tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post6167300122515785246..comments2024-03-05T12:21:40.044-06:00Comments on Daniel S Bridger's Trucking Blog: Tales of the Milwaukee Mob and Two Cigarette MenDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-52022642867807271662017-01-08T16:54:24.145-06:002017-01-08T16:54:24.145-06:00Thanks for the comment!Thanks for the comment!Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-15999483235948110622017-01-05T14:14:48.585-06:002017-01-05T14:14:48.585-06:00Upper Crust Pizza was connected to the Machis. Th...Upper Crust Pizza was connected to the Machis. The Machi family -- according to Gavin Schmitt's FBI files -- were "connected" to the Balistrieri "family."Jack Molinashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17613145626780969226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-20547520331318112552016-07-30T04:23:11.779-05:002016-07-30T04:23:11.779-05:00Grew up on the east side with a buddy named Joey P...Grew up on the east side with a buddy named Joey Picciurro, born around 1962, his dad's name was "Big" Joe Picciurro, who filled vending machines for a living, and drove a gigantic black Eldorado...any idea if "Big" Joe was a made guy? Joey was a great pal, but I do remember my Dad telling me and my brothers to Never disobey or disrespect Joe's Dad... always drove a new Eldorado, curious if you ever heard of him...I think he was Peter Picciurro's brother...long time ago!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-50314989285371815662016-01-03T17:52:29.374-06:002016-01-03T17:52:29.374-06:00Great comment. Thank you!Great comment. Thank you!Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-89289165580295672016-01-03T15:46:43.696-06:002016-01-03T15:46:43.696-06:00I worked at Aliotos in the he 90's. I figured...I worked at Aliotos in the he 90's. I figured out pretty quickly that it was a mob owned place. You always felt their paranoia & they had crazy amount of cameras and the manager office was like fort Knox. I got called down there once by one of the <br />Managers, and he had me walk into the office, which scared the heck out of me at the time. They also used to have a small back room that they had gamblng in. A group of mob looking guys mostly older, would have mid-day gambling get together back there. Very few of us were allowed to wait on them, only a trusted few. It was kinda out of a movie, and I always just wanted to hurry up - I disliked being called doll or honey or objectified by a bunch of men old enough to be my Dad. But it was an experience I will never forget.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-80122390785173671942014-12-12T17:20:49.177-06:002014-12-12T17:20:49.177-06:00Thanks so much for the kind words. There was a bar...Thanks so much for the kind words. There was a bar and grill a couple doors down, although I don't specifically remember the name of it. It is now called Aliota's Bar & Grill and notice the spelling is different from Alioto. I doubt there was ever a connection. I have never been inside the place but I remember my milk delivery driver liked to stop in there in the afternoon after my delivery for a "shot & a beer". He invited me a few times but it was too early in the day for me.<br />I've actually never had pizza from that Upper Crust either. I didn't know back then that it had such a reputation for good pizza. I'll have to try it some day when I get back to Milwaukee.<br />Thanks again!Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-58659161033695204762014-12-11T22:05:51.256-06:002014-12-11T22:05:51.256-06:00Hi Dan,
A very interesting post indeed ! I live a...Hi Dan,<br /><br />A very interesting post indeed ! I live around for/five blocks from the clark station you used to work in. It's still there along with Upper Crust Pizza. I do have a question though. Was Alioto's supper club there when you worked at the Clark station ? It's maybe two doors down from Uppercrust. There was always a somewhat shady vibe to the place. I'm just curious as to whether or not the Balistreri's had control over the place.<br /><br />Again, great post. Old school Milwaukee can be so interesting !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-36470641808822021562014-05-14T23:11:05.066-05:002014-05-14T23:11:05.066-05:00Dan,
As a caution do not try to dig up recent eve...Dan, <br />As a caution do not try to dig up recent events on the family, they have always been one of the most successfully secretive LCNs in the country and i'm sure they will do everything they possibly can to keep it that way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-57223995496007604842014-05-10T18:24:01.417-05:002014-05-10T18:24:01.417-05:00LOL, I think you gave yourself away cousin "S...LOL, I think you gave yourself away cousin "S"! Nobody called us Danny and Rusty except our close relatives and you were the only one, I think, that partied with us.<br />DanDanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-39876739293291014682014-05-09T17:24:59.277-05:002014-05-09T17:24:59.277-05:00We had some "wild" times on Green Bay! K...We had some "wild" times on Green Bay! Kenny L. Billy P Danny B Rusty B Bobby T Stevie B...Tom? Bob?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-64812135177067920732014-04-15T19:03:25.617-05:002014-04-15T19:03:25.617-05:00Thanks for your comment. While I disagree with you...Thanks for your comment. While I disagree with you, all thoughtful points of view are welcome. We need to know our history in order that the evil things of the past can be prevented in the future. Certainly the vast majority of Italian Americans are great, hard working people and the actions of some do not represent all. My life easily could have been seriously affected by the Milwaukee mob and just because I am not related does not mean I should be silent, I believe. But, I respect your opinion and thank you.Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-60589701637202406732014-04-15T02:07:45.336-05:002014-04-15T02:07:45.336-05:00Sometimes it is best to let history be history and...Sometimes it is best to let history be history and if you were not related, mind where you currently are.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-19048798062930437602014-01-30T01:14:57.558-06:002014-01-30T01:14:57.558-06:00We had some "wild" times on Green Bay! ...We had some "wild" times on Green Bay! Kenny L. Billy P Danny B Rusty B Bobby T Stevie B...Tom? Bob?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-45376327656720247042013-10-31T20:01:51.436-05:002013-10-31T20:01:51.436-05:00Thanks so much for your input! If not for your fam...Thanks so much for your input! If not for your family and law enforcement personnel, our great country would be in a sorry state today. I would invite you, your brother or nephew to write about your experiences and would be glad to publish them, anonymously, if you wish. My email is dridgerhot@gmail.comDanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-7324460350193001042013-10-31T19:07:40.206-05:002013-10-31T19:07:40.206-05:00My older brother was with the enforcement division...My older brother was with the enforcement division of the Wisconsin Department of Taxes and shut down FB's establishments and helped to put him in prison. My nephew was with the Milwaukee PD and I was an investigator working on insurance fraud rings in Milwaukee. I was able to bust up some of Augie Maniaci's fraud schemes and between the three of us family members exchanging information we were able to help the FBI and other agencies in their work. Prior to the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the introduction of laws regulating the release of police and other files, there was a pretty free exchange of information and high level of cooperation between firms/agencies doing investigations on members of the Milwaukee family. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-48862169471068333922013-08-23T17:33:37.404-05:002013-08-23T17:33:37.404-05:00Thanks for your comment! I don't have any info...Thanks for your comment! I don't have any information on the transformation of power after Balistrieri and his sons were sent to prison, but I'm always doing research and have not gotten to the later years as of yet. But, I'll be posting whatever I can find out, thanks, DanDanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-55293902877390667812013-08-23T15:51:02.191-05:002013-08-23T15:51:02.191-05:00Very interesting blog! I think I got more informat...Very interesting blog! I think I got more information from this than from any other source on the web about the Milwaukee Mafia. Do you know anything about Joseph "Camel" P. Caminiti, who has supposedly been the Milwaukee mob boss since 1997? I know the mob in Milwaukee is pretty much extinct but I was interested in his story as he currently lives right down the street from me in Menomonee Falls. He drives a big Cadillac. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-69188608485764087622013-06-03T17:55:39.610-05:002013-06-03T17:55:39.610-05:00I am looking for history and info on a 1949 Cadill...I am looking for history and info on a 1949 Cadillac Limo once owned by the Balistrieris. Frank’s son, John sold the car in 1990. It has been restored and is in a museum in Michigan. Remember anything? Thanks, DanDanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-46533784783800235102013-06-03T17:54:11.063-05:002013-06-03T17:54:11.063-05:00I am looking for history and info on a 1949 Cadill...I am looking for history and info on a 1949 Cadillac Limo once owned by the Balistrieris. Frank’s son, John sold the car in 1990. It has been restored and is in a museum in Michigan. Thanks, DanDanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-47977383284341311122013-06-03T17:52:46.264-05:002013-06-03T17:52:46.264-05:00I am looking for history and info on a 1949 Cadill...I am looking for history and info on a 1949 Cadillac Limo once owned by the Balistrieris. Frank’s son, John sold the car in 1990. It has been restored and is in a museum in Michigan.Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-87508602708497480022013-06-03T17:49:49.652-05:002013-06-03T17:49:49.652-05:00I am looking for history and info on a 1949 Cadill...I am looking for history and info on a 1949 Cadillac Limo once owned by the Balistrieris. Frank’s son, John sold the car in 1990. It has been restored and is in a museum in Michigan.Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-48414878065684907792013-05-29T06:57:51.092-05:002013-05-29T06:57:51.092-05:00This is my first time i visit here. I found so man...This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the leisure here! Keep up the excellent work.Also visit my pageCigarette Vendinghttp://www.cigarettevendingmachines.com.au/cigarette-vendingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-24357576247657506942013-05-28T19:21:30.860-05:002013-05-28T19:21:30.860-05:00Great comment and thank you so much! Did you read ...Great comment and thank you so much! Did you read the post about Nichelle Nichols "Star Trek" and her dealings with Frank in the 1950s? <br />http://dbridgerhot.blogspot.com/2012/12/part-two-milwaukee-mob-and-lieutenant.html <br />I'll bet it was the Centre Stage where she performed! I've been trying to find out, maybe you can fill in the blanks. I'd love to get more info. We'd love to hear your story, thanks, DanDanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13030368303892949012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-7698265557889789932013-05-28T18:48:49.670-05:002013-05-28T18:48:49.670-05:00I am surprised there is no mention of "Centre...I am surprised there is no mention of "Centre Stage" in your writings. I was a Bartender for Frank at both the "Brass Rail", "Centre Stage" and "Sassy Fox", i remember much about the family and knew them well. They always treated me well and had many dinners at "Snugs". I ended my employment with them as Manager and Booking agent for them, changing "Centre Stage" from Dinner Theatre to Concert venue. I booked acts like Rick Nelson, Mel Tillis, Billy Crash Craddock, Charley Pride, Dolly Parton etc. for over two years. Just wondering why this part of the story is left out? Frank was never anything but nice to me and I of course knew there were things going on that i did not get involved in and he always treated me with respect. Was nice to read some of these stories, but there was a kind side of the family also. A Friend of the Family. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3685058230551016214.post-70431637041111755022013-01-07T19:40:33.494-06:002013-01-07T19:40:33.494-06:00Dan, you have nothing to apologize for. It was wor...Dan, you have nothing to apologize for. It was worth 20 bucks, I just don't think the author did much research 0n Steve who seemed to be a main figure in the mob. I know for instance that Franks nick name was Bell not Bal. Where he got that I don't know And the Cudahy police chief at the time of Franks reign wasn't who he pictured but was Fred Schleater.Oh well! All in all your blog is great and I will keep an eye on it. If I run across something interesting I will let you know. Thanks for the Info.<br /><br />A FriendAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com