Guide to the Burton Turkus Papers

Brooklyn Public Library Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11238

Contact: Brooklyn Collection Phone: 718.230.2762 Fax: 718.857.2245 Email: [email protected] www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Finding aid prepared by Abigail Rubin Copyright © 2012 Brooklyn Public Library. All rights reserved.

Descriptive Summary

Creator: Burton Turkus Title: Burton Turkus Collection Date Span: 1921 - 1962 Abstract: Series I: Biographical Information Series II: Murder Inc. Series III: Turkus Judicial Campaign Series IV: Dewey Campaign Series V: Photographs – General Series VI: Geroge Beldock Vs. William O’Dwyer Series VII: Newspaper Clippings Series VIII. Mentions in Local Newsletters Series IX. Public Appearances – Flyers, Programs, Bulletins & Correspondence Series X: Magazine Articles Series XI: Burton Turkus- General Quantity: 4 Document Boxes (4 cubic feet) Location: Central Library, Brooklyn Collection Repository: Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection Reference Code: BC 0102

Biographical History

Burton B. Turkus, 1902-1982

Born in 1902 in the Prospect Park section of Brooklyn, New York to an immigrant watchmaker and a seamstress, Burton B. Turkus became a prominent figure in the political landscape of New York from the 1940s through the 1960s. After working the night shift as a telegraph operator at Western Union to pay for his courses, Turkus got his law degree through New York University and was admitted to the bar in 1925.

In 1940, Turkus was appointed Chief of the Homicide Division in the District Attorney of Kings County’s office. It was at this time when Turkus took part in one the D.A. office’s most famous cases, the “Murder, Inc.” prosecution. He personally prosecuted many of the crime syndicate’s leading members and obtained nine first-degree murder convictions, making him one of the nation’s authorities on organized crime and racketeering. Through his success, Turkus became something of a local celebrity in Brooklyn and beyond, regularly appearing in newspapers and magazines, publishing books, articles, and hosting his own television show entitled Mr. Arsenic in 1952.

Turkus’ legal career spanned from Chief of the Homicide Division, to Chief Assistant District Attorney in 1945, to conducting a private practice, which he began in 1946. In 1942, Turkus ran for the position of County Judge without success, but played major roles in the campaigns of Thomas Dewey for Governor of New York in 1945 and President in 1948, serving as Chairman of the Citizens Non-Partisans Committee. Turkus also served as a member of the New York State Board of Mediation from 1947-1957, where he arbitrated and mediated in nearly a thousand labor management controversies for a diverse range of industries. Turkus led the way in implementing “instant arbitration,” which allowed settlements to be made on labor disputes without a formal hearing.

Using his experience and expertise, Turkus participated in numerous projects to educate and entertain the country on the subjects of Murder Inc. and criminal prosecution, among other related topics. A film based on the Murder Inc. trials starring Humphrey Bogart entitled The Enforcer, on which Turkus served as a consultant was released in 1951. That same year, Turkus’ book Murder Inc – The Story of the Syndicate was published and became a non-fiction bestseller. The book was the basis for the second feature film based on the trials, simply entitled Murder Inc. In the following years after publishing his memoir Turkus wrote for numerous publications including Readers Digest, Look Magazine, and New York Journal American. In 1953 Turkus headed the Advanced School for Detectives of the State of New Jersey, the first school of it’s kind to instruct law enforcement officers on the latest techniques in the apprehension of criminals and their prosecution, where he served as Director In Charge.

Turkus continued working on cases through the 1970s, and in 1974 ruled against four women who were dismissed from a Playboy Club because they no longer upheld the “bunny image.” Turkus died on November 22nd, 1982, leaving behind his wife and son.

Scope and Content

The Burton Turkus Collection spans from 1921 to 1962, although the bulk of it is concentrated in the late 1930s to the early 1950s. The collection contains a variety of materials from the highlights of Turkus’ career as District Attorney and prosecutor, as well as records and ephemera from his assistance to the electoral campaigns of Thomas Dewey and Turkus’ own judicial campaign in 1942.

The files include trial preparation materials, photographs of crime scenes and suspect mug shots, charts and records summarizing the criminal careers of numerous defendants and summaries of trial testimony. Files from the various electoral campaigns include general correspondence, fundraising letters, photos, treasury documents, press releases and an assortment of other campaign materials.

The last two boxes in the collection consist of newspaper and magazine clippings about the trials and other matters written by or relating to Turkus, as well as flyers, programs, and advertisements promoting his myriad speaking engagements in the years following the trial.

Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 2 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection

Restrictions

Access Restrictions Collection is located in the Brooklyn Collection at the Central Branch at Grand Army Plaza. The collection may only be used in the library and is not available through interlibrary loan. Requests to view the collection must be made at least 48 hours in advance of visit.

Use Restrictions While many items in the Brooklyn Collection are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The borrower assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.

Access Points

Subject Topics: Brownsville (New York, N.Y.) Buchalter, Louis, 1897-1944. Crime syndicates Criminal records--New York (State) Dewey, Thomas E. (Thomas Edmund), 1902-1971. District attorneys Election campaigns Gangs--New York (State)--New York--History Identification photographs--1930-1940. Jewish criminals--New York (State)--New York. Murder Investigation New York (State). Law, Dept. of Racketeering--New York (State)--New York--History--20th century. Reles, Abe, 1906-1941. Schultz, Dutch, 1900 or 1-1935. Turkus, Burton B

Administrative Information

Provenance This collection was received as a donation from Mrs. Ann Turkus in 2000.

Preferred Citation This collection should be cited as the Burton Turkus Collection, Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection.

Related Materials

Available at the Brooklyn Collection: Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 3 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection Turkus, Burton and Sid Feder. Murder Inc.. New York: Manor Books, 1951.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle news clippings

Brooklyn Archival Files under the following headings: Crime: Organized

Brooklyn Biographical Files under the following headings: Buchalter, Louis (Lepke) Reles, Abe Turkus, Burton B Siegel, Benjamin (Bugsey)

Brooklyn Daily Eagle Photograph Files under the following headings: Portraits: Abbandano, Frank Portraits: Anastasia, Albert Portraits: Buchalter, Louis Portraits: Buchalter, Louis {Lepke The Leopard}: Court Portraits: Buchalter, Louis {Lepke The Leopard}: General Portraits: Dewey, Thomas E. Portraits: Levine, Abraham “ Pretty” Portraits: Reles, Abe Portraits: Siegel, Benny “Bugs” Portraits: Turkus, Burton B.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into eleven series by subject and format, covering specific areas of Turkus’ life and career. Materials include notes and documents from various cases and trials primarily pertaining to Murder Inc., as well as photographs, newspaper and magazine clippings, local newsletters and ephemera related to Turkus.

Series I: Biographical Information Series II: Murder Inc. Series III: Turkus Judicial Campaign Series IV: Dewey Campaign Series V: Photographs – General Series VI: Geroge Beldock Vs. William O’Dwyer Series VII: Newspaper Clippings Series VIII. Mentions in Local Newsletters Series IX. Public Appearances – Flyers, Programs, Bulletins & Correspondence Series X: Magazine Articles Series XI: Burton Turkus- General

Series I. Biographical Information Box 1, Folder 1 Dates: Undated, 1908 Abstract: Three Documents listing biographical data

Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 4 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection

[Note: Kept in flat file T-V in the Map Room.] Certificate of Membership of United States Grand Lodge of Independent Order Brith Abraham, belonging to Daniel Turkus (Father).

Series II. Murder Inc Box 1, Folder 2: Suspects and Criminal Records Dates: [1937-1942] Contents: Typewritten “Cast of Characters” List of names and sentences of guilty defendants

Handwritten “Character” List of names, other information about suspects.

Prisoners Criminal Records of: (Alphabetically arranged by legal last name) Louis “Pretty” Amberg Adam Antoniack Herschel Bernstein Joseph Bernstein Paul Carbo Leonard “Jappy” Cohen Philip Cohen/Jack Kofsky “Farvel” Michael “Trigger Mike” or “Little Mike” Coppola/Michael Bruno/John Cepolo Clifford Cotter Howard “Little Davey” Davelman/Dave Hailes William “Little Gangie” Davidson Anthony De Maio Joseph De Maio/Vincent Boccio Louis Dratt/Louis Stark Angelo “Andrew” Fabrizio Vincent Fantasia Sam Ferber Samuel Giacome/Samuel Jacone Meyer Goldstein, AKA Jos, Goldie, Murray, Happrin, Martin Goldstein, “Buck”, Goddie, Bugie, Buggsi, Al. Goodman, Bugs Goldstein, Bugsey Salvatore “Blackie” Graffagnino Harry Greenberg/Gottesman/Green Hyman Holtz Phillip Kovolick Benjamin Krakower George “Whitie” Kramer/Rudnick Louis Kranz Louis Kravitz/Louis Kahn Soloman Kronowitz Abraham “Pretty” Levine Harry Levy/Joe Lesser Irving Levy Frank Lobiascio John Locascio Harry “Happy” Maione Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 5 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection Larry Mazzarese Irving “Isidore” Moskowitz Tony “Antonio” Palmiotto David Rosansky Jospeh “Doc” Rosen Benjamin Siegel Hyman Siegel Philip Silver Solomon Silverman Murray “Shimmie” Stone/Jack Harris Henry Titelbaum Louis “The Dove” Tobin/Taubman/Toibman/Taub/Toby Morris “Dimples” Wolinksy/Walinsky/Friedman

Chart of Finger Impressions taken from suspects

Typewritten list of names, addresses, ID numbers and crimes

Handwritten list of names, addresses and ID numbers - “Pictures and Records for Mr Titus- Bklyn Racket Bureau”

Index of Reports by suspect name

Box 1, Folder 3: Written Material For Use Of Conviction Dates: Undated Contents: Summary of Solved or Partially Solved Homicides Previously on Open List (3)

Summary of Solved or Partially Solved Homicides Previously on Open List (Copy with additional handwritten notes)

Crimes Committed by Harry (Happy) Maione Convictions

List and descriptions of murders committed by Lepke, Weiss and Capone

Gangland Extortions Through Labor Unions

Crimes Committed by Frank (The Dasher) Abbandando

Material For Use in Connection With the Cross-Examination of Louis (Lepke) Buchalter

Memorandum: Re: Death of Guiseppe Massaria

Memorandum of Information Given by Abe Reles; RE: Killing of Irving (Puggy) Feinstein RE: Louis Capone RE: Killing of Joseph Rosen

Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 6 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection Documentation on Lepke, Sidney Brown, Albert Anastasia, Charles Workman, 13 Third Street and Tony Spring’s House on Quentin Road

Box 1, Folder 4: Trial Reports- Testimonies, Witnesses, Evidence Dates: 1936-1963 Contents: Statement released to newspapers during course of Valachi testimony (original and photocopy)

Copy of Grand Jury Presentment on the death of Abe “Kid Twist” Reles with letter sent from Edward Silver

Correspondence and memo from Burton Turkus on alleged statements made about Murder Inc case

The People of The State of NY vs Louis “Lepke” Buchalter for the murder of Joseph Rosen, including: Character lists, Indictment, Dates of Death of Known Characters, Murder Inc Witnesses and Dates of Arrest, Info from testimony of Max Rubin, Mendy Weiss and Lepke Incarcerations, Statement of Facts, Testimonies of Sholem Bernstein, Abe Reles, Albert Tennenbaum, Max Rubin, Maps and diagrams of crime scene, Location of Important Places in Rosen Case, other testimonies and materials pertaining to case.

Memos of Witnesses & Testimonies

Memo: Return of About 850 D D 4’s and 5’s to Police Headquarters, July 20th 1942

Box 1, Folder 5: Murder Inc Racketeering Case With Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union of US Dates: [1931 – 1944] Contents: Envelope addressed to Hon. George Beldock, containing: Labor Relations Series, June 5, 1944 Index of Names Mentioned in the Trial of Buchalter, The Murder Inc. Chief in The Supreme Court of Kings County, November 1941 Series, Leading Men of Labor in the Metropolitan District. No. 4 Subpoena Form, empty

The Great Strike of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers in 1932

Documentation of framework for racketeering case

Documentation of relationships and interactions between Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union and gang members

Box 1, Folder 6: Suspect Mug Shots Dates: Undated Contents: Mug Shots mounted on cardboard of Murder Inc members: Emmanual “Mendy” Weiss

Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 7 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection Abe “Kid Twist” Reles Martin “Bugsy” Goldstein Frank “The Dasher” Abbandando Harry “Happy” Malone Louis “Lepke” Buchalter Charles “The Bug” Workman Harry “Pittsburgh Phil” Strauss

Box 1, Folder 7: Photo Album and Additional Mugshots Dates: [1921-1940] Contents: Album containing photos of: Turkus Suspect Lineups Crime Scenes of the murders of George Rudnick, Irving “Puggy” Feinstien, Joseph Rosen and others

Mug shots of: Albert Anastasia Charles “Lucky” Luciano Arthur “Dutch Schultz” Flegenheimer Harry “Pittsburgh Phil” Strauss Louis Capone Albert Tannenbaum Louis “Lepke” Buchalter Frank “The Dasher” Abbandando

Criminal Records for: Paul Carbo Hyman Siegel

Envelope placed in back folder labeled “Murder Inc, Extra Mugshots”. Contains mug shots of: Harry “Muggsy” Cohen, 1938 Harry Greenberg, 1932 Unknown Philip Cohen, 1930 Harry Green-Greenberg, 1940 Philip Cohen, 1940 Frank Lucchio, 1938 Morris Wolinsky, 1921

Series III. Turkus Judicial Campaign Box 2, Folder 1: Turkus Campaign Public Announcements and Promotion Dates: 1942 Contents: The Political World Newsletter

“Murder Inc Newsletter,” 13 copies Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 8 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection

Box 2, Folder 2: Turkus Campaign Correspondence Dates: 1942 Contents: Letters to and from Turkus from during and after his campaign to run for County Judge.

Series IV. Dewey Campaign Box 2, Folder 3: Promotional Materials, Editorials, Advertising Dates: 1948 Contents: Flyers, Business Cards, Price Quotes, Correspondence, Newsletters, Booklets, Editorial Copy to promote campaign of Thomas E. Dewey for US President.

Box 2, Folder 4: Correspondence- General, Telegrams Dates: 1948 Contents: Letters to and from Turkus concerning his involvement in the Dewey campaign, including Thank You notes and scheduling arrangements to speak publicly.

Box 2, Folder 5: Correspondence – Donors, Contributions Dates: 1948 Contents: Letters from Vice-Chairman of Citizens Non-Partisan Committee sent to potential donors, Address lists of committee members, contributors and others connected to campaign, acknowledgment receipts of donations from committee Treasurer.

Box 2, Folder 6: Press Releases Dates: [1948] Contents: Typewritten copy in support of Dewey, written by Citizens Non-Partisans Committee, announcing candidacy and opening of the official headquarters.

Box 2, Folder 7: Citizens Non-Partisan Committee Treasury Dates: 1948 Contents: Bills, Payments, Receipts, Balances, Correspondence and Check Register

Series V. Photographs Box 2, Folder 8: Photographs – General Dates: [1948] Abstract: Photos and album of Turkus in various capacities including headshots, during the Dewey campaign and Murder Inc trials, and more.

Series VI. George Beldock Vs. William O’Dwyer Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 9 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection Box 2, Folder 9: George Beldock Vs. William O’Dwyer Dates: 1945-1946 Abstract: Materials related to the accusations of Geroge Beldock, Acting District Attorney, against William O’Dwyer, District Attorney, of “laxity, inefficiency, and maladministration.”

Includes: Transcription of radio speech delivered by Beldock, 10/18/1945

Transcription of radio speech delivered by O’Dwyer, “What Mr. Beldock Did Not Tell The Grand Jury”, 10/30/1945

Transcription of radio speech delivered by Beldock, 10/30/1945

Transcr iption of radio speech delivered by Beldock, 10/3/1945

Transcription of radio speech delivered by Beldock, 10/31/1945

Transcription of radio speech delivered by Beldock, 11/1/1945

Grand Jury Presentment of The Kings County Court In The Matter of investigation of the willful and corrupt misconduct in office and Public Officers, 1/31/1946

Series VII. Newspaper Clippings Box 3, Folder 1: Newspaper Clippings (1 of 4) Dates: 1940-1947 Abstract: 1 of 4 folders containing various clippings about or relating to Turkus, Murder Inc., and other. Includes Paramount Newsletters (1947).

Box 3, Folder 2: Newspaper Clippings (2 of 4) Dates: 1950-1952 Abstract: 2 of 4 folders containing various clippings about or relating to Turkus, Murder Inc., and other.

Box 3, Folder 3: Newspaper Clippings (3 of 4) Dates: 1955-1957 Abstract: 3 of 4 folders containing various clippings about or relating to Turkus, Murder Inc., and other.

Box 3, Folder 4: Newspaper Clippings (4 of 4) Dates: 1958-1960, 1968,1975, Undated Abstract: 4 of 4 folders containing various clippings about or relating to Turkus, Murder Inc., and other. Includes packet of clippings on 1975 book “The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano.” Undated material in back of folder.

Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 10 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection Series VIII. Mentions of Turkus in Local Newsletters Box 3, Folder 5 Dates: 1933, 1948, 1951-1953, 1957, undated Abstract: The Brooklyner, The Lido Register, The Metropolitan Host, The Claremore Clarion, Aisles and Stiles, Law Center Bulletin, Beth Israel Men’s Club Bulletin

Series IX. Public Appearances- Flyers, Programs, Bulletins and Correspondence Box 4, Folder 1: Public Appearances (1 of 3) Dates: 1940-1941 Abstract: 1 of 3 folders containing materials relating to Burton Turkus’ public appearances made or scheduled.

Box 4, Folder 2: Public Appearances (2 of 3) Dates: 1942 Abstract: 2 of 3 folders containing materials relating to Burton Turkus’ public appearances made or scheduled.

Box 4, Folder 3: Public Appearances (3 of 3) Dates: 1943-1952, Undated Abstract: 3 of 3 folders containing materials relating to Burton Turkus’ public appearances made or scheduled.

Series X. Magazine Articles Box 4, Folder 4 : Look Magazine Dates: 1940, 1951 Contents: Issues of Look Magazine containing content pertaining to Turkus: June 4th 1940; pictured with William O’Dwyer, page 29 November 20th, 1951; “36 Hours from Murder,” written by Burton Turkus and Sid Feder December 4th, 1951; “The Mob Invades California,” written by Burton Turkus and Sid Feder

Box 4, Folder 5: Miscellaneous magazines Dates: 1946, 1948, 1951, 1952, 1957, 1958 Contents: The Family Circle Magazine, Jan. 11 1946; pictured, page 11

Industrial Bulletin, March 1948; “Turkus on Mediation Board”, page 6

Industrial Bulletin, May 1951; Mediator Board Profile, page 20

Cue, June 7 1952; Notes On TV, page 8

Newsweek, August 19, 1957; Why The Young Kill, page 25 (no visible mention of Turkus)

Newsweek, November 4, 1957; Crime: In Classic Deadliness, page 30

Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 11 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection The Saturday Post, September 20, 1958; Mickey Cohen: The Private Life of a Hood, page 23

Series XI. Burton Turkus – General Box 4, Folder 6 Dates: 1925, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1952, 1959, 1962, Undated Contents: Letter from Meier Steinbrink to Bascom Slemp, recommending Turkus to meet the President on his first White House Visit, Feb 3, 1925

District Attorney’s Office Testimonial to Major William O’Dwyer of the United States Army, May 27th 1942

Organization Chart of the District Attorney Kings County, Feb 1, 1945

Honorable George J. Beldock, Friendship Dinner Program, November 13th, 1947

Contribution Request Letter from David L. Weissman, September 7th, 1948

Kings County Republican County Committee Member List; 1948

Subpoena to appear before the Grand Jury, October 18th, 1951

Review of Murder Inc: The Story of “The Syndicate” in New York History Quarterly Journal, October 1952

Advertisement for Murder Inc book, from Publishers’ Circular & Booksellers’ Record, January 12th, 1952

Letter from Geroge Beldock and attached memorandum: Interfaith In Action, October 16th, 1959

Letter and attached comic, from Frank S. Hogan, July 31st, 1962

Card, “Why You Should Elect Judge Anthony J. Di Giovanna”

Louis Goldstein Memorial Library sample booklist with mention of Murder Inc, Undated

Contribution request letter from James A. Mirabito

Unknown Directory

Handwritten Notes

Unknown Document, stating laws pertaining to liquor licenses.

Guide to the Burton Turkus Collection 12 of 12 Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection