Mushmouth Johnson was known as the " Millionaire Black Policy King" though at the time of his death , it was believed his fortune was at $250K. A different account claims Mushmouth told a friend: " I have spent more than $100K for fines and a hugh sum for police protection. I have had to pay out $4 dollars for every ond i took in at the game". After his death, Robert Motts became the new gambling big shot and held title until his death in 1911. Henry Teenan & Charlie " Giveadamn" were later run out of Hyde Park by a reform group and relocated their business to State street.
The Elite Club ( 3100 block) & Elite #2 ( 3445) were jazz clubs owned by the brothers ( Henry & Charlie). At this moment the Policy racket had remained underground and penny ante street hustle. Until the election of Big Bill & Oscar DePriest in 1915 and alliance with Committeeman Martin Madden gave city jobs to many Blacks. Policy started to fliurish free from police interference. Policy Sam re-entered the racket and partnered up with Julius Benvenuti. Julius offered Sam the opportunity to run the game from his family's store and the first organized Policy game was created: Blue Racer Policy.
Patsy King would soon later launched the Frankfort Henry and Kentucky wheels. Others will start their own wheels such William " Bill" Bottoms & Virgil Williams who owned 2 of the hottest spots in Bronzeville. Bottoms owned the Dreamland Cafe at 35th & State & Virgil owned the Royal Gardens at 459 East 31st Street. Lucrative wheels but short lived due to not having enough bank to sustain a large payoff. Policy Sam dropped out again due to being generous to a fault ( giving money away to anyone with a just need).
Last edited by BlackFamily; 11/25/24 02:15 AM.