The tranquil environment of New York’s Hudson Valley is the site of historic Gilded Age mansions, elaborate gardens, Revolutionary War battlefields, and many other points of interest. Yet some of the Hudson Valley’s heritage includes more harrowing tales. From the late nineteenth century through 1950, one otherwise industrious city from our region was dubbed “The Weekend Vice Resort” for its many gambling halls, brothels, and other activities of ill repute. During the nation’s prohibition era, stills throughout the Hudson Valley were commonplace, even in the most respectable communities. Police raids on the country homes of mobsters Dutch Schultz, Legs Diamond, and affiliated illegal distilleries occurred frequently. Furthermore, when mobster crackdowns did not fill the headlines of daily newspapers, corrupt politicians, police chiefs, and government officials did. Madams, Mobsters, and Murders of the Hudson Valley by author Anthony Musso is a true reflection of the darker side of life in a region otherwise known for its tranquil beauty. Join him with the Woodbury Historical Society on Sunday, November 10th at 2:00 PM to learn about this fascinating history. Completing a thirty-eight-year career as a writer, editor, and media spokesperson for the government, Musso simultaneously worked as a weekly columnist and freelance journalist for Gannett Newspapers’ Poughkeepsie Journal, Times-Herald Record, and Journal News. He is the author of 10 books, presents approximately 70 programs annually, and leads all-day bus trips to visit sites from his three-volume “Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley” book series. More information about his work can be found on his website: mussobooks.com. This lecture, open to the public, will be held at the Town of Woodbury Senior Center, 16 County Route 105, Highland Mills. For more information, please call 845-928-6770 or email woodbury1889@optonline.net.
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