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On June 4, 1902, Madden, together with his brother Martin and his younger sister Mary, sailed from Liverpool as steerage passengers on board the SS Teutonic. Settling in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen, Madden joined the Gopher Gang later that year. Described by associates as “that banty little rooster from hell”, Madden quickly became a fierce fighter, known for his skill with a lead pipe and gun in fights with rivals the Hudson Dusters. Madden gained the nickname “the Killer” after gunning down an Italian gang member in the streets, after which he shouted, “Owney Madden, 10th Avenue!” Despite the public nature of the murder, no witnesses came forward linking Madden to the crime.

From the Wikipedia entry on Owney Madden, British émigré turned Manhattan hellcat (and later, underworld bigwig).  He is shown leaning foward in the middle back row of the above photo, a class portrait of the Gopher Gang taken in 1910. 

Ruth Orkin, color photography in New York City, 1950

Ruth Orkin, “Boy Jumping Into Hudson River,” 1948

Hi! This is the “Julie” that David was signing an autograph for in those pictures…..I have to say these brought back memories from high school and that day….I am now 50 years old! I was 17 back then, a Junior in high school! I went to this autograph signing at Hastings Records in Amarillo, Texas when Van Halen made their first album. Me and one of the other girls in the picture went and partied with the boys later that day, just went and drank a few beers, and watched them fly their radio controlled airplanes in the parking lot of the Hilton….no “hanky panky” went on, but it was sure fun….then went and watched their concert the next day at the Hollywood Bowl….they were awesome, from what I remember…. :) Love the “BIG V”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Julie” shows up at the Van Halen News Desk, one week ago

Dorothy Sebastian, photographed by C.S. Bull, ca. 1927

Pittsburgh no longer produced champion boxers, but it revered its glorious past.  Billy Conn and Fritzie Zivic became twin icons, frequently attending youth sports banquets.  Zivic was more comfortable and entertaining in this milieu, and did it more often.  With his quick-witted humor and disfigured nose, he looked and acted the part of an old pug.  This writer recalls seeing him speak at a banquet in Garfield.  Of his reputation as a dirty fighter, he said, “I was a perfect gentleman in the ring.  I said ‘Pardon me’ every time I fouled a guy.  One time I said ‘Pardon me’ thirty-nine times in one round!”

Paul F. Kennedy, Billy Conn: The Pittsburgh Kid, 2007

Beatrice Wood, ca. 1950s.