Valentine's Day Massacre 80th Anniversary - The West Michigan Connection The Chicago St. Valentine’s Day Massacre 80th Anniversary - The West Michigan Connection
This year will be the 80th anniversary of one of the most notorious events in crime history – The St. Valentin
The Chicago St. Valentine’s Day Massacre 80th Anniversary - The West Michigan Connection
This year will be the 80th anniversary of one of the most notorious events in crime history – The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. This incident has been recounted time and again in articles, books, television and the movies. On Saturday, February 14, the 80th anniversary, there will be special presentations, displays and more at The Old Jail Museum and The Griswold Auditorium (both in Allegan, Michigan). Among the items on display will be the actual Thompson submachine guns used in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. A $5.00 donation at the door will allow entry to both locations for this special event.
The Griswold Auditorium will have a presentation at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Attendees will learn more about Officer Charles Skelly, a 25 year old St. Joseph, Michigan police officer. He may not have had the wealth and the fame of Al Capone, the infamous Chicago gangster, but one night in December, 1929, Officer Skelly’s actions led to Fred “Killer” Burke, one of the “Massacre’s” chief suspects, being caught. The Griswold will also be the site of a free documentary film showing every hour on the hour between 12 and 3 p.m.
The Old Jail Museum will have additional related displays. Friendly museum volunteers are available to give tours of this former Allegan County Sheriff’s residence and jail. The museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to Sheriff Koops, "This is an exceptional opportunity for the people of West Michigan see a piece of history that is unique and played an important role in the criminal underworld of days gone by. If you have an opportunity to come and see the weapons and view the documentary - it will be well worth your time."
This special event is being brought to you by the Allegan County Historical Society. For more information call (269) 673-8292. Contact information:
Tom Fleming, Allegan County Historical Society member
2916 102nd Ave., Allegan, MI 49010 (269) 673-4409
trf2916@btc-bci.com
