i just read a thread about " the books" being closed from the late 50's to mid 70's.
No one mentioned it but i'm sure i read once that they were closed because Boss Albert Anastasia was accused of selling memberships for $50,000.

Is this true or am i remembering wrong?

well he was killed in October of 1957 so he couldn't have sold them through the closed book era..

I'm sure in uncle joes last trial when it came out merlino was selling g buttons for 10k pisses people off. But it came from a non Italian bank Robber from Brooklyn so probaly had no creditability. Cause I don't think anyone bought there button off merlino even the guy from Boston he met in jail then kicked up to.

I Actually never understood this and felt like it must be bullshit. Like didnt the families have to vet all the proposed inductees? This is why I could never understand this, thoughts?

Was it Joey d'amico whose mother paid for his button ??

I could be wrong but I doubt Philly and Boston send proposed candidates to NY for approval....different worlds

Yeah, I read Galante was paid to make him.... Not sure how true this is, just read it in various places

Frank Scalice, who was underboss of the Mangano Family, sold memberships. He was whacked, presumably for that offense, in '57.

What happens to the members who bought their buttons? They get shelved/whacked?

yes he did i also read about this i believe it was in the mafia encyclopedia. Anastasia was a grimmy shady type of mafia boss it seemed. he did alot more "shady" deals behind close doors. the stuff that was said he did gained him no respect in the mafia circles

I was curious about this myself. Anyone?