered a load of liquor that was tossed overboard by a boat being pursued by the Coast Guard. He retrieved it, sold it for more money than he earned in a month working at the fish market. In 1925 Charlie was arrested aboard the rumrunner boat "Tramp". The crew attempted to deliver $10,000 worth of liquor. He plead guilty and was fined.
Charlie used the Seaview Poultry Farm on Sconticut Neck Road in Fairhaven as a repair shop for cars, trucks and boats, and stored liquor there at times. Charlie also owned the Westlook Farm on Horseneck Road in Dartmouth. Westlook was more of home for him and his girlfriend (later wife) Mildred Sedgwick and her son Harry.
In 1927 Charlie bought the “Black Duck” out of Gloucester, MA. Outfitted with two V-12 Liberty aircraft engines producing 300 horsepower each, and capable of 500 under a skilled hand, the vessel was able to reach 32 knots. The Black Duck, although owned and operated by Charlie, was registered under the name of Jacob Weissman of Providence, RI. (who used the name Jack Williams). This was done in case the vessel was pursued, captured, or have to be abandoned somewhere, with or without cargo, The owner would have a solid alibi for theft and misuse of his vessel. The “Black Duck” was successful as a rum boat for two years
Max Fox
Charlie's partner was Max Fox who was a local gangster, but his involvement in illegal liquor was low profile but widely known at the time. In the New Bedford street directories Fox was listed as a 'junk dealer". In reality Max and his brother Louis were lieutenants for Charles "King" Solomon (1884-1933), a racketeer who also controlled the narcotics, prostitution and illegal gambling in the Boston area during the 1920's and '30's.
Louis Fox, who died in 1963, operated in the Revere area for Solomon while Max ran the New Bedford area. Solomon also ran a famous Boston speakeasy named the Cocoanut Grove. Solomon was shot and killed in Boston 1933, a months before the repeal of prohibition when the Cocoanut Grove became a legal nightclub. A fire at the club after Solomon's death killed 492 patrons and employees in 1942.
Newspaper articles of Fox's arrest record include a conviction in 1909/1910 for "using a condemned scale and using false measures." In 1910 he was charged with assault and fined. In 1913 he was arrested on gaming charges. and fined . In 1925 charges of 'liquor keeping" which was from a raid on liquor at Salters Point, Dartmouth, for which he would serve three months in jail, and a 1926 charge of improper operation of a motor vehicle. Max Fox was involved in smuggling early into Prohibition and arranged the purchase of a 259 foot freighter to bring in liquor from St. Miquelon, Nova Scotia where liquor was still legal.
Max Fox was often at the center of a hijacking by rival gangs. One particular battle took place at Angelica Point, Mattapoisett. Another was at Salter's Point, Dartmouth.
Bergeron Farm Dartmouth - January 1927
The most spectacular battle Max Fox was involved in was the Bergeron Farm Shootout in Dartmouth. The farm consisted of a small farm house, a good sized barn and several small out buildings. The farm is on Old Fall River Road next to Bergeron Lane, close to the Westport line, and was down a narrow lane with stonewalls along the sides. At the time the farm was owned by an elderly woman named Mary Santos who lived on Clinton Street in New Bedford.
Nearly fifty (50) local men were at the farm relaxing and sampling the liquor on the cold January day. Approximately twenty (20) men allegedly part of a Providence gang quietly entered the farm and made their presence known by drawing their weapons; as a result shots were fired.
During the shoot-out Max Fox was able to slip away and go to the residence of Dartmouth Police Chief Thomas Barnes, who resided on a dairy farm on Old Fall River Road. Fox demanded assistance at the farm, the chief then notified his officers on duty to respond to the request for assistance. Chief Barnes informed the responding officers that the incident involved someone stealing chickens, which was not the true nature of the on-going incident.
After requesting assistance, Fox then returned to the farm and continued in the gun fight. Shortly, three (3) Dartmouth Police officers (Reynolds, Choquette, Faulkner) and a Constable (Wordell) arrived. Hearing the gunfire, shouting and being unprepared for such a battle, they took up a position on the edge of the clearing on the lane. Realizing their predicament the officers remained hidden behind the stone wall and attempted to return fire but had little ammunition. The officers saw the Providence gang members removing cases of liquor from the barn and placing them in their cars and trucks. Fox’s men were taking the cases from the vehicles and placing them back into the barn.
The gang left the farm, without liquor. Max Fox and his clan were able to secure the liquor from being stolen. In daylight the next day many blood trails were found and miraculously no one was reported killed, only one person was injured, Jack Burgo. Mr. Burgo was the cook at the farm and was shot in the head, but survived. Later from his hospital bed, Mr. Burgo was interviewed about the events that took place at the farm. Surprisingly he claimed he couldn’t remember any details due to the morphine for pain management. It was later determined Mr. Burgo was bribed for his silence, although it’s not known from who.
Early the next morning Fox and 15 of his associates were captured at Downey’s Garage at Kempton and O’Neida Streets in New Bedford. The men were arraigned before Special Justice George Gardiner in 3rd District Court on charges of being suspicious persons and assault with intent to murder Mr. Burgo. Each man pleaded not guilty on the murder charge and were later bailed at $10,000 each. The suspicious persons complaint were dismissed. The bail monies were put up by several people, Albert Cohen of New Bedford bailed Fox and Albert Lopes, putting up $75,000 in real estate and $80,000 in personal property. Lopes and Fox then bailed the others, William Rogers, Henry Rodriques, Benjamin Carvaco, Joseph Ponte, Edward McCabe, Henry Jordan, Charles Aylward, Antone Mello, Carmelio Grimmia (aka Frank Gomes)
After the incident an investigation was conducted after the police officers threatened to resign. At first the Chief’s wife claimed Fox came to the door, but later she claimed she didn’t recognize him and that her husband and Fox had a conversation in another room. She stated she had no knowledge of the subject matter of that conversation. The officers maintained the opinion that Chief Barnes was in collusion with Max Fox and they had no confidence in the Chief. In March 1927 Chief Barnes resigned after serving from March 1 1923 to March 1 1927.
Interestingly, Max Fox listed a Reed Street New Bedford address, right around the corner from the home of Mary Santos on Clinton Street. The seclusion of the farm was perfect for storing loads of liquor, It's not clear if the owner was aware the property was being used to store liquor.
December 29 1929 “Black Duck Massacre”
New Year's eve was approaching and Newport, R.I. was a party spot. Local socialites and politicians wanted to celebrate in a big way and placed orders for champagne and liquors. Charlie had a deal to bring in a load of liquor to Newport.
U.S. Coast Guard Commander A.C. Cornell had received an anonymous “tip” from an informant that the Black Duck would be entering Narragansett Bay on a particular night carrying 383 cartons of illegal liquor. Commander Cornell waited on board his Coast Guard vessel tied to a navigation buoy while another Coast Guard vessel waited at the other end of the entrance to Newport Harbor. Both boats sat, motors off, in a heavy fog, knowing that any vessels entering Newport would head toward the gong buoys for navigation.
When confronted, Travers and his crew attempted to escape, but the Coast Guard reportedly fired on the boat with machine guns (20 rounds), killing three unarmed crew members. 500 cartons of illegal liquor was recovered.
Jacob Weissman (35) of Providence, Dudley Brandt (35) of Boston and John Goulart (27) of Sconticut Road, Fairhaven were all killed. Charles Travers was shot thru the hand. Charges against Travers were eventually dropped and no formal apology was ever issued over the deaths of his 3 crewman. When the Black Duck was captured in Newport in 1929 it was confiscated and used to chase liquor smuggling boats.
The “Tipster” Killed
Within the next few weeks the person who ratted out the Black Duck to the authorities was known, Charlie R. Hacking. By February news reports claimed that "C. R. Hacking was found dead, shot in the side and the head, and his body dumped in Attleboro on a secluded part of road, where the street light had been shot out. In February 1930 Joseph McGuiness (28) aka Joseph McCarthy is wanted for questioning in the slaying of Charlie R. Hacking. McGuiness was part of Boston’s Gustin Gang, named for the street they originated from and a fore runner to the Winter Hill Gang of Whitey Bulger. McGuiness was also associated with Charles ‘King Solomon’, who had a reputation as a hi-jacker who used fake Federal ID badges to fool rum runners out of their liquor. McGuiness was never found guilty of Hackings murder.
"Madam X 1932"
In October 1932 Dennis J. McHugh of New Bedford and four of his crew aboard the Madam X were captured with $50,000 worth of liquor off Round Hill. The Madame X would become a Coast Guard patrol boat. Charlie Travers had named the boat in honor of Mildred Sedgwick. "Madame X" was a silent movie about a woman who sinks into alcoholism. It was a joke because Mildred never drank alcohol.
"The Accuracy 1935"
The Accuracy was seized by the Coast Guard off Smith's Neck, South Dartmouth, and towed to the State Pier in New Bedford. No contraband was found aboard. Investigators hurried to South Dartmouth shores to search there without success for a dumped alcohol cargo.
Raids on South Dartmouth farms the next day netted 640 cases of liquor, valued at $25,000, and resulted in the arrests of Victor Medeiros of Russells Mills Road and Herbert C. Breault of Elm Street, South Dartmouth, on whose premises the liquor was found, and Charles J. Leonard, of the same address as Medeiros.
Charles Donovan Skipper of the Accuracy, and his crew of eight pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to violate liquor laws, and were held in bail. Medeiros, Breault and Leonard were arraigned and await for trial. Leonard's bail was fixed at $5,000, the others at $2,500. A brother of Medeiros, John V. Medeiros, of the same address, was suspended from the Dartmouth Police Department outcome of the investigation.
The Accuracy had dropped part of the liquor off the shore of Sconticut Neck or Jack's Cove and the rest in South Dartmouth. The small farm there located on a curve was known as Moonshine Corner. The Medeiros brothers were contractors who specialized in cement work and most likely were the ones who built the underground storage area under the chicken coop at Seaview Poultry Farm (Fairhaven).
Seaview Poultry Farm Raid January 17 1941
Federal Agents assisted by State Police seize a 1000-gallon still and arrested five (5) people, including Charlie Travers and Mildred Sedgewick. Charges against Mildred were dropped when Charlie agreed to plead guilty and serve jail time. Charlie only served about a year, WW-II had broken out and he was released to join the U.S. Navy. Charlie served his country and was honorably discharged.
During the late 1950's Charlie was employed by the U.S. Navy and was away for two (2) years. His activity and his exact whereabouts where unknown, and he never shared any information. There is much speculation he helped engineer a classified high-speed PT boat later used in Vietnam.
Max Fox Continues.....
Max eventually opened a used car lot named Metropolitan Motor Exchange where sold cars and Reo trucks on Purchase Street in New Bedford. This was a useful source for cars and trucks to be used in smuggling on land. Max Fox provided financing, transportation and muscle and unlike many in the business he was wise enough to invest his profits and walk away from smuggling. Max would eventually serve a year in jail for the Bergeron Farm affair and seemed to keep a low profile afterwards keeping his interests in gambling, illegal loans, and used cars. Fox invested in real estate and holdings, using his wife's name and names of others he became a part owner in the Olympia Building in downtown New Bedford. Max Fox died in November of 1966. He and his wife, Sara (Schwartz), had three daughters, one (Ida Fox 1907-1952) married a local politician, Harold H. J. Clasky, for whom the New Bedford park, Clasky Common park was named in his honor of.