ABSTRACT
Led by the four Bernstein brothers, the Purple Gang became notorious for its willingness to beat up its enemies. They started out as young pickpockets, swiping wallets, pocket watches, and purses from people in the crowds of Detroit. They graduated to armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. The Purple Gang began the business of bootlegging 3 years before most other gangs. The state of Michigan had passed the Damon Act of 1916 and made liquor illegal in 1917. With Canada making alcohol just across the border, it was simple for the Purple Gang to set up a bootlegging system to supply the citizens of Detroit and much of Michigan with whiskey and rum. Besides running liquor, the Purple Gang got involved in the Detroit labor unions. They established a fake Cleaners and Dryers Union. The dryers and cleaners of the city had to “pay dues” to the Purple Gang or they would be harassed and assaulted.
